The new M3 convertible - BMW M performance plus open-air pleasure

The BMW 3 Series convertible is an automobile for individualists - for people
who love open-air driving and want to set themselves apart from the crowd, but
who have no inclination to give up everyday practicality. Now, there is a new
BMW convertible that further heightens the pleasure of top-down driving and
offers even greater esthetic distinction. It is the BMW convertible as
interpreted by BMW M: the new, unique M3 convertible.

Like its predecessors, of which some 13,000 examples were built in two
generations, the new 3rd-generation M3 convertible radiates its own presence
like no other automobile in the world. As a new variation on the already
successful E46 3 Series convertible, this sporting four-seater with fully
automatic soft top makes its debut in spring 2001, rounding out the M3 line. It
is the only truly high-performance, full four-seater convertible in its market
segment.

Though identical with the M3 coupe from front end to A-pillar, this is a car
with its own identity. Its rising beltline and typical BMW convertible
proportions impart a visually lower stance and even stronger esthetic character
than the M3 coupe, whose muscularity is already quite impressive. The
convertible's length and width are identical with those of the coupe; its
height (with the top up) is 0.6 in. lower.

Of course the M3 convertible shares with its coupe stablemate all the typical M
qualities, from the new high-rpm, 333-hp engine(*) through the skillfully
calibrated M sport suspension and upgraded brakes to the design elements one
expects of a thoroughbred M Car.

In the convertible's cabin, convertible-specific features add esthetic and
functional appeal. Power front sport seats, for example, are standard in the
convertible (they are optional in the coupe); they incorporate seat-integrated
safety belts and a power easy-entry feature to make entering and exiting the
rear seats especially convenient. The new M sport seats, with their adjustable
backrest side bolsters, are available optionally. Details like these give the
new M3 convertible an even higher-caliber, more luxurious interior than that of
its predecessor. (The previous M3 convertible was available through 1999.)

Shared with "regular" 3 Series convertibles is the thoughtful variable soft top
compartment, which accommodates the folded top but allows increased cargo
capacity when the top is raised. Conveniently positioned for raised or folded
top via a lever in the trunk, this compartment increases trunk space
significantly over that available when the top is folded.

The M3 convertible's soft top is lined (for interior quietness and weather
insulation), equipped with a heated glass rear window, and fully automatic.
From unlatching at the windshield header, to lowering the side windows
slightly, to raising its rigid magnesium cover and then closing it, the top
lowers completely at the push of a button - quickly and quietly. It can even be
lowered from the remote control. And of course raising it is just as easy. For
top-down driving, a wind deflector is available. For long winters, BMW offers a
removable hardtop crafted of aluminum, and a roof-rack carrier system for the
hardtop is also available. An available Cold Weather Package includes a
trunk-to-interior ski bag.

An impressive range of safety features

The M3 convertible's safety concept and features are impressive. They begin
with a rigid body whose built-in level of occupant protection is outstanding,
and include a standard Rollover Protection System that automatically deploys
bars behind the rear seats in case of a rollover accident. The seat-integrated
front safety belts provide optimum fit on occupants, and include automatic
tensioners and force limiters as well as a power adjustment for their upper
anchor point.

On the "active safety" side, all the special BMW M chassis features found in
the M3 coupe also apply here - widened tracks front and rear, unique suspension
and underbody components, upgraded brakes. A new and unique M Variable
Differential Lock enhances handling and traction on both wet and slippery
roads, but for BMW M even this is not enough: BMW's Dynamic Stability Control,
appearing for the first time in M3 models, has been specially calibrated for
these ultra-sporty vehicles. (DSC encompasses traction control and
cornering-stability enhancement.)

M3, however, means not just a sportier chassis but also an even higher level of
powertrain performance than is offered by the dynamic 3 Series convertibles.
Like its coupe counterpart, the new M3 convertible is powered by the
spectacular new M six-cylinder engine, whose unique engineering features and
high-rpm concept result in fully 333 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. of torque.
These figures represent dramatic progress in performance - increments of 93 hp
and 26 lb-ft. over the predecessor M3 engine, itself known as a brilliant
performer.

Thoroughbred sports-car performance

With this new engine and the also new 6-speed transmission, the M3 convertible
achieves true sports-car performance. Factory data for the European version
indicate acceleration from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.5 sec.; 80-120
km/h (50-75 mph) in 4th gear takes just 5.9 sec., indicating that this engine
delivers not just brilliant performance through the gears, but also usable
response at everyday driving speeds. Top speed is electronically controlled to
155 mph.

Equally impressive is the fuel economy this brilliant engine delivers. In tests
according to European standards, the M3 convertible achieved 19.4 miles per
U.S. gallon in overall driving, 26.7 in highway operation. Performance and
fuel-economy data for the U.S. model are to be announced later; the U.S.
version meets Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) standards.

With this new M3 convertible, BMW M has created a four-seater sports car of
extraordinary character and capabilities - one that is truly without direct
competition. To recap its essential qualities:

- Dazzling, ultra-responsive performance and handling
- Harmonious all-around concept and design, with true everyday practicality
- Remarkable efficiency and environmental friendliness considering the
performance
level.

New M engine also appearing in '01 M coupe and roadster

The popular M coupe and roadster also get the new M six-cylinder engine for
2001. Here it develops 315 hp and 258 lb-ft. of torque, down slightly from the
M3 figures because these models provide less space for the exhaust system; yet
their lighter weight enables the new engine to deliver even stronger
performance than in the M3 convertible. Again quoting factory data for the
European models, 100 km/h (62 mph) comes up in just 5.3 sec. from a standing
start, and the 80-120-km/h pull is achieved in the same 5.9-sec. time. Like
both M3 models, the two Ms have an electronically-limited maximum speed of 155
mph.

For even sportier handling, BMW M engineers have extended the coupe's firmer
suspension calibration to the roadster. Both models now incorporate Dynamic
Stability Control for the first time. Also new is the Tire Pressure Control
monitor system, which informs the driver of any falloff in tire pressure via an
indicator in the instrument cluster. This too is a standard feature in all M
Cars for 2001.

Visually, the classic design of the roadster and coupe is little changed; as on
the M3s, the M logo appears in updated form and the beefy 17-in. wheels get the
same elegant Satin Chrome finish found on the new M3s and the top-of-line M5
sport sedan. Two new colors - Laguna Seca Blue and Phoenix Yellow Metallic -
are shared with the M3 models. Inside the roadster and coupe, new gray dials
with backlighted numerals freshen the instrument cluster's appearance.

* - All references to specifications and equipment in this text are for the
U.S. model.