The new BMW 3 Series Convertible

Spring 2007 marks the introduction of BMW's new 3 Series Convertible.
Available initially in 325i and 335i guises, but followed closely by smaller
engined variants and diesel-powered models, BMW's new open-top will deliver the
ultimate in performance and refinement thanks to a number of innovations.
Featuring the first electronically operated folding hard-top roof offered by
BMW, the world's first car to be offered with SunReflective seat cooling
leather and a brace of all-new powerplants, the 3 Series Convertible is set to
remain the segment leader.

Model Price OTR PowerHp Torque Nm Zero - 62mph Seconds0 - 62 Top Speed Mph
Combined Mpg
BMW 325i Convertible £33,030 218 270 7.6 152 35.8
BMW 335i Convertible £37,895 306 400 5.8 155* 28.5
* Electronically limited

The fourth generation of BMW's open-top four-seater heralds a new chapter in
the history of the BMW Convertible. While the existing triple-layered fabric
roofs currently showcased in the 6 Series Convertible and the Z4 Roadster are
unsurpassed in heat and noise insulation, the designers of the new 3 Series
Convertible decided to raise the bar again. The model now comes with a
three-piece electronically-operated retractable hard-top - a first for BMW.

Stowed or raised in approximately 22 seconds, the new roof has been introduced,
not only for added security, but also for better visibility and a greater
feeling of space and light for occupants. Because the roof features a larger
rear glass windscreen and side windows, visibility has improved by 38 per cent
compared to the outgoing 3 Series Convertible.

The unique way in which the roof folds also maximises available boot space.
With the roof up 350 litres of storage capacity beckons while with the roof
down, the boot can still accommodate up to 210 litres of luggage. In another
world first, the rear seat backrests of a 3 Series Convertible can also be
folded flat to provide additional storage space. As an option, a through
loading system with transport bag can also be specified to allow for longer or
bulkier items to be accommodated and it can still be used when the folding
metal roof is lowered. For added practicality, a stowed roof can be
electronically raised out of the boot area to allow for longer items such as
golf clubs to be secured before being folded away again.

SunReflective Technology

The new BMW 3 Series Convertible can also be specified with the world's first
Sun-Reflective Technology leather upholstery. Now owners of BMW's latest
four-seat sun-trap can enjoy the warm weather and leave the roof down for
prolonged periods without singeing themselves on the seats or armrests.
Special pigments embedded into the leather help reflect infra-red radiation
ensuring treated areas that are exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period can
remain up to 20 degrees cooler compared to untreated leather.

New High-Precision Direct Injection engines

BMW is renowned for producing some of the most innovative powerplants and the
new 3 Series Convertible features a range of engines that set them apart from
the competition. A choice of two petrol engines, both with new High-Precision
Direct Injection technology, offer the best blend of performance and economy.
Further engine variants will follow during the model's life cycle.

The new High-Precision Direct Injection system on the BMW 3 Series Convertible
uses centrally-mounted piezo crystal injectors spraying atomised fuel vapour
directly into the combustion chamber. Combined with Bi-VANOS variable valve
technology the system delivers the most efficient burn of fuel for maximum
power and parsimonious economy.

The fruits of this technology are highlighted by the impressive performance
figures posted by all of the petrol-powered 3 Series Convertibles. The 325i
Convertible with its all-new 218hp six-cylinder engine develops 270Nm of
torque. The open-topped 325i covers the 62mph sprint in 7.6 seconds and can
attain a top speed of 152mph. However, it is still capable of a combined
consumption figure of 35.8mpg.

Representing the flagship of the range is the 335i Convertible with its
twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre engine. Using an aluminium cylinder block rather
than the magnesium alloy unit from the 325i Convertible, but with the added
benefit of lag-free forced induction, the 335i posts a zero to 62mph time of
5.8 seconds. The 306hp engine, higher than the output of the E36 BMW M3, has
been restricted to a 155mph top speed. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle
is 28.5mpg. Peak torque of 400Nm from just 1,300rpm through to 5,000rpm gives
the driver a real surge of effortless power, acceleration and flexibility.

Both the 325i Convertible and the 335i Convertible come as standard with a
six-speed manual gearbox. A new six-speed automatic transmission featuring
steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles first shown on the 3 Series Coupé can
also be specified.

Future powerplants to be offered

Following the introduction of the 325i Convertible and the 335i Convertible,
three further engines will be introduced. The 320i Convertible with its
all-new 170hp four-cylinder engine will accelerate from zero to 62mph in 9.2
seconds before going on to a top speed of 136mph, yet still manages 42.2mpg on
the combined cycle.

The 3.0-litre straight-six powering the 330i Convertible is the world's
lightest production six-cylinder engine and is also one of the highest
performing. The 2,996cc 272hp unit is capable of propelling the 330i
Convertible from zero to 62mph in 6.7 seconds and is electronically limited to
155mph. The car returns an excellent fuel consumption figure of 34.9mpg on the
combined cycle.

For those who prefer the enhanced economy of a diesel engine without wishing to
lose any on-road performance the 231hp 330d Convertible is also offered. With
a torque curve flatter than a 14th Century map of the world, the 500Nm peak
output of the second-generation common rail engined 330d Convertible offers
smooth and swift motoring. Zero to 62mph is dispatched in 7.1 seconds and top
speed is 152mph. The 330d Convertible posts a combined consumption figure of
40.9mpg.

The BMW 3 Series Convertible will make its debut at the North American
International Auto Show in Detroit on 7 January, 2007. It will go on sale in
the UK in March, 2007.

Ends