BMW Considering Soft-Top for M3 Convertible

An inside source of WindingRoad has confirmed that BMW is considering a soft-top for their next M3 convertible. This means you should forget all those wonderful spy shots you’ve seen of the M3 hard-top convertible, or just keep them in the back of your mind. The new BMW 3-Series Convertible was launched at Arizona last week where questions about a high-performing hard-top convertible came up to do the weight it will have on the car. The new BMW 3-Series convertible adds a total of 440 pounds to the car.

Like the 2007 BMW 3-Series coupe the convertible will also come in two models including the 328i and the 335i, which will push 306 horsepower and have a 0-62 mph in 5.4 seconds. This is the first BMW 3-Series to come in a three-piece electronically-operated retractable hard top.
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JRobUSC - 1/26/2007 3:16:00 PM

+2 Boost

no way. A ragtop convertible would still add a couple hundred pounds to the coupe, and with the $$$ money BMW spent engineering the new hardtop convertible there's no way they reengineer it for the M3 convertible just to save 200lbs. Plus the biggest selling feature of the new convertible is that it IS a hardtop, and people buying convertibles, even M's, aren't 100% about performance or they wouldn't be buying convertibles. No way the buyers are willing to sacrifice that hardtop for 0.1 seconds 0-60.

EL34i - 1/26/2007 4:16:14 PM

+1 Boost

They should consider a designer mosquito net instead.

AdmiralT20 - 1/26/2007 4:56:13 PM

+1 Boost

Let us wait and see., With the pictures we are seeing, it will still turn out good.

http://img452.imageshack.us/my.php?image=attachment6512f0tp0.jpg

Autophile - 1/26/2007 5:06:38 PM

+1 Boost

You've got to be kidding me... That really fricken sucks.. I agree, add some carbon fiber to it, maybe add 20 more HP, give us the hard top! The performance GAINS because of the rigid structure from the hardtop will outweigh the performance losses from a little extra weight..plus it looks cool.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/26/2007 7:50:30 PM

+1 Boost

If it had a hardtop, I'd definitely want to look at it. Even if it had a softtop, I'd look at it. Because, if I don't want to spend $80-100K on a car (though 650ci, XKR and 911 are all tempting), the M3 would be a logical choice. Brilliant dynamics, beautiful new style in the E92 design, and the usual fantastic engine/gearbox. The interior might not be quite as nice, but it will feel special with all the M3 badging and stitching. That won't stop me from taking a test drive, especially because my winter car would probably be more luxurious.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/28/2007 11:54:12 PM

+1 Boost

*The interior might be not quite as nice AS THE S4* should be in that comment.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/28/2007 11:54:29 PM

+1 Boost

LOL. "...might not be..."