PRESS KIT: 2007 BMW 3 SERIES CONVERTIBLE

* Fourth-generation 3 Series Convertibles featuring a first-for-BMW retractable hardtop with power-operated three-piece steel roof for enhanced safety and outstanding vehicle dynamics
* 335i Convertible equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline,
6-cylinder engine with 300 hp & 300 lb-ft of torque and direct fuel injection
* 328i Convertible powered by an aluminum/magnesium 3.0-liter, inline
6-cylinder engine featuring Valvetronic technology and rated at 230hp & 200 lb-ft of torque
* Luxurious and roomy interior with seating for four and enhanced details

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MercBasher - 2/21/2007 2:12:30 PM

+1 Boost

Information in the attachments is very helpful, I ordered mine a couple of weeks ago.

Only surprise is that apparently its not a 2008 model which would help resale values - the refreshed 5 series is counted as a 2008 on BMW's website while the 3 series convertible does not have a stated model year [refer to BMW.com and look at "future vehicles" under the "vehicles" section.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/21/2007 6:09:48 PM

+1 Boost

You ordered one? Congrats. The new 3 is absolutely stunning. I love it.

I saw a blue (Cobalt Blue?) 335i cabrio at the auto show last week, and it's just as good as the coupe, if not better. If I'm strapped for cash over the new house, I'd definitely consider one, but I'm shooting for a CLK550 or 650ci at the moment.

MercBasher - 2/21/2007 7:53:14 PM

+1 Boost

The CLK and 650Ci have cloth roofs so they were not even on my short list. The Lexus SC has become old, the MB SL550 has horrible reliability and depreciation, while the Pontiac G6 and VW Eos don't have any cache. The only other vehicle I seriously considered was the Volvo C70 because I like the design, but I didn't like the "cheap" interior materials.

Also if you are waiting a while, I'd wait for the BMW M3 convertible due out in 2008 rather than take the 650Ci. The MB CLK will presumably be redesigned in the next year or two now that there's a new C class, so I'd wait rather than take the current ungainly model.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/21/2007 10:28:06 PM

+1 Boost

I don't care about the cloth top. It saves weight and trunk space, and I just have no need for the hardtop when I have a winter car.

I am considering the next M3 convertible. It should be a scorcher, and like the CLK550, it will fit four people comfortably- I'd say that's my main concern, because I know all the convertibles I'll be looking at will be fast. However, the 6 Series is a beauty and has that BMW-leading interior. IMO it's better than the 7's. They both have V8s, so at least I'm glad I don't have to dump one because of its lack of a V8. I do need an eight-cylinder.

And, CLK, ungainly? It's quite svelte. The CLK550 is standard with the AMG bodykit, which makes it look quite nice, and the engine is supreme. I haven't driven it yet, but I've driven the quieter S550 and was very impressed by the thrust.

I won't be getting a new car for awhile- I must have mislead you. Next year will be when my wife gets a new car and I get a new winter car (my son will get the A3), but I'll probably replace the S4 in early 2009.

I'm not excited for that time. I love my S4, and might not be able to give up having the V8 Audi convertible. Maybe I'll just get a 3 Series winter car and an S5 Cabriolet? Or an A5/S5 winter car and a BMW convertible? Decisions, decisions...