Hot new pics of the next BMW 3-series convertible

The cars are heavily disguised with black padding but it is clear that these vehicles are the new 3 Series drop-top and Rolls-Royce convertible.

These photos confirm again that BMW is opting for a canvas top for the cabriolet and not getting on the folding metal roof bandwagon.

(Thanks to Fred for the tip)

Full article here

Dayton - 3/16/2006 1:55:05 PM

+1 Boost

Considering the car is still a test mule, they could be doing one or the other just to throw people off.

ContiRoane - 3/16/2006 9:46:53 PM

+1 Boost

My BMW dealer has an info packet regarding the new BMW 3-series coupe and convertible. No pics...just info.

It states in bold print that the covertible will in fact be a folding metal roof.

This is how all convertibles will soon be.

It wouldnt be right for a VW and a Volvo to have this feature at their price point and a BMW to not.

The mules have also been spotted around Germany.

Trust Me......Its a hardtop.

EnnNorak - 3/17/2006 10:13:23 AM

+1 Boost

As a former convertible owner who forgot too many times that the weather can change, I highly recommend you do not purhcase a convertible unless it has a rain sensor that automatically activates top closure if the car is left outdoors unattended.

In the old days, canvas tops were sometimes sabotaged at the factory by unionized workers and, today, low-life punks who have nothing better to do too frequently take a knife to convertible canvas tops. I picked up my first convertible at the factory in the sixties and, when I put the top down for the first time, a pair of pliers left in the mechanism at the factory pierced a hole through the canvas top.

Canvas tops weather in the sun and some have plastic rear windows that discolor over time. Both tops use up some valuable trunk space but I would opt for the folding metal top for maintaining good appearance in the longer term.