As we reported last week, BMW unveiled today it's 4th generation 3 Series Convertible which goes by the code name E93. For the first time, not only in the 3 Series history but also in BMW's, a bavarian Convertible model features a three-piece electronically operated retractable hard-top, or to make it simple, it's a Coupe-Cabrio. While it's looks are quite good, one shouldn't forget that like all convertibles -even Coupe-Cabrios, the open top 3 Series is all about compromises. It may seem that it can do the same as it's Coupe counterpart but in reality, like all models of it's kind it has less space (boot & rear passengers), it's heavier and less rigid than a Coupe.
Sales: Due to be presented at the at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on 7 January, 2007, the 3 Series Convertible will go on sale in Europe in March of the same year.
Roof Top: The roof can be stowed or raised in approximately 22 seconds and as it features a larger rear glass windscreen and side windows, visibility has improved by 38 per cent compared to the outgoing 3 Series Convertible.
With the roof up 350 litres of storage capacity beckons while with the roof down, the boot accommodates 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.
SunReflective Technology: The new BMW 3 Series Convertible can also be specified with the world's first Sun-Reflective Technology leather upholstery. 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.
Engine Range: In the beginning of it's career the 3 Series Convertible will be offered as a 325i (3.0 - 218 Hp) & 335i (3.0 bi-turbo - 306 Hp). Latter on BMW will add the 320i which gets an updated version of BMW's 4cylinder 2.0 that has an output of 170 Hp (from 150Hp), the 330i (3.0 - 272 Hp) and the 330d (3.0 diesel - 231 Hp).
| Model | Power | Torque | 0-62mph /100km/h | Top speed mph-km/h | Combined mpg -lt/100km |
| 320i | 170 Hp | 210 Nm | 9,2 sec | 136 - 220 | 42,2 - 6,7 |
| 325i | 218 Hp | 270 Nm | 7,6 sec | 152 - 245 | 35,8 - 7,9 |
| 330i | 272 Hp | 320 Nm | 6,7 sec | 155 - 250 | 34,9 - 8,1 |
| 335i | 306 Hp | 400 Nm | 5,8 sec | 155 - 250 | 28,5 - 9,9 |
| 330d | 231 Hp | 500 Nm | 7,1 sec | 152 - 245 | 40,9 - 6,9 |
Technorati: BMW+3+Series+Convertible, coupe+cabrio, 320i, 325i, 335i, 330d, 330i, Convertible, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, pictures, images, press+release, North+American+International+Auto+Show, 2007, NAIAS, Detroit
Over the years the 3-Series has become the car that defines the term "sport sedan” and the benchmark for every luxury car maker from Alfa Romeo to Volvo. Also it’s the best selling car in BMW’s range. That’s the sole reason why the Bavarians have been so tentative with the styling of all 3-Series models. Either you like them or not, design-wise, the latest 5-Series and 7-Series sedans performed a major styling departure from their predecessors. And between us, the current 3-Series sedan is undoubtedly the most boringly styled car in BMW’s range. Take out the Hofmeister kink, the BMW kidney grille and this could a Mitsubishi. 
