BMW mulls ragtop for M3 convertible

Earlier this year, media reports indicated BMW would not build an M3 convertible because the new folding hardtop roof of the 3-Series Cabriolet made the car too top heavy. Later, spy photos refuted this, offering proof BMW was in fact testing a drop-top M3. As it turns out, there may be one more twist to the story.





A new report citing BMW insiders indicates the M Group is considering fitting the M3 convertible with a canvas roof, instead of a folding steel top. The 3-Series convertible weighs 440 pounds more than the coupe, meaning there's a lot of room for weight reduction, according to Winding Road magazine.

An alternative proposal being considered is to stick with the folding hardtop, but replace much of the metal with carbon fiber. Of course, cost may prove to be a prohibitive factor to this idea.