On Wednesday at the New York Auto Show, BMW announced its new M3 Convertible will be launched in the U.S. in the spring of this year. The same 420 horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine powers the fourth-generation M3 drop-top as the coupe and sedan M3s already on sale. The M3 cabrio will cost $65,700, or about $11,000 dearer than the sedan and $8,000 more than the coupe.
The newest M3, just like its coupe and sedan counterparts, will be available with both a six-speed manual transmission as well as a new 7-speed twin-clutch unit BMW calls M DCT Drivelogic. Furthermore, an MDrive button like the one found on the current M5, allows drivers to pick from suspension settings, engine calibrations and steering response, as well as the thresholds of the electronic driving aids.
MDrive is part of an optional Technology Package that will include Electronic Damping Control, a navigation system with real time traffic data and a system that allows for keyless operation. BMW claims a 9.4 lb/hp power-to-weight ratio for its sun-seeking M3.
The M3 shares only the doors, hard top, luggage compartment lid, windows and rear lights with the standard 3-series convertible. In addition to the four metallic colors available on all M cars (Melbourne Red, Jerez Black, Interlagos Blue and Silverstone), the M3 Convertible can be had in Alpine White, Jet Black or Sparkling Graphite.
A rollover sensor is ready to eject protective hoops when the top is down and a rollover is detected.
03/19, 11:18 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
That 7 speed gearbox needs to get into the 1 series.
03/20, 12:14 AM
posted by:
Andre Neves
Mind-boggling how a low $30k sport-luxury sedan/coupe could reach $70,000 with several options. That’s M5 & 911 territory. I mean, don’t get me wrong it’s a nice car and all. I actually saw one(coupe) in person at a dealership in my town and had the chance to walk around it. Visually, if you don’t know what to look for to distinguish it as an M you’d think it’s a regular 3 series coupe. Interior is ALMOST IDENTICAL to my girlfriend’s ‘08 325i Coupe except for the steering wheel, seats, & shift knob. In the end, your basically paying for a slightly upgraded(correct me if i’m wrong), a V8, and a heavier car compared to the E46.
I just think there are so many cars out there that are getting WAAY too expensive and are being overdone in a stupid way.
03/20, 12:17 AM
posted by:
Andre Neves
whoops, missed a couple words there. Sentence should read “…In the end, your basically just paying for a slightly upgraded suspension system…”
03/20, 12:49 AM
posted by:
Huge Lats Pecks Abs and Arms
I have a ‘03 Phoenix yellow M3, man…….I love that car. I don’t have any intention of upgrading to the new model. This new one doesn’t do anything for me. and the 1 series is butt fugly. I’m holding out hope that G.M. doesn’t ruin the CTS coupe if they don’t, the CTS V coupe will be sitting in my garage in about 2 years.
03/20, 1:28 AM
posted by:
cwwilson
@ Andre: If I’m not mistaken, the E92 M3’s engine is actually lighter than the six that’s in the E46, and also boosts a better suspension, carbon fibre roof, and 420hp with that V8. Yes, if you upgraded an E46 to have around 390hp than you can probably beat a stock E92 off the line, but you’ll be passed in a matter of seconds once all the power in the V8 gets going. Yeah, the overall weight is greater than the last M3, but being lightweight isn’t absolutely everything. This car has potential. If it’s not enough for you, be on the lookout for the GTR variant in the near future
03/20, 1:34 AM
posted by:
cwwilson
Buuuuuuut, if you delimited the E46, it’s probably no competition.
03/20, 10:08 AM
posted by:
6ix
Perfection.
03/20, 10:20 AM
posted by:
agent09
**** the 7 speed ****.
give me a real manual.
03/20, 11:23 AM
posted by:
BlackX
agent09 > I agree with you, but that dual clutch transmission does work.
03/20, 11:44 AM
posted by:
agent09
yea i dont care if it takes off .1 or whatever sec off your shift time, i love the feeling of downshifting and pressing the clutch. i don’t need paddles to shift.
03/20, 12:24 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Way too much money for a German pile of **** that breaks down all the time. A Pontiac G6 convertible will satisfy 99% of the people who waste their money just to get the nameplate. And it’ll be 100 times more dependible and built with stellar quality that is GM.
03/20, 12:39 PM
posted by:
V2
Need more oil for GM………………..either your joking or you’re a ****ing idiot…GM reliable????? I’m convinced your ****ing idiot!!!!!
03/20, 2:03 PM
posted by:
driver54
V2, just read some of his other posts. He is obviously an idiot.
03/20, 4:08 PM
posted by:
audi-lover
this is the only time I agree with you GM ****er.
THIS CAR SUCKS ELEPHANT ****!!!!!!!!!
03/20, 5:41 PM
posted by:
SwerveEarly
Wow the cost of havimg a daughter named Tiffany or Blanca just got a lot higher.
03/20, 10:23 PM
posted by:
autonut
The car looks good. I don’t know why, but it is better looking then everything else in BMW collection. Perhaps because I love everything topless.
SwerveEarly, those are not the best names for girls. Stop at titty bar and ask their names: around me it’s mostly Tiffanies.
03/20, 11:52 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
Visually uninspiring … does not connote a $70k car. Too soft, too feminine.
03/21, 2:41 AM
posted by:
howsmydriving
Seems like the frivolity of a convertible is at odds with the seriousness of the M philosophy. Just MO.
03/21, 9:14 PM
posted by:
autonut
Well, market will tell if 70K is too much. I wonder what the waiting list for it. If it is too expensive, somebody will drive it for less, but I doubt that’s the case.
03/22, 9:35 AM
posted by:
Htay9500
Im with agent09.
03/22, 12:06 PM
posted by:
stang67
The price is actually not bad, it looks like a regular 3 series but you do get a lot and for the driver it feels and drives much sportier. The motor is high rev just like the Ferrari F430.
03/23, 3:45 AM
posted by:
deutschetouring1337
I finally got to see the M3 and 135i at the BMW dealer. Someone screwed up the 135i so they were not letting anyone test drive their only demo until they got word from BMW AG. As for the M3 its not bad but I was vastly disappointed in the build quality and the cheapass cupholder and interior. It felt like a freakin TSX. I was soooo excited because I dont like photos but once you see a car in person you get a better idea but this M3 falls short on aesthetics. It didn’t excite me as the last one did in 02. The 135i is going to be able to knock the M3 off once tuners get ahold of one and strap on bigger turbos and a good ecu flash.