2012 BMW M3 Convertible

Basic Specs

Base Price $67,550
Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 4145
City (MPG) 13
Hwy (MPG) 29
Horsepower 414@8300
Torque (lb-ft) 295@3900
Wheelbase 108.7
Length (in.) 181.7
Width (in.) 7.8
Height (in.) 54.8

The high-performance drop-top follows in the footsteps of the M3 Coupe. Like its solid-roof counterpart, the Convertible is powered by a 4.0 liter V8 producing 414 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

BMW used the convertible to debut its seven-speed M DCT dual-clutch transmission. The seven-speed system promises shifting as smooth as a conventional automatic and faster than a manual gearbox or SMG transmission. Of course, customers can still opt for a regular six-speed manual.

Apart from the body structure, only the doors, the retractable hardtop, the luggage compartment lid, the windows and the rear lights come from the standard open-air version of the BMW 3-Series . The range of brand-new body components, therefore, is virtually the same as in the M3 Coupe.

The rear axle V-bars already featured on the Coupe and Sedan to provide reinforcement have been extended all the way to the side-sills. This configuration enhances chassis stiffness around the rear axle -- critical for a convertible performance car.

Like the other M3 models, the Convertible has high-performance brakes to keep the car's massive power in check. The rotors measure 14.2 inches up front and 13.8 inches at the rear.

As an option, the new BMW M3 Convertible may be equipped with EDC Electronic Damper Control. Adjusting damper forces electrohydraulically, EDC optimizes both the car's vertical vibration behavior as well as its yaw and roll motion in bends and its dynamic axle load distribution when applying the brakes and when accelerating.

The new BMW M3 Convertible is available with a choice of four special M metallic paintwork colors: Melbourne Red metallic, Jerez Black, Interlagos Blue, and the M5/M6-sourced Silverstone.

Key Competitors
The M3 Convertible doesn't have any direct competitors because Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz thus far declined to produce drop-top versions of their CTS-V Coupe and C63 AMG Coupe models. The price of an M3 Convertible will buy open-air performance machines like the Chevrolet Corvette Convertible and the Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible, both of which the refinement of the BMW but offer more pure power.

Similar Cars

left
right
    • General
    • Body Style: Convertible
    • Size: Compact
    • Market Segment: Near-Luxury
    • Weight: 4145 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length: 181.7 in.
    • Width: 7.8 in.
    • Height: 54.8 in.
    • Wheelbase: 108.7 in.
    • Ground Clearance: TBD
    • Front Track: 60.6 in.
    • Rear Track: 60.6 in.
    • Weight Distribution: 47.2/52.8
    • Drag Coefficient: 0.32
    • Interior - General
    • Seats: 4
    • Passenger Volume: 84.0 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume: 9.0 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): TBD
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 42.0 in.
    • Head Room: 38.0 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 55.3 in.
    • Hip Room: TBD
    • Interior - Second Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 32.0 in.
    • Head Room: 36.5 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 49.3 in.
    • Hip Room: TBD
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type: Gas
    • Engine Type: 4.0L V8
    • Power: 414 hp @ 8300 rpm
    • Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
    • Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
    • Highway Fuel Economy: 29 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy: 13 mpg
    • Forced Induction: None
    • Direct Injection: No
    • Chassis
    • Layout: Rear Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension: Strut-Type
    • Rear Suspension: Multi-Link
    • Wheels
    • Front: 18" Aluminum
    • Front Tires: 245/40
    • Rear: 18" Aluminum
    • Rear Tires: 265/40
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight: TBD
    • Payload:
    • Tongue Weight: TBD

  • $0

    Step 1 - Trim

    Trim

    Next
    Total Price:

  • $0

    Step 2 - Options

    $0

    Convenience Options

    Next Back

    $0

    Entertainment Options

    Next Back

    $0

    Exterior & Wheels

    Next Back

    $0

    Interior Accessories

    Next Back

    $0

    Interior Trim

    Next Back

    $0

    Packages

    Next Back

    $0

    Performance Options

    Next Back

    $0

    Premium Package 2 Options

    Next Back

    $0

    Safety Options

    Next Back

    $0

    Technology

    Next Back

    $0

    Vehicle Programs

    Next Back

  • Step 3 - Get a Local Quote

    Now that you have determined the standard retail price of your ideal Dodge Challenger R/T, use our Dealer Price Quote tool to see if you can get a better deal!

    • Zip Code
    • First Name
    • Last Name
    • Address
    • Phone
    • Email
    • Contact Me
    • Select

    This is a free service and you are under no obligation. Simply select your vehicle, provide basic contact information and you will receive your no hassle price quote from a trusted local dealer.

    Your information is not shared with third parties

    Back

LeftLane

Login

  • LeftLane

    Copyright © 2005 - 2012 Left lane News.
    All rights reserved.