Experience Power, Enjoy Freedom: The New BMW M3 Convertible
The BMW M3 model family is being upgraded by yet another fascinating player. The new BMW M3 Convertible, the third body version of BMW's high-performance sports car following the Coupe and Saloon, offers new possibilities to experience uncompromising driving dynamics.
Outstanding performance and thrilling dynamics of this kind create the first impression conveyed by the BMW M3 Convertible right from the start: This very special two-door performer not only comes with the same drive technology as the BMW M3 Coupe and the BMW M3 Saloon, but is also a brand-new development from the ground up, again boasting all the features so typical of a BMW M model.
The BMW M3 Convertible thus transfers motorsport technology to everyday motoring, meeting even the greatest demands made of such a high-performance car. In its character, therefore, it is first and foremost a BMW M3, while nevertheless betraying its unique identity side-by-side with the Coupe and Saloon.
An Eight-Cylinder in a BMW M3 Convertible
The BMW M3 Convertible draws its exceptional dynamic driving potential from its new eight-cylinder power unit developing 414 bhp from 244 cubic inches. Maximum torque of 295 lb-ft is just as impressive as maximum engine speed of 8,400 rpm. This high engine speed concept so typical of BMW M engines comes straight from the latest Formula 1 power unit raced by the BMW Sauber F1 Team. Clearly, this outstanding principle of engine power ensures unique torque and muscle also in the BMW M3 Convertible in transmitting engine power through the variable M Differential Lock to the rear wheels.
Acceleration to 60 mph comes in just 5.1 seconds and the car continues to surge ahead with increasing power and performance as the driver keeps his foot on the gas pedal, all the way to the car's top speed of 155 mph, where the engine's electronic control unit sets a limit to the ongoing speed and performance of this open-air athlete.
The new BMW M3 Convertible comes as standard with a manual six-speed gearbox. With short gear lever travel like in motorsport and crisp, precise movement of the shift lever, the driver is able at all times to transmit the superior power and thrust of the V8 to the rear wheels with the ideal gear ratio.
The Interior: Four Seats, if You Wish with the Roof Down
Creating the interior, the designers and other specialists at BMW M have successfully reached their objective to offer the occupants maximum driving pleasure in an ambience perfectly tailored to their requirements. This applies particularly to the driver's seat, with all elements required for active motoring being modified accordingly and, through their enhanced functions, reflecting the exceptional power and performance of the BMW M3 Convertible.
As soon as the retractable hardtop folds up into the rear compartment, the driver and front passenger enjoy a truly incomparable open-air atmosphere further promoted by the low-slung shoulder line, the seating position moved far to the back, and the short windscreen. The result of this concept, obviously, is an optimum experience of open-air motoring.
The frame round the windscreen keeps a generous distance from the heads of the front passengers, allowing the sun and, to a pleasant degree, the wind to flow smoothly into and around the interior.
A further highlight is that the occupants now enjoy an even more direct, undiluted experience of the V8 power unit with its unmistakable acoustics.
Supreme Performance is the Objective, Sheer Driving Pleasure is the Result
Even though the full power and performance of the BMW M3 can only be used on the race track, the car's impressive supremacy also in city traffic and on country roads ensures sheer driving pleasure in a particularly fascinating rendition. And even that is not all, for there are countless roads and routes the world over which, while being thoroughly enjoyable in the BMW M3 Convertible with the roof closed, offer an even higher level of enjoyment and satisfaction with the roof open in perfect convertible weather. So whoever demands top performance and knows how to enjoy supreme pleasure in life will be thrilled time and again by the new BMW M3 Convertible.
[Courtesy BMW Press Release]
2009 BMW M3 Convertible Specifications
| Chassis | |
| Brakes F/R: | ABS, vented disc/vented disc |
| Tires F-R: | 245/40 ZR18 - 265/40 ZR18 |
| Driveline: | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Engine | |
| Type: | V8 |
| Displacement cu in (cc): | 244 (3999) |
| Power bhp (kW) at RPM: | 414(308) / 8300 |
| Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: | 295(400) / 3900 |
| Redline at RPM: | 8400 |
| Exterior | |
| Length × Width × Height in: | 181.7 × 71 × 54.8 |
| Weight lb (kg): | 3989 (1810) |
| Performance | |
| Acceleration 0-62 mph s: | 5.4 |
| Top Speed mph (km/h): | 155 (250) - electronically limited |
| Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): | 21 (12.9) |
Base Price: 2009 BMW M3 Convertible: $67,475
