The M3 Convertible is the third iteration of BMW’s much-vaunted V8 M3 range. Despite its initial resemblance to the M3 Coupé, the Convertible shares just 20 percent of its components with its fixed-roofed sibling and exhibits 40 percent more torsional rig
The adoption of the 3-Series Convertible’s Electrohydraulically operated retractable hard-top (which takes just 22 seconds to open) and a wealth of structural reinforcements have resulted in an 200 kg to the Coupé’s kerb weight, but the Convertible still has the power to propel its 1 885 kg from 0-100 km/h in 5,3 seconds (in six-speed manual guise), and on to an electronically-limited 250 km/h top speed.
The M3 Convertible plays host to BMW’s award winning 4,0-litre V8 engine. This F1-influenced 32-valve powerplant is capable of producing 309 kW at 8 300 r/min, and 400 N.m of torque at an engine speed of 3 900 r/min. More impressive though is that 85 per cent of this maximum torque is consistently available throughout the rev range. With an engine block made in BMW’s light-alloy foundry in Landshut, north of Munich (which incidentally also builds the engine blocks for the BMW Sauber F1 cars), the new eight-cylinder tips the scales at 202 kg, which is 15 kg lighter than the six-cylinder engine that did service in the M3’s predecessor. The unit is further equipped with low-pressure double-VANOS and an engine management system capable of performing 200 million calculation operations per second.
The arrival of the M3 Convertible also ushers in BMW’s M-DCT sequential transmission across the M3 range. This 7-speed Double Clutch Gearbox has been conceived and developed for a high-speed power unit; rated to 700 N.m and capable of handling engine speeds of up to 9 000 r/min. This system enables the driver to make gearshifts without interruption of power delivery and traction.
M-DCT’s Drivelogic module features eleven electronically controlled driving programs in M-specific set-up, comprising five shift programs in the automatic mode and six shift programs in the manual mode. M-DCT also features a Launch Control system for maximum acceleration from a standstill, efficiency-enhancing transmission control in the automatic mode and sequential gear selection in the manual mode. The Low Speed Assistant system allows the car to crawl at low speeds, aiding parking manoeuvres and automatically activates of parking lock after switching off the engine.
Manual gear selection can be undertaken via a stubby sports selector lever or steering wheel-mounted via paddles on the steering wheel. Both control elements in the M-specific configuration and set-up, and your progress up the rev counter can be tracked via a set of shift lights.
BMW claims a fuel saving of between 0,05 and 1,4 litres/100 km with M-DCT, but the most important improvement is in terms of acceleration – the M-DCT-equipped Convertible shave 0,2 seconds off the manual’s 0-100 km/h time.
Like its stable-mates, the M3 Convertible utilises a number of intelligent energy management systems, such as Brake Energy Regeneration. This system enhances the efficiency of the power unit and, in addition to the efficient generation of electric power, also helps to provide extra drive power when accelerating.
The M3 Convertible continues to exhibit the stylistic cues that distinguish the M3 range from lesser models. The aluminium engine lid continues to sport that striking powerdome, while the characteristic front end with large air intakes and purposefully flared wheel arches, along with a low waistline and muscular, low-slung rear end are the most noticeable styling aspects. Details such as the ‘gills’ in the front side walls; M-specific side sills, rear air dam with diffuser dual tailpipes and standard 18-inch lightweight alloy wheels (19-inch alloys are an optional extra) reinforce the sporty persona of the M3 Convertible. Unlike the 335i Convertible, this model features a flat, aerodynamically-contoured underbody that aids airflow to the rear diffuser, enhancing downforce at high speeds.
A wealth of interior customisation options are available for the M3 Convertible. Among the interior appointments are two rear seats with single seat contours, an optional BMW Individual High End audio system with nine-channel amplifier and 16 high-output loudspeakers available as an option;
M-specific paintwork and equipment variants.
and BMW’s Sun Reflective technology on the leather upholstery, capable of reducing the surface temperature of the lether by as much as 20 degrees.
The optionally-available M-Drive module enables the driver the opportunity to electronically customise the car’s suspension to their personal preferences, completely deactivate Dynamic Stability Control, and select the level of Servotronic steering assistance via the iDrive control. The optional Electronic Damper Control comes with a choice of three programs that adjust damper control in order to optimise the cars driving dynamics.
Safety features include a body structure with an extremely high standard of torsional stiffness; all-round occupant protection courtesy of frontal and head/thorax airbags, three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, belt latch tensioners, belt force limiters and central safety electronics for appropriate control of restraint systems including rollover protection with roll bars moving up automatically behind the rear seats. Bi-xenon dual headlights are featured as standard, while Adaptive Headlights are an optional extra.
The M3 Convertible costs R767 000 and comes with a 5 year/100 000 km Motorplan maintenance contract with BMW On Call roadside assistance. The M-DCT transmission adds a further R39 000 to the sticker price of all M3 models.