·New retractable hardtop with power-operated three-piece steel
roof for safety and convenience
·iDrive with Programmable Memory Keys
·Elegant 328i Convertible comes with an Aluminum/Magnesium
3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine featuring Valvetronic rated at
230hp &
200 lb-ft of torque
·Powerful 335i Convertible features a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter
inline six-cylinder engine with 300 hp / 300 lb-ft of torque and
Direct Injection
·Luxurious and roomy interior with seating for four and enhanced
details
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – October 24th, 2006…The
fourth generation of BMW’s 3 Series four-seat convertible makes its
world debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in
Detroit on January 7th, 2007. A new dimension in the
world of motoring comes with the introduction of a retractable
hardtop for the first time in a BMW. Made of lightweight
steel, the three-piece roof opens in just 22 seconds and folds
smoothly into the rear compartment of BMW’s newest convertible.
The new roof structure ensures a lower level of
noise even at high speeds while the ultra-stiff platform provides
extreme torsional strength for rigidity and incredible handling
inherent to all BMWs.
The new BMW 3 Series Convertible retains all the
elegance and unique style that is characteristic of the 3 Series
with the top either open or closed. The long and sleek hood, low
shoulder line and the broad-shouldered rear end make the new BMW 3
Series Convertible unmistakable from any angle. And with the new
retracting hardtop, it offers performance, comfort, safety, and
value unique in its segment.
Open or closed – unmistakable at all times
The new BMW 3 Series Convertible is characterized by well-balanced
proportions with either the roof open or closed. It boasts an
unmistakable silhouette that is readily recognizable thanks to its
retractable hardtop. With the three roof elements folding
conveniently into the luggage compartment, the new model continues
the low shoulder-line so typical of a BMW 3 Series Convertible.
Inside the new Convertible, the functional benefits of the hardtop
are clear. The only way BMW engineers could exceed the proven
qualities of the BMW soft top in terms of resistance to tough winter
weather and superior noise control was to switch over to a steel
plate structure. The closed roof, with its large windows and fully
lined underside, offers the occupants optimum visibility as well as
a bright and premium ambience. Compared to the previous generation 3 Series Convertible, the rear
side windows are now 30 percent larger and visibility to the rear
has been improved by a significant 38 percent.
With the top
closed, the low roofline makes the shoulder line of the car the
dominating feature from the side, again retaining the impression of
sporting elegance at all times. Since there is no conventional “B”
pillar, the feeling of open-air driving can still be achieved with
just the side windows rolled down. Approaching the C-pillar, the
“Hofmeister kink”, a traditional feature of BMW design, can be
clearly seen.
The rear window is fixed glass with an electric rear defroster for
safety and convenience.
The 3 Series Convertible’s navigation and radio antennas are
integrated within the car. Therefore, conventional rod-type aerials
are not visible and do not detract from the clean lines of the
bodywork. Radio reception with the roof open is ensured by aerials
in the side panels, while aerials in the rear window are
automatically activated as soon as the roof is closed. Vehicles
equipped with SIRIUS satellite radio are equipped with a separate
antenna mounted on the rear decklid.
Maximum comfort and uncompromising function are
the key features of the new roof with its incredible
electrohydraulic mechanism. The three-piece steel roof opens
automatically in a flowing motion as each lid element rests above
the other for a compact package. The rear lid of the
Convertible opens rearward and once the roof has been completely
opened or closed and the hardtop is locked, the driver is able to
open the trunklid in the usual way. The roof
opens in just 22 seconds and closes in 23 seconds. The rear lid also
comes with a soft-close feature that draws the lid down gently and
automatically.
To ensure optimum use of the car’s storage
capacities in every situation, the roof and luggage compartments are
separated from one another by a variable partition swivelling
conveniently when the roof is closed in order to provide maximum
luggage capacity. Another convenient feature is that the roof can
open by remote control when equipped with
Comfort Access. Like the roof control
switch within the interior, the remote control button must be kept
pressed down for safety during the entire opening process as
movement of the roof elements will be interrupted whenever the
button is released.
A truly individual character within the BMW 3
Series
Following the Sedan, Sport Wagon and Coupe, the
new 3 Series Convertible is the fourth variant of the highly
successful BMW 3 Series line-up. Despite the familial
resemblance borne out in many design features typical of the brand,
the new Convertible is truly unique. Looking at the front end of the
car, all similarities to the BMW 3 Series Coupe are only from the
A-pillar forward. The sporting style of the new
Convertible starts at the contours of the long and low hood as well
as the special design of the front air dam and headlights. The
distinctive BMW kidney grilles stand out more upright than the
surrounding areas and surfaces.
The new Convertible comes standard with Xenon
Adaptive headlights with BMW’s unique corona ring lights serving as
daytime running lamps, providing efficient daytime illumination.
Indeed, these striking light rings make the Convertible easy to
recognize and identify as a BMW at very first sight even at dusk.
Elegance and sleek dynamics
The side view of the car is dominated by the
horizontal shoulder line which gives the new 3 Series Convertible
particular style and elegance. The large wheel arches add sporting
and dynamic flair from every angle. The sleek and dynamic look of
the new 3 Series Convertible is further accentuated by the contour
line that runs level with the door handles. A sill-line at the lower
edge of the doors continues all the way into the air dams at the
front and rear.
This interaction of the car’s lines and
carefully-modelled surfaces provides a striking three-dimensional
effect guiding not only more light, but also the eye of the beholder
to the area around the car’s rear axle. This effect is indeed
intentional, with the optical impression created in this way
reflecting the actual driving experience as the new 3 Series
Convertible, like all BMWs, features rear wheel drive for
outstanding performance on the road.
The rear view of the car is equally sporting and
elegant: particularly with the roof down, the new BMW 3 Series
Convertible also looks low and wide from behind. And while the
contour line ends in the rear light clusters at each side, the
shoulder line extends around the entire rear section. The rear tail
lamp assemblies are split into two sections and extend all the way
into the lid of the luggage compartment. Horizontal LED light rods
ensure a striking look at night, while the third brake light is
integrated into the
aerodynamically-designed spoiler edge on the decklid.
Flowing lines for true style within the interior
Like the exterior, the interior of the new 3 Series Convertible
features sleek and flowing lines, powerful and tense surfaces and a
highly attractive combination of convex and concave design elements.
The controls for air conditioning, the audio and navigation systems
are within optimum visibility and within easy reach for the front
passenger. Several controls and switches including the door handles
and gearshift lever are finished in a sophisticated Pearl Gray metal
to ensure a premium tactile feeling with elegant looks.
The side panels display a smooth and sweeping design flow that
extends from the dashboard all the way to the backrests on the two
rear seats. The
center
console also extends all the way to the rear, serving as a storage
compartment between the rear seats. Ambience lighting, mounted on
the door and rear side panels, projects a warm and indirect light
effect.
New engines for a perfect combination of muscle
and refinement
Two versions will be available in the US. The
powerful 335i Convertible features BMW’s newest inline six-cylinder
engine with twin turbochargers and an intercooler for 300 incredibly
flexible horsepower, thanks to high precision direct fuel injection
with piezo injectors. The 328i Convertible
features a 230-hp 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with
Valvetronic technology and aluminum/magnesium
construction.
The more
sporting version of the new 3 Series Convertible, the 335i, is
powered by the world’s first inline six-cylinder with Twin Turbo and
High Precision Direct Injection technology and an all-aluminum
crankcase. Rated at 300 hp at 5,800 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque at
1,400 – 5,000 rpm, this 3.0-liter engine offers cutting-edge
performance thanks to the theories behind BMW’s Efficient Dynamics.
Using high-tech materials allows the engine to be a lightweight
performer, which helps BMW achieve near 50/50 weight distribution on
this and all of its vehicles. Low
inertia turbocharger internals and high precision direct fuel
injection makes turbo lag nearly non-existent as peak torque starts
at a mere 1,400 rpm. High precision direct injection is also ideal
for lean burn operation. In the lean burn mode, various intercepting
layers of the fuel and air form within the combustion
chamber. The fuel/air mixture is therefore particularly rich and
ignitable only in the direct vicinity of the spark plug and once
ignited, the flame travels to the leaner layers further
from the spark plug for a clean,
smooth and consistent combustion process. Redline is still an
impressive 7,000 rpm and compression ratio is 10.2:1. Typical
of a BMW engine are incredible smoothness, fast-revving response and
refined power at all engine speeds.
The BMW 335i Convertible accelerates to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds
for the six-speed manual, and in 5.7 seconds for the six-speed
Steptronic
automatic transmission. Top speed is electronically-controlled to
130 mph and on vehicles equipped with the Sport Package, top speed
is governed at 150 mph.
The 328i Convertible is equipped with a the
3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that delivers 230 smooth
horsepower at a peak of 6,500rpm and 200 lb-ft of torque at 2,750
rpm. Featuring BMW’s innovative Valvetronic
engine system, which eliminates the conventional throttle body for
throttle control, efficiency and power are available over a broader
range for silky-smooth operation. The magnesium/aluminum
block is a perfect example of BMW Efficient Dynamics where
lightweight technology is at work, making the 328i unique against
its competition. The electric engine coolant pump also demonstrates
one of the many examples where efficiency can be felt at the
accelerator pedal. Speaking of which, acceleration from 0 to 60 mph
comes in a spirited 6.7 seconds for the six-speed manual and in 7.2
seconds for vehicles with the Steptronic
six-speed automatic transmission. Like the 335i, the 328i is limited
to 130 mph or 150 mph if equipped with the Sport Package.
New automatic transmission with optional shift
paddles
A thoroughly enhanced six-speed automatic
transmission is available as an option on both models to meet the
greatest demands for comfort and performance. A quicker and more
responsive hydraulic control system, together with an
innovative new torque converter and significantly enhanced control
software ensure reaction times that are 40% faster than conventional
automatic transmissions. In addition, gear change timing has been
almost halved. The torque converter clutch
connects the engine more directly to enhance performance, response
and fuel economy.
Should the driver wish to control the sporting character of the
transmission directly, the optional paddles on the steering wheel
provide direct selection of the gear when in manual mode.
Because the gearshift paddles can be activated
directly at any time, even if the gear selector lever is in Drive,
this manual gearshift function always provides extremely spontaneous
performance. Shift paddles are an available option when ordered with
automatic transmission and Sport Package.
Innovative suspension technology for maximum
precision
With power being transmitted to the rear wheels,
the rack-and-pinion steering remains free of drive forces. Optional
Active Steering varies steering ratio as a function of road speed
for higher steering ratio at the same steering wheel angle at low
speeds than at high speeds. This enables the driver to control the
car even more smoothly and with minimal effort, while remaining
precisely on course at high speeds in the interest of maximum
safety.
Featuring a double-pivot McPherson strut-type aluminum suspension in
front and a five-link independent rear suspension, the new BMW 3
Series Convertible boasts the most advanced underpinnings in its
class. Further advantages are the low center of gravity,
well-balanced axle load and special damper set-up helping to give
this outstanding new convertible its impressive dynamic driving
qualities.
The standard 17-inch alloy wheels run on
225/45R17 tires with runflat technology. Even with a complete loss
of pressure in one tire, the vehicle can continue to be driven for
up to 150 miles at 50 miles per hour to get to the nearest service
station. BMW’s new Tire Pressure Monitor watches the pressures in
each tire and will warn the driver as soon as the pressure drops
more than 25 percent below the optimum level.
,.
DSC with enhanced functions for extra safety and dynamics.
The highly effective brake system is further enhanced and upgraded
by BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control with its many innovative new
functions. This latest generation of DSC technology controls brake
functions and vehicle stability on slippery roads by applying
individual wheel brakes and reducing engine output. Other features
of this system include:
·Brake Drying- By lightly applying the pads in wet
weather conditions, optimum stopping power can also be experienced
in the wet.
·Brake Standby – Preloads the brake pads to enhance
brake response whenever necessary, especially when you’ve suddenly
lifted off the accelerator pedal.
·Brake Fade Compensation maximizes brake pressure
whenever necessary in the interest of particular stopping power. The
result is even foot pedal pressure no matter how hot the brakes get.
·Cornering Brake Control counteracts unwanted oversteer
when applying the brakes lightly in a bend and in conjunction with
Active Steering, DSC can countersteer appropriately to maintain
additional stability at all times.
·Start Off Assistant – Holds the vehicle when stopped
on an uphill to prevent you from rolling back when releasing the
brake pedal. It will hold for three seconds.
·Dynamic Stability Control ensures optimum traction on
loose surfaces, while Dynamic Traction Control can be selected to
raise the threshold before it applies the brakes. It
promotes a sportier style of driving, allowing
light wheel slip on the drive wheels. DSC
may be deactivated completely when appropriate.
Light and torsionally
stiff: the bodyshell.
The intelligent combination of innovative and
proven materials, as well as modern production technology, helps to
give the new BMW 3 Series Convertible a particularly light but at
the same time very stable body. Indeed, BMW’s body development
specialists have achieved the
highest level of
torsional
stiffness ever seen in a BMW Convertible.
Unladen weight of the new BMW 3 Series
Convertible is approximately 400 lb above that of the BMW 3 Series
Coupe. This extra weight results from the installation of additional
support members in the floor and the electric motors and hydraulic
elements required for the retractable hardtop.
The innovative plastic side front fenders weigh
50 percent less than conventional steel panels. And unlike
conventional plastic, the new side panels are made of a special
synthetic material and no longer have to be painted separately.
Instead, they go through the regular painting process together with
the complete body-in-white.
Deformation areas at the front of the car, together with other
features, serve to provide maximum occupant protection in a frontal
collision. The bulkhead support is made of innovative, high-strength
steel with longitudinal profile bars and reinforcements. In
addition, the extra-strong luggage compartment floor and rear and
side panels minimize the consequences of a collision from behind.
In a side impact, forces acting on the car are
diverted to the opposite side through the reinforced floor
pan. The side sills are made of steel profiles
that vary in geometry for greater resistance to bending. Interacting
with the doors, the seats and the instrument panel, these
specially-made components ensure maximum stability between the
A-pillars.
The carefully conceived arrangement and
dimensions of the car’s load-bearing structures, crash boxes and
deformation zones help to keep impact energy away from the
passengers. Restraint and support systems are tailored to one
another and controlled by one unit to ensure proper protection for
each occupant. The front and side
airbags, belt latch
tensioners
and belt force limiters are activated by
the car’s sensor-controlled safety electronics based on the type and
severity of the impact.
The side airbags are integrated into the seat
backrests and inflate in the event of a side-impact collision over a
large area extending from the bottom of the backrest all the way to
the upper edge of the headrest to provide effective upper body and
head protection regardless of seating position.
Extra safety in the event of a rollover is
ensured by the windshield frame that serves as a rollover safety
bar. Rollover sensors that permanently monitoring all vertical and
horizontal movements of the car can activate rollbars positioned
behind the rear headrests. The belt latch tensioners
on the front seats as well as the side airbags are activated within
fractions of a second.
Four seats, lots of space, extra freedom: the
interior.
The new BMW 3 Series Convertible offers open-air
driving pleasure for four. The front seats come with integrated belt
systems and the center console extends all
the way to the rear, splitting the rear into two single seats for
extra comfort by offering generous headroom thanks to their low
seating position.
Over the previous model, shoulder room at the rear is increased by
3.15 inches and elbow room grows 4.72 inches.
Access to the two seats at the rear is facilitated by both the seat
release lever fitted at the top of the seat backrest and the
2x-speed fore-aft power adjustment switch.
Measuring 12.25 cubic feet, luggage capacity is
still very generous. And even with the roof down, the remaining
capacity of 7.35 cubic feet provides ample space for taking along
additional necessities. And by folding the rear seat backrest down,
one can conveniently load bulky objects on the flat area behind the
rear seats, without the risk of harming the upholstery.
A unique feature for this kind of convertible is
the optional opening between the rear seat area and luggage
compartment that measures 15.75 inches and connects the luggage
compartment with the rear passenger area, thus making the new 3
Series Convertible ideal for the driver and passenger travelling
long distances and for many transport requirements in everyday use.
This option includes a ski/transport bag that is easily and
conveniently set up within seconds (and can be removed just as
easily).
Even more intuitive: iDrive
with Programmable Memory Keys
The new BMW 3 Series Convertible features BMW’s
trendsetting iDrive system to control the
Navigation, Climate, Entertainment, and Communication functions. The
new monitor automatically adjusts to ambient light conditions and is
positioned in a perfect ergonomic arrangement in the instrument
panel.
New to the 3 Series Convertible are eight Programmable Memory Keys
on the dashboard that serve to simplify operation and control.
Two of the eight keys allow quick access to AM or
FM radio stations and control the music source. The remaining six
can be programmed for favorite items such
as navigation destinations, radio stations or even telephone
numbers. The keys are touch-sensitive: each respective function is
clearly presented on the iDrive display as soon as the driver places
his or her finger on the button.
Unique and premium equipment.
Offering a wide range of safety and comfort
features, the new BMW 3 Series Convertible makes every trip an
experience in pleasure. To supplement the wide range of standard
equipment, the new BMW 3 Series Convertible is available with a wide
choice of high-tech audio, navigation, Bluetooth and
telematic functions.
New management and control of the automatic air conditioning, for
example, serves to enhance the high standard of comfort in the
Convertible. Automatic programs for ventilating the car selected
through iDrive are now being supplemented by another mode: In
addition to the three “Gentle”, “Medium” and “Intense” stages, the
driver is also able to activate a “Convertible” mode whenever the
roof is open. This reduces the influence of the interior temperature
sensor on the ventilation control. Instead, temperature control and
blower intensity are controlled as a function of the exterior
temperature and sun glare. A further function is
adaptation of the amount of air flowing into the car to its current
speed on the road, with Automatic Air Recirculation (AAR) being
automatically deactivated at a road speed of more than 50 mph. And
when using the heater, the distribution of air is optimized to
provide the same consistent temperature throughout the interior of
the Convertible.
The new Convertible mode on the automatic air
conditioning is available only with the roof open. As soon as the
retracting hardtop folds back over the passenger compartment, the
automatic air conditioning will return to the program last chosen
when the car was closed, the Convertible mode then being
automatically reactivated when the driver opens the roof again.
Sun Reflective leather for cooler seating
Particularly appealing on the new 3 Series
Convertible is the special leather that was developed for the
seating upholstery. Modified color
pigments serve to reflect the infra-red radiation by the sun, very
effectively preventing excessive temperatures on the seat surfaces
otherwise encountered in weather that would be perfect for open-air
motoring.
To achieve this, BMW is the first carmaker in the
world to use Sun Reflective technology in its leather. Applying this
process, pigments are embedded in the material during production to
reflect infra-red radiation in sunlight in wavelengths of more than
720 Nanometres, significantly reducing the usual heating effect on
the surfaces. All other qualities of the leather material remain
unchanged.
Sun Reflective technology is used both on the
seat upholstery and on the
armrests to prevent body contact with excessively hot surfaces. This
new leather treatment is able to reduce surface temperatures on dark
interior colours by up to 68 °F, and also offers advantages on light-colored
upholstery, where the heating effect of sunshine is less severe.
An accessory wind deflector developed
especially for the new BMW 3 Series Convertible reduces air swirl
within the interior even at high speeds. This new wind deflector is
fastened firmly in the rear of the passenger compartment by supports
in the side panels and can be swivelled into
position. Just one single movement of your hand either on the
driver’s or passenger’s side is sufficient to securely fasten the
deflector in position.
The BMW 3 Series Convertible—maintaining the
tradition
BMW 3 Series Convertibles have been known for
incredible top-down driving experiences for 19 years running. The
new BMW 3 Series Convertible continues this tradition without any
compromise. The very first Convertible based on the BMW 3 Series
debuted in 1987 and was the epitome of dynamic performance and
sporting elegance. As the first premium manufacturer to launch an
open four-seater in this segment, the
competition has now become most challenging and fierce, but the BMW
3 Series Convertible remains unique to this very day.
Unlike many open four-seaters
in other classes, the first BMW 3 Series Convertible had a soft top
that moved down completely beneath a firm cover at the rear of the
car, to maintain its classic lines.
This beautiful style continued in 1994 with the
second generation 3 Series Convertible. Its larger wheel arches and
A-pillars slanted at a lower angle gave it an even more sporting and
dynamic look.
The third rendition of the 3 Series Convertible
entered the market in 2000 and continued the trend towards dynamic
appearances and performance with its muscular surfaces and contours
while retaining its usual proportions.
All BMW 3 Series Convertibles quickly became classics during their
lifetime. The objective in developing each new model was to adopt
the elementary qualities so typical of a BMW 3 Series with modern,
trendsetting requirements. The new generation
comes with an innovative roof concept that not only retains, but
further accentuates the original character of the 3 Series
Convertible.
BMW Group In America
BMW of North
America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.
ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.
The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing,
sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand, the
MINI brand, and the ROLLS-ROYCE brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA,
an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in
Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.
BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s
global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing
plant for all Z4 Roadster and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW
Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks
of 339 BMW passenger car centers, 334 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
centers, 143 BMW motorcycle retailers, 80 MINI passenger car
dealers, and 30 ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding
Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North, Central and
South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Information
about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet
at:
