- Retractable hard-top roof featured for the first time
- Fastest operating three-piece retractable hard-top in class
- Rear-view enhanced by 38 per cent for optimum safety
- 3 Series Convertible on sale from March 24
Visitors to the Brisbane International Motor Show will be the first to see
the new BMW 3 Series Convertible where it will make its Australian debut, hot on
the heels of its world premiere at the North American International Motor Show
in Detroit last month.
Continuing to build on the iconic status of the previous model, the new 3
Series Convertible will feature a retractable hard-top for the first time.
It takes just 22 seconds for the fully-lined three-piece retractable hardtop
to be lowered – the fastest in its market segment. The lightweight steel roof
provides both superior sound insulation and large windows for excellent
visibility.
Naturally, BMW’s fourth generation 3 Series Convertible provides a dynamic
driving experience, enhanced by the choice of travelling fully enclosed in a
spacious coupé, or open to the elements enjoying all the benefits of open-top
motoring.
Boasting greater torsional stiffness than any other BMW Convertible, the new
model comes with the choice of a 160 kW straight six magnesium-aluminium engine
which powers the 325i or the new top of the range all-aluminium 3.0-litre Twin
Turbo petrol engine that delivers 225 kW of power in the 335i.
On sale from March 24, the BMW 3 Series Convertible starts with the 325i
6-speed manual priced at $94,900.
For ultimate comfort, the leather interior of the new 3 Series Convertible
features SunReflective technology, which reduces heat build-up in leather
upholstery exposed to direct sunlight by 20 per cent. BMW initially developed
the technology for its range of motorcycle riding wear and is the first
manufacturer to develop it for automotive use.
The new Convertible is the sleekest rendering yet of the new generation 3
Series design.
The stunning silhouette of the new Convertible is characterised by a slender
roofline descending down to the rear and a low and smooth shoulder-line. The
inclusion of a hardtop also enabled designers to feature the traditional
‘Hofmeister Kick’ in the C-pillar, which appears for the first time on a BMW
Convertible.
With the roof lowered, the boot retains a remarkable 210 litres of luggage
space. In addition, the rear section of the seat backs fold flat allowing a
through-loading system that means bulkier items can be carried securely.
Standard equipment for the 325i Convertible includes seat heating for driver
and front passenger, premium Dakota leather upholstery with SunReflective
technology, Bi-Xenon headlamps, Brake Force Display two-stage brake lights,
17-inch light alloy wheels, BMW Business navigation system with colour monitor,
six-stacker CD player, rear Park Distance Control, automatic climate control,
and extended lights package for interior illumination, cruise control with brake
function, and Bluetooth mobile phone preparation.
From an active safety perspective, the 325i Convertible covers all the bases
with standard safety systems including DSC Dynamic Stability Control which
incorporates DTC Dynamic Traction Control, CBC Cornering Brake Control and DBC
Dynamic Brake Control, while dual front airbags and front seat integrated side
airbags with combined head airbags complete the passive safety list.
The 325i Convertible, optionally equipped with a six-speed Steptronic
Automatic transmission, is priced at $97,500.
Further 325i Convertible options include sports seats for driver and front
passenger, Active Steering, Sport Suspension, 18 or 19-inch light alloy wheels,
Comfort Access, Adaptive Headlights, Active Cruise Control, High Beam Assist and
LOGIC7 sound system.
The 335i Convertible will be available in both six-speed manual and six-speed
automatic transmission guise and priced from $121,500 and $124,100 respectively.
With a power output of 225 kW at 5,800 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 1,300
rpm and 5,000 rpm, the 335i out performs its closest rival by having notably
more power and torque, far faster acceleration (0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds) and
lower fuel consumption (EU combined 9.9-litres per 100 km).
The 6-speed automatic transmission available in the 335i Convertible has been
upgraded to deliver shift times around 40 per cent faster than before. Uniquely
available to automatic models is the option for steering wheel mounted shift
paddles. These alloy-finished shifters are priced at $200.
The 335i Convertible standard specification adds the following features over
those of the 325i Convertible: larger front and rear brakes, sports seats for
driver and front passenger, 18-inch light alloy wheels, Park Distance Control
PDC front and rear, front seat lumbar adjustment, BMW Professional Navigation
with 8.8-inch colour monitor and TV and Voice Recognition functions, Hi-Fi
loudspeaker system, High Beam Assist and Adaptive Headlights.
The car will be a highlight of the Brisbane International Motor Show, which
runs from Friday 2 February to Sunday 11 February at the Brisbane Convention and
Exhibition Centre.
2007 BMW 3 Series Convertible Pricing
| Model |
Transmission |
Price |
| 325i |
6-speed manual |
$94,900 |
| 325i |
6-speed automatic |
$97,500 |
| 335i |
6-speed manual |
$121,500 |
| 335i |
6-speed automatic |
$124,100 |
|
