Following a tradition that has established the 3 Series Convertible as a market leader in its segment, with 276,000 units sold worldwide since its introduction, the new Convertible continues its trend-setting ways with its superbly refined styling and performance.

With its low waistline, forward-set windscreen and rearward orientation of the seating, the new BMW 3 Series Convertible ensures that passengers get the full Convertible experience, yet remain comfortable and secure with the roof up or down.

But the new E93 BMW 3 Series Convertible has something else up its sleeve too: A sleek, snug and secure three-piece hardtop roof that folds gracefully away in a class-leading 22 seconds.

Here, the new 2+2 BMW 3 Series Convertible not only continues the low-slung styling theme that has characterised all 3 Series Convertibles from the beginning, but offers a profile view unique in retractable hardtop convertibles by continuing in a smooth, gently sweeping line through to a low-set boot lid.

And, despite the low boot profile, the new BMW 3 Series Convertible offers an exceedingly generous boot capacity up to as much as 350 litres with the roof up. Even with the roof lowered, the boot capacity is a still-generous 210 litres, making the new Convertible as practical as it is stylish.

Two advanced six-cylinder engines.

The new BMW 3 Series Convertible comes to Australia in two variants: the smooth, athletic 325i with a new-generation aluminium-magnesium inline six-cylinder engine displacing 2.5 litres and producing 160 kW along with 250 Nm of torque, and the astounding 335i which uses Twin Turbo and High Precision Direct Injection technology to generate 225 kW and 400 Nm of torque.

The Double-VANOS powerplant used in the 325i utilises BMW’s VALVETRONIC valve management to accelerate the manual transmission version of the 325i Convertible from zero to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds, while returning a combined fuel consumption figure of just 8.9 l/100 km.

BMW’s in-line six-cylinder engine featuring Twin Turbo, High Precision Injection and an all-aluminium crankcase is a world first. With each of its two turbochargers allocated to three cylinders, the 335i powers to100 km/h from a standstill in a surging 5.8 seconds, yet returns a thrifty combined average fuel consumption of 9.9 l/100 km.

This combination of brilliant acceleration with outstanding fuel economy is largely attributable to the Twin Turbo engine’s utilisation of High Precision Direct Injection technology.

Two efficient six-speed transmissions.

Both versions of the new BMW 3 Series Convertible are available with new six-speed transmissions: a manual with close-set ratios ensuring seamless power delivery and a revised automatic incorporating new electronics that allow faster, more responsive performance with maximised fuel economy.

The new automatic transmission responds to driver input in just 100 milliseconds and executes shifts 40 per cent faster than a conventional automatic.

Through manual transmission-like direct connection between engine and gearbox, where the clutch in the torque converter minimises slip, the new automatic also contributes to fuel economy.

An outstanding chassis.

The new BMW Convertible offers a close to ideal 50-50 weight distribution and utilises the advanced 3 Series suspension system to produce outstanding levels of handling, road holding and comfort.

Featuring a double-joint tie bar, spring-strut front suspension making extensive use of aluminium, and a five-arm rear axle, it boasts the most advanced suspension in its class.

The suspension system has been specially developed to suit the requirements of the BMW 3 Series Convertible and to offer the full BMW experience in terms of road dynamics.

Active steering.

The new BMW 3 Series Convertible is also optionally available with Active steering that sharpens response to racecar levels at low speeds, yet provides sure-footed stability at high speeds.

It achieves this by altering the ratio of the steering according to road speed, meaning that a high ratio is used at low speeds that requires less than two turns of the steering wheel from lock to lock. The ratio lowers as speed increases to provide a more stable feel.

Electronics for enhanced dynamics.

Supporting the BMW 3 Series Convertible’s stable, agile platform are BMW’s electronic safety systems including enhanced DSC Dynamic Stability Control including Dry Braking for optimum brake power in the wet and Brake Pre-Load that ensures even quicker brake standby for instantaneous response when required.

The BMW 3 Series Convertible is also equipped with brake pad condition monitoring accessible to the driver via the on-screen display, as well as cruise control with brake function to provide accurate maintenance of the selected speed even on downhill gradients.

Active Cruise Control, which maintains a set distance from the vehicle travelling in front, is optionally available.

Open or closed: an interior that offers superlative comfort.

Inside, the new BMW 3 Series Convertible ushers in a new world of dynamic open-top motoring combined with all the amenities and security of a fully enclosed coupé.

With the roof up, the new Convertible provides outstanding all-round vision. In particular, the side windows have been increased by 30 per cent over the previous model, contributing to a 38 per cent improvement in rear visibility.

The 2+2 configuration offers passengers easier access to the rear seats along with gains in interior dimensions. Knee room has increased by 10mm, shoulder room by 85mm and elbow room by as much as 118mm. The centre console sweeps from the front of the cabin right through to the rear, creating a distinctive four-passenger ambience, dividing the back seats to create individual comfort for two.

In addition, an integrated drip rail in the roof of the Convertible provides a smart draining solution to ensure the luggage compartment remains free of moisture should the roof be opened again. It also keeps occupants dry when exiting the vehicle.

The Dakota leather upholstery in the new BMW 3 Series Convertible features SunReflective Technology, which reflects infra-red radiation from direct sunlight leaving the leather up to 20°C cooler than conventional leather providing superior open-top motoring comfort.

With power seats for driver and front-seat passenger, Piano Black highlights on the instrument panel, doors and centre console, as well as tasteful, discreet touches of pearl chrome, the 3 Series Convertible is a luxurious place to be, top up or down.

Satellite navigation is also a standard fitting in the new 3 Series Convertible, the 325i using BMW’s Business Navigation System with a 6.5-inch colour monitor, and the 335i featuring BMW’s Professional Navigation System with an 8.8-inch colour monitor including TV function and voice recognition.

Practicality is not forgotten either with the addition of a through-loading system with an integrated transport bag for containing items such as golf bags. The split folding rear seat, which is unique to this segment, can be used for additional luggage space, while the standard Storage Compartment Package provides folding storage boxes in the inner door panels to prove additional storage capacity for smaller items.

iDrive with eight favourite buttons.

BMW’s iDrive system set the stage for a new era in driver-machine interface in which a single, ergonomic control was used to access a multitude of functions.

Now, iDrive has been upgraded with the addition of eight favourite buttons that allow instant operation of regularly used functions such as preferred radio stations, regularly dialled telephone numbers or navigation settings.

The display screen for iDrive is also located where it is quickly and safely visible to the driver and is designed to be easily accessed by the front seat passenger.

With BMW, safety is a given.

The new BMW 3 Series Convertible offers the highest level of torsional stiffness ever achieved for a BMW Convertible through extra stiffening of the floor pan and the innovative use of new, weight optimised structural elements.

The result is a 50 per cent increase in torsional stiffness over the previous model providing best in class rigidity.

Helping the new BMW 3 Series Convertible retain a close 50-50 front-rear weight distribution, the Convertible’s front side panels are made of a plastic material half the weight of conventional steel.

These panels are not only light, but also help minimise repair costs through their ability to withstand minor impacts without deformation.

The new 3 Series Convertible is fitted with dual front airbags as well as head-thorax side airbags integrated into the front seats that provide comprehensive side-impact protection.

The Convertible also utilises roll-over sensors that monitor vertical and horizontal movements, activating the rollover bars that deploy from behind the rear seat backrests to protect passengers if the roof is down in a rollover situation. The A-pillars have also been specially strengthened to maximise protection.

The seat-integrated seatbelt system ensures optimum restraint, independent of the seating position, with the additional safety of automatic belt pre-tensioners and belt force limiters.

Standard Bi-Xenon lights also provide brilliant illumination at night, with the 335i also featuring Adaptive Headlights that follow curves in the road ahead and incorporate Turning Lights, which compliment the Adaptive Headlight function. Activated at speeds up to 65 km/h by the indicator stalk or a corresponding steering wheel movement, Turning Lights offer enhanced visibility at close range for significantly enhanced safety when turning into side streets or manoeuvring. High-Beam Assist is also standard on the 335i, which automatically dips the lights with the approach of oncoming traffic or if roadside illumination is sufficient to make high beam unnecessary when activated.