2009 E93 BMW M3 Convertible Arriving in Time for Summer

The new BMW M3 sedan’s emigration to Australia is not the only M3 news released this week. BMW has also announced that the Convertible version has its bags packed for Australia as well.

Compared with the two previous generations of the M3 Convertibles offered in Australia the new E93 generation boasts a Retractable Hard-Top, 4.0-litre V8 engine and manual six-speed gearbox as standard.

Mechanically identical to the M3 Coupé, which was introduced last October, the new BMW M3 Convertible also introduces the new seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic, which will be available as an option in the Coupé from next month.

The New BMW M3 Convertible has been designed from the ground up as an open-top four-seater equipped with supercar performance and everyday driveability.

The 309 kW V8 engine produces 400Nm of torque and sprints from 0-100km/h in just 5.3 seconds in six-speed manual transmission guise, while seven-speed double-clutch gearbox equipped cars will knock two tenths off that figure.

“Undoubtedly, one of the biggest thrills will be hearing that V8 M engine on full song. Given Australians’ love affair with V8 engines, we know the new BMW M3 Convertible has been eagerly awaited. Now the fun starts,” said Tom Noble, General Manager, Marketing, BMW Group Australia.

According to BMW, the new M3 Convertible produces more than twice the power of the original 1988 E30 model (not sold in Australia). The popularity of open topped motoring in an M3 is on the rise with around 13,000 examples of the E36 generation M3 Convertible being built, increasing to 30,000 copies in the E46 generation.

The new M3 Convertible is both more fuel efficient and produces less C02 than its predecessor, returning 12.9 litres per 100km on the combined cycle (12.3 litres per 100 km for the double-clutch gearbox).

The E93 Convertible is the first M car to feature a Retractable Hard-Top as standard. The electro-hydraulic roof is fully automatic and can be lowered in just 22 seconds and SunReflective leather allows owners to leave the top down for extended periods without the risk of the seat leather overheating.

SunReflective leather was initially developed by BMW Motorrad to keep motorbike riders cool in hot climates. The surface temperature of the upholstery can remain up to 20 degrees Celsius cooler than conventional leather.

As you would expect from BMW, safety is paramount. The combination of a strong structure and advanced occupant restraint systems means the BMW M3 Convertible offers the highest possible standards of passive and active safety for occupants. Like the 3-Series Convertible, the M3 version is equipped with a rollover sensor system that constantly monitors the vertical and horizontal movement of the car. If the sensors (which are located in the centre of the car, on the B pillars and in the doors) detect that a rollover is imminent, roll bars located behind the rear headrests pop up. At the same time, the front seatbelt pre-tensioners are activated and the head/thorax airbags are deployed.

The M3 Convertible arrives in BMW dealers next month for demonstration purposes, with the first customer deliveries in the final quarter of the year, just in time for summer.

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