2009 BMW M3 Convertible

With the M3 Coupe having already won our vote, BMW Australia has today announced it will launch the M3 Convertible towards the end of the year.

In terms of performance the convertible is nearly identical to the coupe, except that it will be offered with a new M double-clutch transmission. It will also be the first M3 Convertible available with a Retractable Hard-Top roof.

Not to worry, the topless M3 is still available in a six-speed manual, which will get you from 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds, nonetheless the dual-clutch transmission is actually faster at just 5.1 seconds!

BMW have gone with the formula of 100 bhp per litre and have therefore managed to better the previous generation’s (E46) power to weight ration by 10 percent.

“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.

Despite 309 kW and 400 Nm of torque, the M3 can get away with around 12.9 litres of fuel per 100 km on the combined cycle for the manual and an even better 12.3 for the double-clutch gearbox. The DSG style gearbox also means less CO2 emissions.

The party piece of course, is the new Retractable Hard-Top roof which comes as standard. The electro-hydraulic roof is completely automatic and can have you enjoying the sun in no more than 22 seconds.

You also don’t have to worry about your leather seats overheating as BMW has equipped the M3 Convertible with SunReflective leather. The technology was first developed by BMW Motorrad to keep motorbike riders cool. The leather can stay up to 20 degrees Celsius cooler than conventional leather, BMW says.

“The M3 Convertible will appeal to buyers who want to combine the performance and peerless engineering of a traditional M car with the unique driving experience of an open-top car. With its vast array of new technology and Formula One-inspired engineering – including the option of the new seven-speed double-clutch transmission – the M3 Convertible’s appeal is wider than ever. It’s as close as a BMW owner can get to a Formula One experience. ” he said

Although this is an M car, we wouldn’t expect anything bar the highest levels of safety from any new BMW, and the M3 doesn’t disappoint. Perhaps the most interesting feature of all is the rollover sensor system that constantly monitors the vertical and horizontal movement of the car.

If the system which has sensors in the centre of the car, on the B pillars and in the doors works out that a rollover is imminent, roll bars located behind the rear headrests pop up.

Interested? Get over to your BMW dealership now, but don’t expect your new pride and joy to arrive before the final quarter of the year. At least it will be ready for summer!

BMW M3 convertible standard features

BMW M3 convertible specifications