2008 BMW M3 Convertible review

What will impress is the interior quality. The leather is soft, pliable and extremely comfortable. Not to mention the fact that the seat-heaters work virtually instantly – perfect for those bitingly cold winter mornings. The woodgrain is authentic, the plastics are well chosen, and even with the three-piece folding roof up, there’s nary a squeak or rattle in earshot. Truly a well built car.

Plus the handling and balance of the chassis is impressive, too. On turn in there’s virtually no understeer, even at lower speeds. Thank the well judged suspension and Michelin Pilot Sport tyres for that. Want to be a hero and get the back end out? Yes, you can do that too, but it is a little twitchy with that weight hanging around the back end like a huge pendulum. Best to leave the traction control on M-Dynamic mode and just enjoy the drive.

Even the ride is firm but comfortable, with little crash, and excellent damping on both compression and rebound. The steering could be a bit more lively even though it responds well, although at speed the weight and resistance is perfect. So as an overall drive experience it’s quite engaging and a whole lot of fun.

The crux of the matter is this: If you want the lifestyle of a droptop, then the regular 3-series will do just that. Take the 335i convertible for example. It has an award winning motor, it’s very fast, it’s as smooth as King Island double-cream, and is just as well built as the M3. Yet it’s a whopping $50,000 cheaper.

If you want a performance BMW, then the M3 Coupe will offer better thrills, a more precise and involving drive experience, and again, you’ll have $13,000 in your back pocket.

The M3 Convertible will never be a track car, due to the extra weight, which, when really pushing it, causes the normally excellent brakes to fade a little. So it’s confined to the touring/cruising role, which it does very, very well. Even on crisp, dry, winter nights, sink the roof, crank the heaters, whack on the seat warmers and you’ve got an experience like no other.

It’s the sound, though, that really tugs on your heartstrings. Tunnel love has never been better.

Thanks to Jan at OzCarSightings.com for the photo shoot!

CarAdvice Overall Rating:

How does it Drive:
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Specifications:

• Engine: 4.0-litre, V8
• Power: 309kW @ 8300rpm
• Torque: 400Nm @ 3900rpm
• Transmission: M-double clutch transmission with paddle shifts
• Top Speed: 250km/h (limited)
• 0-100km/h: 5.1 seconds
• Fuel Consumption: 12.1 litres/100km (Combined)
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 63 litres
• Fuel Type:98RON
• Airbags: Front, side, & seat
• Safety: ABS, DSC, EBA, EBD,
• Weight: 1830kg