2004 BMW M3 Convertible

The BMW M3 convertible is an automobile for individualists - for people who love open-air driving and want to set themselves apart from the crowd, but who have no inclination to give up everyday practicality. Now, there is a new BMW convertible that further heightens the pleasure of top-down driving and offers even greater esthetic distinction. It is the BMW convertible as interpreted by BMW M: the new, unique M3 convertible.

Though identical with the M3 coupe from front end to A-pillar, this is a car with its own identity. Its rising beltline and typical BMW convertible proportions impart a visually lower stance and even stronger esthetic character than the M3 coupe, whose muscularity is already quite impressive. The convertible's length and width are identical with those of the coupe; its height (with the top up) is 0.6 in. lower.

M3 means an even higher level of powertrain performance than is offered by the dynamic 3 Series convertibles. Like its coupe counterpart, the new M3 convertible is powered by the spectacular new M six-cylinder engine, whose unique engineering features and high-rpm concept result in fully 333 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. of torque. These figures represent dramatic progress in performance - increments of 93 hp and 26 lb-ft. over the predecessor M3 engine, itself known as a brilliant performer.

In the convertible's cabin, convertible-specific features add esthetic and functional appeal. Power front sport seats, for example, are standard in the convertible (they are optional in the coupe); they incorporate seat-integrated safety belts and a power easy-entry feature to make entering and exiting the rear seats especially convenient. The new M sport seats, with their adjustable backrest side bolsters, are available optionally. Details like these give the new M3 convertible an even higher-caliber, more luxurious interior than that of its predecessor. (The previous M3 convertible was available through 1999.) ...BMW M3 Convertible: Page 2