Used Car 2011

As we reported last week, BMW unveiled today it's 4th generation 3 Series Convertible which goes by the code name E93. For the first time, not only in the 3 Series history but also in BMW's, a bavarian Convertible model features a three-piece electronically operated retractable hard-top, or to make it simple, it's a Coupe-Cabrio.

While it's looks are quite good, one shouldn't forget that like all convertibles -even Coupe-Cabrios, the open top 3 Series is all about compromises. It may seem that it can do the same as it's Coupe counterpart but in reality, like all models of it's kind it has less space (boot & rear passengers), it's heavier and less rigid than a Coupe.

Sales: Due to be presented at the at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on 7 January, 2007, the 3 Series Convertible will go on sale in Europe in March of the same year.

Roof Top: The roof can be stowed or raised in approximately 22 seconds and as it features a larger rear glass windscreen and side windows, visibility has improved by 38 per cent compared to the outgoing 3 Series Convertible.

With the roof up 350 litres of storage capacity beckons while with the roof down, the boot accommodates up to 210 litres of luggage. In another world first, the rear seat backrests of a 3 Series Convertible can also be folded flat to provide additional storage space.

As an option, a through loading system with transport bag can also be specified to allow for longer or bulkier items to be accommodated and it can still be used when the folding metal roof is lowered.

SunReflective Technology: The new BMW 3 Series Convertible can also be specified with the world's first Sun-Reflective Technology leather upholstery. Special pigments embedded into the leather help reflect infra-red radiation ensuring treated areas that are exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period can remain up to 20 degrees cooler compared to untreated leather.

Engine Range: In the beginning of it's career the 3 Series Convertible will be offered as a 325i (3.0 - 218 Hp) & 335i (3.0 bi-turbo - 306 Hp). Latter on BMW will add the 320i which gets an updated version of BMW's 4cylinder 2.0 that has an output of 170 Hp (from 150Hp), the 330i (3.0 - 272 Hp) and the 330d (3.0 diesel - 231 Hp).

Model	Power	Torque	0-62mph /100km/h	Top speed mph-km/h	Combined mpg -lt/100km
320i	170 Hp	210 Nm	9,2 sec	136 - 220	42,2 - 6,7
325i	218 Hp	270 Nm	7,6 sec	152 - 245	35,8 - 7,9
330i	272 Hp	320 Nm	6,7 sec	155 - 250	34,9 - 8,1
335i	306 Hp	400 Nm	5,8 sec	155 - 250	28,5 - 9,9
330d	231 Hp	500 Nm	7,1 sec	152 - 245	40,9 - 6,9