Officially Official: 2008 BMW M3 Convertible goes hardtop

[Andrew 30]

We’ve been pretty busy bringing you live coverage of the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, and have sort of ignored the photo leaks you’ve been seeing since late night of the new BMW M3 Convertible. Well, we’re glad we waited because now we have the official press release and images from the folks over at BMW.

Adding to the already well acclaimed coupe and sedan M3 lineup, the new hardtop BMW M3 Convertible offers open-air fun while you push the 4.0L, 420 horsepower engine with a peak torque of 295 lb-ft.

BMW has not release any pricing or launch date info as of yet.

2008 BMW M3 Convertible Gallery:

Press Release:

The new BMW M3 Convertible

The BMW M3 model family is being upgraded by yet another fascinating player: The new BMW M3 Convertible, the third body version of BMW’s high-performance sports car following the Coupé and Saloon, offers new possibilities to experience uncompromising driving dynamics.

Third body version of the new BMW M3; high-performance convertible from BMW M GmbH unique in its design and technical features; developed on the basis of the BMW 3 Series Convertible; consistent orientation to the high-performance character typical of BMW M, as with the BMW M3 Coupé and the BMW M3 Saloon. Car concept with a consistent, unique tradition: Fourth generation of both the BMW M3 Convertible and the BMW M3 Coupé.

Unique combination of outstanding driving dynamics with aesthetic looks, unparalleled experience of open-air motoring and superior everyday driving qualities in that special combination specific to BMW M. Electrohydraulically operated retractable hardtop ensuring supreme performance in the BMW M3 Convertible with nothing but the sky above.

Authentic BMW M design as the expression of superior drive power; aluminium engine lid with striking powerdome; characteristic front end with large air intakes; powerfully flared wheel arches; specific BMW M interpretation of the classic lines of a BMW Convertible with its dynamically stretched silhouette, low waistline and muscular, low-slung rear end; gill elements in the front side walls; M-specific side sills contoured even more specifically towards the rear of the car as a visual tribute to rear-wheel drive; rear air dam with diffuser optimising the flow of air beneath the car; dual tailpipes typical of BMW M.

Exclusive driving experience: The unique power and performance of a BMW M3 combined with an incomparably intense experience of the sun and wind unique to a BMW Convertible.

The BMW M3 Convertible is powered by BMW M’s brand-new V8 displacing 4.0 litres and developing maximum output of 309 kW/420 hp; maximum torque is 400 Nm/295 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm; maximum engine speed 8,400 rpm, optimum muscle and thrust throughout the entire range of engine speed.

Individual throttle butterflies, variable double-VANOS camshaft control, Brake Energy Regeneration; engine 15 kg lighter than the six-cylinder power unit on the former model.

[Andrew 30]

That is properly badass - esp in white (with what looks to be Doug driving?)

[OLLIE 26]

where do i order one?

[Guest Simon*]

That is properly badass - esp in white (with what looks to be Doug driving?)

I think you're right - it does look like Doug

Got one ordered M3 Fab?

[international 0]

I think you're right - it does look like Doug

Got one ordered M3 Fab?

haha Fab? does look nice in white, all of the 3 series convertibles are hard top now, IIRC the E46 were soft top? New Z4s are still soft top.

[steve R 0]

that is a good looking vert

[PBOY23 0]

white is the new black

[greenday-rulz21 6]

Imagine that going sideways at 150 . Looks sooo mean!

Edited January 17, 2008 by Nick021

[international 0]

white is the new black

hahaha

[M3 Cab 0]

I think you're right - it does look like Doug

Got one ordered M3 Fab?

Im working on it

[Guest Simon*]

Im working on it

Will look forward to seeing it soon then

[M3 Cab 0]

Just wanted to share that the good people at Jeff Grays gave me this to play with yesterday afternoon and i have to say i was completely blown away. From the new 7 speed gearbox to the incredible V8 soundtrack (A number of people got phone calls followed by a flooring of the load pedal ha) i struggled to give it back. It was soooooooo quick and when i gave it back they told me it was only running at 80% til its run in. Bring on the 100%Got to say at $180k is bloody expensive so will wait for someone else to drop a packet on one.

In the meantime anyone need a kidney

[Yuen 16]

Just wanted to share that the good people at Jeff Grays gave me this to play with yesterday afternoon and i have to say i was completely blown away. From the new 7 speed gearbox to the incredible V8 soundtrack (A number of people got phone calls followed by a flooring of the load pedal ha) i struggled to give it back. It was soooooooo quick and when i gave it back they told me it was only running at 80% til its run in. Bring on the 100%Got to say at $180k is bloody expensive so will wait for someone else to drop a packet on one.

In the meantime anyone need a kidney

Nice Have you driven the coupe/sedan? I imagine it's much more fun driving the convertible but wonder if there is noticeable difference in handling.

[E30 325i Rag-Top 2956]

Just wanted to share that the good people at Jeff Grays gave me this to play with yesterday afternoon and i have to say i was completely blown away. From the new 7 speed gearbox to the incredible V8 soundtrack

I saw the BMW NZ demonstator outside Jeff Gray's on Saturday morning, dark grey / black (not 100% was raining hard) with the dark red interior. Looked like sex on wheels in the flesh.

I have often wondered about an M3 cab, if you want a sports car to drive hard = M3 coupe, if you want a convertible to cruise in, top down, why have all the performance blunted by the extra weight and lose stiffness by chopping the roof off?

A tin top would help with the stiffness issue, but still not as sharp as an M3 coupe I would guess.

...would still have one if you gave it to me though!

[M3 Cab 0]

Ive driven the coupe and it is with doubt stiffer and sharper but to be honest the didnt have either of them on the limit. The cab always seems a bit more special to me. Its still a very capable car not to mention fast and ya get more noise which frankly sells it for me.

[pussytamer 0]

Sounds like the hairdresser personality coming again Doug

[M3 Cab 0]

Bahaha na those guys have the New 1 Series verts

[E30 325i Rag-Top 2956]

Ive driven the coupe and it is with doubt stiffer and sharper but to be honest the didnt have either of them on the limit. The cab always seems a bit more special to me. Its still a very capable car not to mention fast and ya get more noise which frankly sells it for me.

Fair point, unless your name is Shumacher you are unlikely to be able to push either car to its limits, even on a track.

The noise with the top down is a big selling point, and with the wind, etc. it would probably seem like you are going faster than in a coupe as well!