Friday 17th June 2005

BMW builds folding roof convertible

Metal roof differentiates 3-Series Coupé open-top

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Today's 3-Series Convertible

BMW plans to launch a 3-Series Coupé Cabriolet -- and instead of the Convertible's fabric roof, it'll get a folding metal kit. Codenamed E93, Auto Express reports that the E93 may get a unique headlamp design in a bid to differentiate it from other 3-Series cars.

Motive power will consist of 2.0, 2.5 and 3.5-litre petrol engines, and 2.0 and 3.5-litre diesels. The M division is reportedly working on a powerful V8-propelled model with a semi-automatic gearbox.

There's no news on prices but you can assume that folding metal roof structures are not cheap. Look to see the car first at a European motor show next year -- probably Geneva -- with an on-sale date shortly after.

No, we're not quite sure how it differs from the existing Convertible either,as even the inside's going to look similar to the standard 3-Series, apparently...

[Rob_F]

This is going to be rediculously overpriced isn't it? Still going to sell faster than freshly baked cakes tho'...

Cheers,
Rob.

[nickjm]

Rob_F said:

This is going to be rediculously overpriced isn't it? Still going to sell faster than freshly baked cakes tho'... Cheers, Rob.

mmmmm freshly baked cakes....

[klassiekerrally]

Folding roof cakes???

I can't get excited by the looks of the 3-series. It's so safe, almost boring. No, forget almost: it's boring. From the back it could be anything. If there was a Toyota badge on the back, I'd believe it.

[maddog-uk]

Actually I still think back to my 328i convertible days occasionally, apart from the engine issues, it was a good car. I ook forward to seeing this in the flesh.

[dcb]

maddog-uk said:

Actually I still think back to my 328i convertible days occasionally, apart from the engine issues, it was a good car. I ook forward to seeing this in the flesh.

I'm looking forward to seeing the 335.

If it's got a 500 liter boot as well, I'm in.

[computamedic]

I thought this was muted some time ago as a possible "4-Series" car??

Apparently the plan was (is) to take the coupe away from the 3-Series completely and introduce the new Coupe/Cabriolet as a distinct 4-Series car. With no new Compact (because the market has been taken by the 1 Series) the 3 Series will exist only as a saloon and touring (later)

Maybe only BMW Management know!!

Dave

[festernath]

Was someone bored and just decided to write up some thoughts on what a new 3 Series Ci convertible might be like? Why no 3 litre petrol/diesel for example. And is there a 2.2 litre petrol engine too?

[john_p]

I will take this with a large pinch of salt until I see official/"official" pictures. I did get a hint from someone within the M-division that the coupe was basically finished, but not sure on the convertible. We shall see.

[xxplod]

I've a funny feeling Mrs XXPLOD is going to want one of these, should it be launched.