Car Design News: OFFICIAL: BMW M3 Convertible Revealed

Page 1: Summary
Page 2: In Detail: Part 1
Page 3: In Detail: Part 2
Page 4: In Detail: Part 3
Page 5: Specifications

Interior design: focusing on an active driving experience.

Through the athletic design of its body, the new BMW M3 Convertible clearly proves its sporting qualities with the hardtop both open and closed.
The interior supplements this particular flair and appearance, seeking to offer the driver the optimum driving experience and to give all occupants a beautiful ambience tailored to their needs and preferences. Powerful contours and flowing lines emphasising in particular the concave and convex surfaces surround the four seats. The horizontal lines dominating the dashboard area and the harmonious surfaces on the side panels add a particularly dynamic touch to the interior.

The control area formed by the cockpit flows between the front seats into the centre console oriented in its geometry to the driver through its discreet sweeping shape. The console itself is finished in black leather, harmoniously continuing the instrument surrounds and control area in both colour and design. Three function switches (Power, DSC Off, and optional EDC) are positioned on the side facing the driver to activate or deactivate the electronic dynamic driving programs.

Over and above the clear design and optimum ergonomics of all controls and instruments, the choice of colours within the interior also serves to help the driver concentrate on driving conditions and the particular experience he enjoys in his new BMW M3 Convertible. Regardless of the equipment colour chosen by the driver, the footwells and the upper section of the instrument panel are finished in Anthracite. In addition, the dark roof lining on the hardtop and the lining on the A-pillars in the same colour emphasise the clear orientation to the driver so typical of BMW M.

The consistently dark colour scheme around the windscreen again helps the driver concentrate in full on the road and traffic conditions. Moving on to the front passenger and the passengers sitting at the rear, the colour scheme also enhances the experience of driving and enjoying a genuine sports car.
The door panels and rear side panels, for example, appear lower than they actually are through the use of black leather. A double seam emphasising the exclusive character of the materials chosen and their finish separates the upper section of the door and side panels from the interior sections and surfaces finished in the respective equipment colour.

BMW M all the way: rev counter with a variable warning zone.

Right from the start when getting into the car, the driver and passengers will see from the M logo on the door entry strips that this Convertible is a genuine BMW M3 � a car unique in its own right. The dual circular instruments typical of BMW, the speedometer and fuel gauge as well as the rev counter and oil temperature gauge all come in special BMW M design and visualise the supreme power and performance of the eight-cylinder. The numbers stand out clearly in white from a black background, the indicator needles in the traditional red of BMW M are particularly easy to see and follow.

The variable warning field on the rev counter is again typical of a BMW M Car informing the driver during the warm-up phase of the speed at which he can run the engine, depending on current engine oil temperature: The borderline between the pre-warning area in yellow and the warning area in red moves up on the new BMW M3 Convertible as a function of increasing oil temperature until finally reaching its limit of 8,400 rpm.Digital indicators showing the time, the outside temperature, mileage and telltale control lights are positioned between the two circular dials.

The M leather steering wheel is the perfect interface between man and machine. Its rim with special thumb contours resting in the driver�s hands in sporting style ensures an optimum grip for precise movements of the steering wheel. The spokes in the wheel house the remote control buttons for the audio system and mobile phone and, as an option, the Mdrive button activating the various set-ups saved in the car. A further button may be programmed by iDrive, offering the driver a personalised function.

Wide range of personalisation options in the interior.

The front seats specially made for open-air motoring with their integrated belt systems have again been modified to the specific requirements of BMW M, ensuring excellent side support even in particularly fast and dynamic bends.
As an option both the driver and front passenger can enjoy seats with backrests adjustable for width.

The new BMW M3 Convertible comes as standard with high-quality leather on all four seats. This newly developed Novillo fully tanned leather offering a particularly elegant and sporting touch through its smooth and soft surface, is available either in classic Black or in Palladium Silver, Bamboo Beige and Fox Red.

As a further option the range of Novillo leather may be extended to the lower section of the dashboard, the lid on the glove compartment, and the side panels on the centre console.

Sun Reflective Technology featured on the leather surfaces of the new BMW M3 Convertible ensures unlimited driving pleasure with the roof down in bright sunshine and summer weather. Special cooling pigments integrated into the material reduce surface heating as a result of sunshine by up to 20� C, even when the car has been parked in bright sunshine for a long time with the roof down. In practice this means that while the leather upholstery will be relatively warm after being exposed to the sun for a long spell, it will not get hot.

Four exclusive trim strip options extending across the entire width of the dashboard beneath the control display and instrument cluster offer further options in personalising the new BMW M3 Convertible. Interior trim in Titanium Shadow comes as standard on the new model, with optional Aluminium Shadow, Carbon leather, and a high-class wood option using fine-grain plane wood finished in Anthracite. Each of these trim options gives the interior of the Convertible its very special touch ranging from technical all the way to sporting and elegant.

Unique: automatic air conditioning with a special convertible mode.

The new BMW M3 Convertible comes as standard with automatic air conditioning. And in this case the temperature control features an additional so-called convertible mode for use with the roof down. Once the driver has opted for this mode, the flow of air and ventilation depends less on the current temperature inside the car and more on the outside temperature and the actual degree of sunshine.

Not only the air conditioning, but also the supply of fresh air when driving with the roof down may be adjusted to different requirements. This is made possible by the wind deflector offered as standard to reduce air swirl within the interior also at high speeds. The wind deflector fits firmly in position on side supports at the rear, and is then pulled up to provide its full effect.

Since the rotary button for the holding mechanism moves the attachment points on both sides of the wind deflector, one person alone is able to fit the deflector easily and safely into position either on the driver�s or the front passenger�s side. And last but not least, the wind deflector panel covering the rear seats may be tilted up at any time to take up bags, shopping and other utensils whenever required.

Perfect visibility: bi-xenon headlights featured as standard, Adaptive Headlights and High-Beam Assistant coming as an option.

Featuring bi-xenon dual headlights as standard, the BMW M3 Convertible ensures perfect illumination of the road in the dark. The headlights come with corona rings typical of BMW to provide an appropriate daytime driving function. When activating the daytime lights, two light rings come on in each of the two headlight units, giving the car a striking look not only in the interest of better visibility, but also to create a clear sign of identification specific to the brand.

The new BMW M3 Convertible is available as an option with Adaptive Headlights guaranteeing appropriate illumination of the road ahead in accordance with any bends or winding roads the driver may be taking. The direction of rotation of the headlights depends on the current steering lock, the yaw rate and the road speed of the car.

Another feature included in this option is the Bending Lights activated at a speed of up to 40 km/h or 25 mph as soon as the driver operates the direction indicator or turns the steering wheel firmly in one or the other direction. These Bending Lights ensure optimum illumination of the road ahead when manoeuvring and in tight serpentines.

The High-Beam Assistant also available as an option ensures additional comfort when driving at night. The system switches back automatically to the low beam once vehicles coming in the opposite direction are in sight or the distance to a vehicle driving ahead drops below a certain limit.

iDrive control with eight favourite buttons.

BMW iDrive control complete with the Controller positioned on the centre console serves to mastermind the air conditioning, communication, navigation and entertainment functions. The control display arranged at eye level in the middle of the instrument panel then presents the status of the functions chosen, together with further options in the respective menu or, whenever required, the graphic map displayed by the optional navigation system.

BMW iDrive also serves to configure the settings on the optional MDrive control system.To simplify operation of iDrive control to an even higher standard, the driver is able to use eight personalised favourite buttons. So just by pressing one button, he is able to retrieve telephone numbers he dials particularly often, a regular destination, or his favourite radio station.

Various navigation systems, the mobile BMW Online internet portal, and the BMW Assist telematics service are all available as options. On cars fitted
with a navigation system including a preparation kit for a mobile phone and a Bluetooth interface, the driver may use BMW TeleServices free of charge.
The range of functions offered in this way extend from the Automatic Teleservice Call via the Manual Teleservice Call all the way to BMW Teleservice Diagnosis including Teleservice Help. To make a Teleservice call, the car independently � using the CBS Condition Based Service function as an on-board diagnostic system � determines the type of service required next and when it is needed.

To determine the next visit to a workshop, the new BMW M3 Convertible is able to transmit data on engine oil, brake fluid, brake discs and pads as well as other parts and components subject to wear and tear through a telephone line to the driver�s BMW Service Partner.

In the event of an electronic deficiency or malfunction, BMW Teleservice Diagnosis serves to transmit any defect codes to BMW Breakdown Assistance. And if it is possible to remedy the cause of the defect by re-setting the software on the appropriate control unit, the command required for this purpose may be sent directly to the car from the BMW Breakdown Assistance Centre.

BMW Individual High End Audio System for perfect sound quality.

The new BMW M3 Convertible comes as standard with a high-class audio system. The CD drive included in this audio system is also able to play music files in MP3 format. As an option supplementing the AUX-in plug featured as standard, the driver has the choice of a USB interface serving to integrate various external MP3 players or other data media such as a conventional USB stick into the car�s audio system.

As a further option the new BMW M3 Convertible may also be equipped with the BMW Individual High End Audio System developed by BMW M GmbH and tailored exclusively to this very special model. In this case 16 high-performance loudspeakers with neodym magnetic drive and extremely stiff Hexacone membranes, a digital nine-channel amplifier with maximum output of 825 Watt, and extra-precise frequency switches guarantee unparalleled quality of sound.

Another feature quite unique in the world of motoring is Dirac Live technology for processing sound signals, correcting the loudspeaker pulse and thus ensuring linear playback of all sounds within the car in perfect time synchronisation.

The quality of sound ensured in this way, the unique playback and rendition of even the most exquisite and intricate sounds, will thrill not only the driver, but rather all occupants in the new BMW M3 Convertible, offering them all an exceptional experience in dynamic sound with all its facets.

Speed-related volume control and speed-related equalising also help to ensure an optimum experience in sound in all situations and under all conditions.

The BMW Individual High End Audio System is masterminded by the iDrive Controller, with its main functions being controlled via the audio control units on the centre console.

The BMW M3 Convertible: supreme performance is the objective, sheer driving pleasure is the result.

The BMW M3 Convertible offers many new opportunities to experience supreme performance and enjoy equally supreme freedom. And in all cases it is the driver�s choice to enjoy particular options and emotions at the wheel. For the BMW M3 Convertible offers power reserves the driver will use in full only very rarely � power reserves of the same unique calibre as in the two other versions of the BMW M3 � but wonderful to have and savour whenever you wish.

A wide range of options in configuring the driving dynamics and driver assistance systems enables the driver also of the open-air BMW M3 to enjoy all his preferences in practice and in every respect. And thanks to its retractable hardtop, the BMW M3 Convertible offers an additional, truly unique option: With the roof closed, this new model provides the unrestricted comfort and style of a genuine coup�. With the roof open, the driver and his passengers enjoy equally unrestricted freedom with an incomparable feeling of the sun and wind around them. So there is no need for compromises, regardless of the roof�s position.

Like its Coup� and Saloon counterparts, the BMW M3 Convertible offers truly unique style and character. It is indeed the unique qualities of the car that give this third model in the M3 range its fascinating, individual aura, while nevertheless retaining the core qualities and features of the BMW M3: Technology derived from motorsport ensures superior performance at all times and, as a result, a unique driving experience on the road. First and foremost, therefore, the Convertible remains a fully-fledged BMW M3 � a high-performance car able to offer the driver a truly supreme and dynamic driving experience day in and day out.

Even though the full power and performance of the BMW M3 can only be used on the race track, the car�s impressive supremacy also in city traffic and on country roads ensures sheer driving pleasure in a particularly fascinating rendition. And even that is not all, for there are countless roads and routes the world over which, while being thoroughly enjoyable in the BMW M3 Convertible with the roof closed, offer an even higher level of enjoyment and satisfaction with the roof open in perfect convertible weather. So whoever demands top performance and knows how to enjoy supreme pleasure in life will be thrilled time and again by the new BMW M3 Convertible.

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