Woodcliff Lake, NJ – February 7, 2007… Few other automobiles stir emotions quite like a convertible. Whether it's the feeling of freedom created by top-down driving or their seductive shapes, convertibles have long been regarded by many car enthusiasts and casual onlookers alike as providing a one-of-a-kind exhilarating driving experience.
The new BMW 3 Series Convertibles provide a new dimension to that experience with the introduction of a retractable hardtop. Made of lightweight steel and operated by a hydraulic system, the three-piece roof opens in just 22 seconds - takes only one second more to close - and folds smoothly into the rear compartment of BMW's newest convertibles.
The three-element steel roof structure ensures lower noise levels even at high speeds, enhances safety, creates a more luxurious and comfortable cabin and helps stiffen the chassis to provide precise handling. The roof opens automatically in a flowing motion as each of the three elements rests above the other to create a compact package.
The rear lid opens rearward and once the roof has been opened or closed and the hardtop is locked, the driver is able to open the trunklid in the usual manner. The trunklid also comes with a soft-close feature that draws the lid down gently and automatically. The roof and luggage compartments are separated from one another by a partition that swivels when the roof is closed to provide maximum luggage capacity.
Another convenient feature is that the roof can open by remote control when the car is equipped with the Comfort Access option.
Two new 3 Series Convertible models are available in the U.S., both powered by new inline 6-cylinder engines that are more powerful and lighter than their predecessors. The 328i Convertible's 3.0-liter turbine-smooth powerplant produces 230 hp at 6,500 rpm and 200 lb-ft at 2,750 rpm. The 335i Convertible is powered by BMW's first turbocharged gasoline engine in over 20 years, featuring twin turbochargers, an air-to-air intercooler and High Precision direct fuel injection that generate 300 hp.
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