Detroit Auto Show: BMW 3 Series Convertible To Make World Debut

New retractable hardtop with power-operated three-piece steel roof for safety and convenience

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - December 20, 2006…The fourth generation of BMW's 3 Series four-seat convertible will make its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in January. A new dimension in the world of motoring comes with the introduction of a retractable hardtop for the first time in a BMW.

Made of lightweight steel, the three-piece roof opens in just 22 seconds and folds smoothly into the rear compartment of BMW's newest convertible. The new roof structure ensures a lower level of noise even at high speeds while the ultra-stiff platform provides extreme torsional strength for rigidity and incredible handling inherent to all BMWs.

The new BMW 3 Series Convertible retains all the elegance and unique style that is characteristic of the 3 Series with the top either open or closed. The long and sleek hood, low shoulder line and the broad-shouldered rear end make the new BMW 3 Series Convertible unmistakable from any angle. And with the new retracting hardtop, it offers performance, comfort, safety, and value unique in its segment.

Open or closed - unmistakable at all times The new BMW 3 Series Convertible is characterized by well-balanced proportions with either the roof open or closed. It boasts an unmistakable silhouette that is readily recognizable thanks to its retractable hardtop. With the three roof elements folding conveniently into the luggage compartment, the new model continues the low shoulder-line so typical of a BMW 3 Series Convertible.

Inside the new Convertible, the functional benefits of the hardtop are clear. The only way BMW engineers could exceed the proven qualities of the BMW soft top in terms of resistance to tough winter weather and superior noise control was to switch over to a steel plate structure. The closed roof, with its large windows and fully lined underside, offers the occupants optimum visibility as well as a bright and premium ambience. Compared to the previous generation 3 Series Convertible, the rear side windows are now 30 percent larger and visibility to the rear has been improved by a significant 38 percent.

With the top closed, the low roofline makes the shoulder line of the car the dominating feature from the side, again retaining the impression of sporting elegance at all times. Since there is no conventional "B" pillar, the feeling of open-air driving can still be achieved with just the side windows rolled down.

Approaching the C-pillar, the "Hofmeister kink", a traditional feature of BMW design, can be clearly seen. The rear window is fixed glass with an electric rear defroster for safety and convenience.

Maximum comfort and uncompromising function are the key features of the new roof with its incredible electrohydraulic mechanism. The three-piece steel roof opens automatically in a flowing motion as each lid element rests above the other for a compact package. The rear lid of the Convertible opens rearward and once the roof has been completely opened or closed and the hardtop is locked, the driver is able to open the trunklid in the usual way. The roof opens in just 22 seconds and closes in 23 seconds. The rear lid also comes with a soft-close feature that draws the lid down gently and automatically.

To ensure optimum use of the car's storage capacities in every situation, the roof and luggage compartments are separated from one another by a variable partition swivelling conveniently when the roof is closed in order to provide maximum luggage capacity. Another convenient feature is that the roof can open by remote control when equipped with Comfort Access. Like the roof control switch within the interior, the remote control button must be kept pressed down for safety during the entire opening process as movement of the roof elements will be interrupted whenever the button is released.

A truly individual character within the BMW 3 Series Following the Sedan, Sport Wagon and Coupe, the new 3 Series Convertible is the fourth variant of the highly successful BMW 3 Series line-up. Despite the familial resemblance borne out in many design features typical of the brand, the new Convertible is truly unique. Looking at the front end of the car, all similarities to the BMW 3 Series Coupe are only from the A-pillar forward. The sporting style of the new Convertible starts at the contours of the long and low hood as well as the special design of the front air dam and headlights. The distinctive BMW kidney grilles stand out more upright than the surrounding areas and surfaces.

Flowing lines for true style within the interior Like the exterior, the interior of the new 3 Series Convertible features sleek and flowing lines, powerful and tense surfaces and a highly attractive combination of convex and concave design elements. The controls for air conditioning, the audio and navigation systems are within optimum visibility and within easy reach for the front passenger. Several controls and switches including the door handles and gearshift lever are finished in a sophisticated Pearl Gray metal to ensure a premium tactile feeling with elegant looks.

The side panels display a smooth and sweeping design flow that extends from the dashboard all the way to the backrests on the two rear seats. The center console also extends all the way to the rear, serving as a storage compartment between the rear seats. Ambience lighting, mounted on the door and rear side panels, projects a warm and indirect light effect.

New engines for a perfect combination of muscle and refinement Two versions will be available in the US. The powerful 335i Convertible features BMW's newest inline six-cylinder engine with twin turbochargers and an intercooler for 300 incredibly flexible horsepower, thanks to high precision direct fuel injection with piezo injectors. The 328i Convertible features a 230-hp 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with Valvetronic technology and aluminum/magnesium construction.

The more sporting version of the new 3 Series Convertible, the 335i, is powered by the world's first inline six-cylinder with Twin Turbo and High Precision Direct Injection technology and an all-aluminum crankcase. Rated at 300 hp at 5,800 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque at 1,400 - 5,000 rpm, this 3.0-liter engine offers cutting-edge performance thanks to the theories behind BMW's Efficient Dynamics. Using high-tech materials allows the engine to be a lightweight performer, which helps BMW achieve near 50/50 weight distribution on this and all of its vehicles

The BMW 335i Convertible accelerates to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds for the six-speed manual, and in 5.7 seconds for the six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. Top speed is electronically-controlled to 130 mph and on vehicles equipped with the Sport Package, top speed is governed at 150 mph.

The 328i Convertible is equipped with a the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that delivers 230 smooth horsepower at a peak of 6,500rpm and 200 lb-ft of torque at 2,750 rpm. Featuring BMW's innovative

Valvetronic engine system, which eliminates the conventional throttle body for throttle control, efficiency and power are available over a broader range for silky-smooth operation.

New automatic transmission with optional shift paddles A thoroughly enhanced six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option on both models to meet the greatest demands for comfort and performance. A quicker and more responsive hydraulic control system, together with an innovative new torque converter and significantly enhanced control software ensure reaction times that are 40% faster than conventional automatic transmissions. In addition, gear change timing has been almost halved. The torque converter clutch connects the engine more directly to enhance performance, response and fuel economy.

Should the driver wish to control the sporting character of the transmission directly, the optional paddles on the steering wheel provide direct selection of the gear when in manual mode. Because the gearshift paddles can be activated directly at any time, even if the gear selector lever is in Drive, this manual gearshift function always provides extremely spontaneous performance. Shift paddles are an available option when ordered with automatic transmission and Sport Package.

Innovative suspension technology for maximum precision With power being transmitted to the rear wheels, the rack-and-pinion steering remains free of drive forces. Optional Active Steering varies steering ratio as a function of road speed for higher steering ratio at the same steering wheel angle at low speeds than at high speeds. This enables the driver to control the car even more smoothly and with minimal effort, while remaining precisely on course at high speeds in the interest of maximum safety.

The standard 17-inch alloy wheels run on 225/45R17 tires with runflat technology. Even with a complete loss of pressure in one tire, the vehicle can continue to be driven for up to 150 miles at 50 miles per hour to get to the nearest service station. BMW's new Tire Pressure Monitor watches the pressures in each tire and will warn the driver as soon as the pressure drops more than 25 percent below the optimum level.

DSC with enhanced functions for extra safety and dynamics. The highly effective brake system is further enhanced and upgraded by BMW's Dynamic Stability Control with its many innovative new functions. This latest generation of DSC technology controls brake functions and vehicle stability on slippery roads by applying individual wheel brakes and reducing engine output.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand, the MINI brand, and the ROLLS-ROYCE brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 Roadster and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car centers, 334 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 143 BMW motorcycle retailers, 80 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.