First BMW Convertible with Retractable Hardtop Available Next Spring


BMW has released images of its anticipated new 3 Series Convertible that goes on sale next spring. It is the company’s first convertible model to include a retractable metal hardtop. Previous models featured a traditional soft-top.
The three-piece hardtop takes 22 seconds to lower and 23 seconds to raise, which is comparable to the operation time of the folding hardtops on the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class and the Volvo C70. Occupants can remain in the vehicle as the top raises and lowers, said BMW spokesman Bill Scully. A $500 Comfort Access Package enables owners to press a button on the key fob to put the top up or down without getting into the car, as well as start up the engine and unlock the doors.
When stowed, the convertible top consumes 40 percent of the car’s trunk space, which measures 12.25 cubic feet with the top up and 7.35 cubic feet with the top down. However, the rear seats do fold down to expand cargo capacity.

The compact 335i and 328i Convertibles will premier at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan. 7. Like their recently launched fixed-roof siblings, the new convertibles seat four occupants. Much of their styling and content, including the engines and transmissions, will be identical to that of the coupes, but the convertibles will weigh about 400 pounds more, Scully said.

The 328i will feature a 230-hp 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. The more powerful 335i will put out 300 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque with a turbocharged version of the inline six-cylinder engine. The 335i is said to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds when paired with the standard six-speed manual transmission and 6.7 seconds when equipped with the optional six-speed automatic. The latter includes steering-wheel paddles for manual shifting. The 328i goes from zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds with the manual and 7.2 seconds with the automatic.


Antilock brakes with advanced functionality, stability and traction control and multiple airbags are standard. Passengers are further protected by roll bars in the rear-seat headrests that automatically deploy along with the airbags when the vehicle’s computer senses an imminent rollover