Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, BMW

The expansion of BMW’s M3 lineup is expected to take place sooner than we anticipated, and a new version of the Bavarian bomber will finally put the oft-maligned sequential gearbox to rest. According to Auto Telegraaf, BMW will be debuting the M3 sedan at a major Stateside auto show, likely L.A. or Detroit, and along with an extra set of doors, it’ll be sporting the automaker’s new dual-clutch gearbox. Rumored to be dubbed “M DCT,” the new ‘box will get seven forward gears that can be controlled by either a new shift lever, much like the one found in the new X5, or steering-wheel mounted paddles shifters. BMW also plans to offer a traditional six-speed manual for those who prefer to row their own gears.

The regularly spied convertible version of the M3 is also on its way, which is proving to be an engineering challenge for the M-division due to the extra tonnage the retractable hardtop tacks onto the curb weight. We’ve heard that a track-bred CSL is also under development, and that its debut is likely to take place some time in 2009.

[Source: Auto Telegraaf via Motor Authority]

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Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, BMW

Where do BMW fans go on vacation? The ‘Ring, of course. If you’re taking that type of jaunt, you’d be forgiven for leaving your pants at home, but should you neglect to pack the zoom lens, woe unto you. With the E92 M3 arriving in the hungry driveways of customers, the Bayerische wizards are readying sedan and cabriolet versions of the M3, and a quick New Jersey BMW enthusiast snapped the cars near the Eifel mountain’s most famous attraction. The sedan’s looks don’t improve, and the 3-series cabrio is already the best looking car they’ve currently got, so there’s nothing outwardly earth-shattering about the new flavors of M3. Performance-wise, though, the four door and floptop flavors of the M3 will share the palpitation-inducing abilities of the coupe, and let’s not forget about the upcoming CSL, which sheds weight and ups the ante. More variants of the uber-3 equals more fun for everyone. We’re holding out for a wagon, so the whole family can don helmets and go rippin’ around.

[Source: Fast Lane Daily]

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Filed under: Convertibles, BMW

Click on above image for the hi-res gallery of the 2007 BMW 1-Series Convertible

Though the 1-Series will be BMW’s smallest and cheapest model, the Bavarian brand isn’t skimping on the car that huge numbers of people are anticipating. A portion of those people can’t wait for a drop top version, and BMW has just released all the pics and info of its newest cabriolet.

Just like the couple, it will come in 128i and 135i flavors, the former offering 215 HP and the latter 306 HP and 300 lb-ft. The drop top descends in just 22 seconds, and to make sure you stay just as comfy when it’s down, the climate control system comes with a convertible mode. Plenty more innovations await in the car slated to arrive early next year, follow the jump to read all about them in the full press release. And be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res images, as well.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Officially Official: BMW 1-Series Convertible

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Filed under: Car Buying, Convertibles, Coupes, BMW

Click the image above for a gallery of high-res pics of the 2008 BMW 6-series.

BMW released the details on the 2008 6-series today, and after wading through the lengthy press release, the only exterior changes we could come up with is a mildly revised fascia and LED taillamps. On the engineering side, BMW added a lane-departure warning system and a new electronic shifter with an optional Sport Automatic that blips the throttle when you grab the “-” paddle on the steering wheel. The new cost of entry for the 650i coupe is $76,375, while the 650i convertible comes in at a cool $83,475.

BMW’s exceeding long-winded press release is posted after the jump.

Continue reading BMW slaps a refreshed nose on the 6, plus new prices

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Filed under: Garage, Convertibles, BMW

click above image for high-res gallery of the BMW 335i Convertible

Thanksgiving is when I put the snow tires back on the cars. Here in New England, you never know what’s going to happen; we’ve had our first snowfall already. Freezing temperatures also tend to herald the end of convertible season, though there still may be one or two Indian Summer days where dropping the top without freezing your earlobes is possible. Sadly, the BMW 335i convertible left our driveway long before the first frost, leaving us only memories.

The Thanksgiving holiday also heralds the beginning of the special hell that is the holiday shopping season. Don’t know what to get that special someone? Drawing a blank when composing your wish list? Pencil this in: BMW 335i Convertible. Done and done.

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: BMW 335i Convertible

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Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertibles, BMW

click above for more high-res live shots of the BMW 1 Series Convertible

The final reveal in BMW’s three-movement press conference was a drop-top version of its perfectly-sized 1 Series. While some in the audience might have preferred that the preceding female dancers had instead lost their tops, this vehicle was not a bad consolation prize.

Available in naturally-aspirated (128i) and forced-induction (135i) flavors, the 1 Series ‘vert offers wind-in-your-face motoring in a mere 22 seconds by virtue of its electrohydraulic power soft top. Technical goodies abound, such as VALVETRONIC, an on-demand electric water pump that uses only 1/10th the power of a standard water pump and only runs when required, and pop-up roll bars to protect the occupants in case the vehicle goes rubber-side up. Additionally, the 135i gets an electronically-controlled limited slip differential to help cope with its additional 70 HP, as well as six-piston calipers up front to bleed off all of that speed.

BMW made note of the boat-like shape of the “shoulder” (the character line just below the 1 Series’ beltline), and we gotta admit that it looks this way in person. More important than how design features are described is how well the overall package works, and the 1 Series is indeed attractive as a convertible. Consider approved by Autoblog. A variety of M Series options are available on both cars to spruce up the exterior and interior, with the 135i already getting a version of the M Aerodynamics Package as standard equipment.

Oh yeah, the price: the 128i Convertible will start at $33,875 while the hopped up 135i will break your bank at $39,875. Yikes!

Continue reading Detroit 2008: BMW announces pricing for BMW 1 Series Convertible

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Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Geneva Motor Show, BMW

One enthusiast from the Netherlands described the E93 thusly: “Super vette bak!” We’re pretty sure that translates to “super fat barge,” though the overly-literal “super oily bake” has its own charm. If you’re into cabrios, maybe mutating the phrase to “super phat barge” is more palatable. Our friend from NL was referring to the 200-plus extra pounds the M3 cabrio will be hauling around versus its sedan counterparts. The folding-roof M3 doesn’t officially debut until the Geneva Auto Salon in March, but a German magazine jumped the gun and posted images on their website. Embargo apparently broken, the pictures continue to propagate about the internet.

The biggest news with the pending debut of the convertible M3 is the gearbox. The new seven-speed dual-clutch replacement for the SMG transmission, dubbed M-DKG, is reported to debut with the M3 cab and will be available across all bodystyles of the M3 simultaneously. Wheel-mounted paddles will let you blip your heart out, and the new cog swapper will likely outrun cabrios fitted with traditional manuals, reportedly making the sprint in about 5.3 seconds.

[Source: M3Post via Motor Authority]

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