Performance Motors Announces the new 3 Series Cabriolet

Performance Motors Ltd (PML) introduces the dynamic fourth generation of the
BMW 3 Series Convertible, the final addition to the most popular premium compact
saloon range in Singapore which includes a saloon, coupé and touring
model. Available as the 160kW / 218bhp 325i or 225kW / 306bhp twin turbo 335i,
the new car sets the benchmark again in the convertible class.

World-Class Design

The full redesign of the BMW 3 Series, which was declared the 2006 World Car
of the Year by an international jury of 46 international automotive journalists,
epitomises the perfect balance between style, performance, luxury and practicality.

The same design philosophy is inherent in the new BMW 3 Series Convertible,
with a number of advanced and innovative features: for the first time on this
model, an electronically retractable hardtop; extremely stiff bodyshell; increased
visibility out of the cabin; and SunReflective seat cooling leather, a world
first.

While being a member of the BMW 3 Series family, the Convertible is a genuine
individualist. The new model clearly stands out from its Saloon counterpart,
and in a comparison with the BMW 3 Series Coupé, all similarities end
at the windscreen.

Open or closed – tropical motoring at its best

The hardtop for the new four-seater BMW 3 Series Convertible adds safety, durability,
and all-around practicality. BMW’s attention to detail avoids the compromises
which are the norm for this class of vehicle.

With the roof up, the driver and passengers enjoy a tranquil, smooth drive
with more interior space, visibility and a cheery ambience than ever, thanks
to the large windows and slimmer C- pillar. Compared to the former 3 Series
Convertible model, the rear side windows are 30 per cent larger and visibility
to the rear has been enhanced by 38 per cent.

The lightweight, three piece hardtop opens in a class-leading 22 seconds, disappearing
completely into the rear end, and pops back up in 23 seconds – speed being
highly advantageous to shelter from our tropical rain showers. As an option,
the roof functions may be operated via the remote control.

Top down, the joy of BMW open air motoring allows the car’s occupants
to experience the symphony of sporty exhaust and melodious engine notes. An
extremely stiff body with supreme torsional stiffness – the highest of
any current open-air BMW – gives the new 3 Series convertible superior agility,
uncompromising dynamism and solid composure on the road.

With the top stowed, the air-conditioning can be regulated according to preference
– taking sun and temperature readings from the vehicle’s exterior to better
distribute air flow or from the interior.

BMW is one of the first carmakers in the world to use a new process for treating
leather surfaces referred to as SunReflective Technology. In this case modified
colour pigments serve to reflect the infra-red radiation contained in sunlight,
effectively preventing the overheating effect otherwise experienced particularly
in perfect weather for open-air motoring. In short, the new BMW 3 Series Convertible
opens a whole new world of driving pleasure.

Practicality by Design

BMW’s design implementation makes minimal compromises – only reducing the 350
litres of luggage space available with the top up to 210 litres with it down.
Even with the roof down, luggage space is equivalent to two golf bags. As the
rear-seat backrest tilts, the rear part of the passenger compartment may be
used as an additional large, flat surface storage area – ideal for transporting
even bulky objects. Furthermore, an optional ‘through-loading system’
facilitates golf bags loaded through from the luggage compartment to the rear
of the passenger compartment.

Folding storage boxes in the inner door panels provide substantial capacity
for odds and ends, with the additional advantage of keeping belongings out of
sight.

Refined open air performance

Powered by the world’s first straight-six power unit incorporating Twin
Turbo technology, High Precision Injection, and an all-aluminium crankcase,
the BMW 335i Convertible raises the roof for cars in this segment with a thrilling
225 kW/306 hp and maximum torque of 400 Newton-metres. The 3.0 litre power unit
accelerates the new BMW 3 Series Convertible from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.0
seconds, and a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). Peak torque of
400Nm from just 1,300rpm through to 5,000rpm gives a real surge of effortless
power, acceleration and flexibility.

Combined with the standard six-speed automatic transmission which shifts by
up to 40% faster than previous versions through paddles on the steering wheel
(335i), the car provides breathtaking performance. Rear-wheel drive, near 50:50
weight distribution, an intelligent mix of innovative and proven materials,
the stiffened chassis and the most advanced suspension system in its class ensure
the new BMW 3 Series Convertible is as good to drive as it is to cruise in.

The BMW 335i convertible’s fuel consumption on the combined cycle is
9.9Ll/100km, underlining BMW’s philosophy of Efficient Dynamics.

The 325i Convertible, with its all-new 160kW / 218hp six-cylinder engine develops
250Nm of torque powering it to the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.4 seconds and a top
speed of nearly 240km/h. However, it is still capable of a combined consumption
figure of 9.2Ll/100km.

Advanced Safety

The new BMW 3 Series Convertible boasts a confidence-inspiring, high-performance
brake system, with the world’s first continuous wear indicator providing
permanent, ongoing information on the condition of the brake pads. Standard
is BMW’s DSC Dynamic Stability Control – in its latest guise not
only masterminding ABS control of the brakes and the stability of the car on
slippery surfaces by intervening in the brakes or reducing engine power, but
also compensating for brake fade. ‘Dry Braking’ also optimises brake
power in the wet by preparing the brakes for an emergency stop. Frontal and
head/thorax airbags, belt latch tensioners, belt force limiters are activated
by sensor-controlled electronic safety systems to provide optimal safety for
the 3 Series Convertible’s occupants. Electronic rollbars, which activate
in the event of a rollover behind the rear headrests, provide extra safety.

Luxury specification

Performance Motors is offering three versions of the new BMW 3 Series Convertible:
the BMW 325i Convertible with standard equipment retailing for S$215,800, a
325i Highline version forS$235,800, and the top of the line 335i for S$265,800.

The high level of standard equipment includes: 6 speed automatic gearbox, Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC), Park Distance Control (PDC) rear, Runflat Indicator,
Rain Sensor and automatic driving lights, cruise control with brake function,
leather Dakota seats, front and side airbags and Xenon headlights.

The 325i Highline adds equipment such as Navigation System Professional, a
comfort access system, upgraded hi-fidelity in-car entertainment system and
front sports seats. The 335i Convertible Highline, meanwhile, ups the equipment
level even further with additional luxuries like adaptive headlights and a Sports
leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles and multifunction.