Customer deliveries of the new BMW 3 Series Convertible, which will feature for the first time a folding metal hardtop, will begin in March.

SunReflective technology, which reduces heat build-up in leather upholstery exposed to direct sunlight, will become a standard feature in BMW’s fourth generation Convertible.

The silhouette of the new Convertible is characterised by a slender roofline descending down to the rear and a low and smooth shoulder-line. The design also features the traditional ‘Hofmeister Kick’ which appears for the first time on a BMW Convertible.

Naturally, the new BMW 3 Series Convertible provides a dynamic driving experience, enhanced by the choice of travelling fully enclosed in a snug coupé, or open to the elements enjoying all the benefits of open-top motoring.

Boasting greater torsional stiffness than any other BMW Convertible, the new model comes with the choice of a 160 kW straight six magnesium-aluminium engine which powers the 325i or the new top of the range all-aluminium 3.0-litre Twin Turbo petrol engine that delivers 225 kW of power in the 335i.

It takes 22 seconds for the fully-lined retractable hardtop to be lowered. The three-piece lightweight steel roof provides both sound insulation and large windows for good visibility.

With the roof lowered, the boot has 210 litres of luggage space. In addition, the rear section of the seat backs fold flat allowing a through-loading system that means bulkier items can be carried securely.

On sale from 24th March, the BMW 3 Series Convertible starts with the 325i priced at $94,900 (RRP) in six-speed manual transmission guise.

Standard equipment for the 325i Convertible includes seat heating for driver and front passenger, premium Dakota leather upholstery with SunReflective technology, Bi-Xenon headlamps, Brake Force Display two-stage brake lights, 17-inch light alloy wheels, BMW Business navigation system with colour monitor, six-stacker CD player, rear Park Distance Control, automatic climate control and extended lights package for interior illumination, cruise control with brake function, and Bluetooth mobile phone preparation.

From a safety perspective, the 325i Convertible covers all the bases with standard safety systems including DSC Dynamic Stability Control which incorporates DTC Dynamic Traction Control, CBC Cornering Brake Control and DBC Dynamic Brake Control, while dual front airbags and front seat integrated side airbags with combined head airbags complete the passive safety list.

The 2.5-litre magnesium aluminium straight-six engine produces 160 kW of power at 6,500 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 2,750 rpm and 4,000 rpm. The 325i Convertible accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds.

The 325i Convertible, optionally equipped with a six-speed Steptronic Automatic transmission, is priced at $97,500 (RRP).

Further 325i Convertible options include sports seats for driver and front passenger, Active Steering, Sport Suspension, 18 or 19-inch light alloy wheels, Comfort Access, Adaptive Headlights, Active Cruise Control, High Beam Assist and LOGIC7 sound system.

The 335i Convertible will be available in both six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission guise and priced from $121,500 (RRP) and $124,100 (RRP) respectively.

With a power output of 225 kW at 5,800 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 1,300 rpm and 5,000 rpm, the 335i out performs its closest rival by having notably more power and torque, far faster acceleration (0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds) and lower fuel consumption (EU combined 9.9-litres per 100 km).

The 6-speed automatic transmission available in the 335i Convertible has been upgraded to deliver shift times around 40 per cent faster than before. Uniquely available to automatic models is the option for steering wheel mounted shift paddles. These alloy-finished shifters are priced at $200 (RRP).

The 335i Convertible standard specification adds the following features over those of the 325i Convertible: larger front and rear brakes, sports seats for driver and front passenger, 18-inch light alloy wheels, Park Distance Control PDC front and rear, front seat lumbar adjustment, BMW Professional Navigation with 8.8-inch colour monitor and TV and Voice Recognition functions, Hi-Fi loudspeaker system, High Beam Assist and Adaptive Headlights.

2007 BMW 3 Series Convertible.