The new 3 Series Hardtop Convertible

• New retractable hardtop with power-operated three-piece steel roof for
  safety and convenience
• iDrive with Programmable Memory Keys
• Elegant 328i Convertible comes with an Aluminum/Magnesium 3.0-liter inline
  six-cylinder engine featuring Valvetronic rated at 230hp &200 lb-ft of
  torque
• Powerful 335i Convertible features a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline
  six-cylinder engine with 300 hp / 300 lb-ft of torque and Direct Injection
• Luxurious and roomy interior with seating for four and enhanced details

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – October 24th, 2006… The fourth generation of BMW’s 3
Series four-seat convertible makes its world debut at the North American International
Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit on January 7th, 2007. 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.

The 3 Series Convertible’s navigation and radio antennas are integrated within
the car. Therefore, conventional rod-type aerials are not visible and do not
detract from the clean lines of the bodywork. Radio reception with the roof
open is ensured by aerials in the side panels, while aerials in the rear window
are automatically activated as soon as the roof is closed. Vehicles equipped
with SIRIUS satellite radio are equipped with a separate antenna mounted on
the rear decklid.

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.

The new Convertible comes standard with Xenon Adaptive headlights with BMW’s
unique corona ring lights serving as daytime running lamps, providing efficient
daytime illumination. Indeed, these striking light rings make the Convertible
easy to recognize and identify as a BMW at very first sight even at dusk.

Elegance and sleek dynamics

The side view of the car is dominated by the horizontal shoulder line which
gives the new 3 Series Convertible particular style and elegance. The large
wheel arches add sporting and dynamic flair from every angle. The sleek and
dynamic look of the new 3 Series Convertible is further accentuated by the contour
line that runs level with the door handles. A sill-line at the lower edge of
the doors continues all the way into the air dams at the front and rear.

This interaction of the car’s lines and carefully-modelled surfaces provides
a striking three-dimensional effect guiding not only more light, but also the
eye of the beholder to the area around the car’s rear axle. This effect is indeed
intentional, with the optical impression created in this way reflecting the
actual driving experience as the new 3 Series Convertible, like all BMWs, features
rear wheel drive for outstanding performance on the road.

The rear view of the car is equally sporting and elegant: particularly with
the roof down, the new BMW 3 Series Convertible also looks low and wide from
behind. And while the contour line ends in the rear light clusters at each side,
the shoulder line extends around the entire rear section. The rear tail lamp
assemblies are split into two sections and extend all the way into the lid of
the luggage compartment. Horizontal LED light rods ensure a striking look at
night, while the third brake light is integrated into the aerodynamically-designed
spoiler edge on the decklid.

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. Low inertia turbocharger internals and high precision direct fuel
injection makes turbo lag nearly non-existent as peak torque starts at a mere
1,400 rpm. High precision direct injection is also ideal for lean burn operation.
In the lean burn mode, various intercepting layers of the fuel and air form
within the combustion chamber. The fuel/air mixture is therefore particularly
rich and ignitable only in the direct vicinity of the spark plug and once ignite,the
flame travels to the leaner layers further from the spark plug for a clean,
smooth and consistent combustion process. Redline is still an impressive 7,000
rpm and compression ratio is 10.2:1. Typical of a BMW engine are incredible
smoothness, fast-revving response and refined power at all engine speeds.

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. The magnesium/aluminum
block is a perfect example of BMW Efficient Dynamics where lightweight technology
is at work, making the 328i unique against its competition. The electric engine
coolant pump also demonstrates one of the many examples where efficiency can
be felt at the accelerator pedal. Speaking of which, acceleration from 0 to
60 mph comes in a spirited 6.7 seconds for the six-speed manual and in 7.2 seconds
for vehicles with the Steptronic six-speed automatic transmission. Like the
335i, the 328i is limited to 130 mph or 150 mph if equipped with the Sport Package.

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.

Featuring a double-pivot McPherson strut-type aluminum suspension in front
and a five-link independent rear suspension, the new BMW 3 Series Convertible
boasts the most advanced underpinnings in its class. Further advantages are
the low center of gravity, well-balanced axle load and special damper set-up
helping to give this outstanding new convertible its impressive dynamic driving
qualities.

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.
Other features of this system include:

• Brake Drying- By lightly applying the pads in wet weather conditions, optimum
  stopping power can also be experienced in the wet.
• Brake Standby – Preloads the brake pads to enhance brake response
  whenever necessary, especially when you’ve suddenly lifted off the accelerator
  pedal.
• Brake Fade Compensation maximizes brake pressure whenever necessary in the
  interest of particular stopping power. The result is even foot pedal pressure
  no matter how hot the brakes get.
• Cornering Brake Control counteracts unwanted oversteer when applying the
  brakes lightly in a bend and in conjunction with Active Steering, DSC can
  countersteer appropriately to maintain additional stability at all times.
• Start Off Assistant – Holds the vehicle when stopped on an uphill
  to prevent you from rolling back when releasing the brake pedal. It will hold
  for three seconds.
• Dynamic Stability Control ensures optimum traction on loose surfaces, while
  Dynamic Traction Control can be selected to raise the threshold before it
  applies the brakes. It promotes a sportier style of driving, allowing light
  wheel slip on the drive wheels. DSC may be deactivated completely when appropriate.

Light and torsionally stiff: the bodyshell.

The intelligent combination of innovative and proven materials, as well as
modern production technology, helps to give the new BMW 3 Series Convertible
a particularly light but at the same time very stable body. Indeed, BMW’s body
development specialists have achieved the highest level of torsional stiffness
ever seen in a BMW Convertible.

Unladen weight of the new BMW 3 Series Convertible is approximately 400 lb
above that of the BMW 3 Series Coupe. This extra weight results from the installation
of additional support members in the floor and the electric motors and hydraulic
elements required for the retractable hardtop.

The innovative plastic side front fenders weigh 50 percent less than conventional
steel panels. And unlike conventional plastic, the new side panels are made
of a special synthetic material and no longer have to be painted separately.
Instead, they go through the regular painting process together with the complete
body-in-white.

Deformation areas at the front of the car, together with other features, serve
to provide maximum occupant protection in a frontal collision. The bulkhead
support is made of innovative, high-strength steel with longitudinal profile
bars and reinforcements. In addition, the extra-strong luggage compartment floor
and rear and side panels minimize the consequences of a collision from behind.

In a side impact, forces acting on the car are diverted to the opposite side
through the reinforced floor pan. The side sills are made of steel profiles
that vary in geometry for greater resistance to bending. Interacting with the
doors, the seats and the instrument panel, these specially-made components ensure
maximum stability between the A-pillars.

The carefully conceived arrangement and dimensions of the car’s load-bearing
structures, crash boxes and deformation zones help to keep impact energy away
from the passengers. Restraint and support systems are tailored to one another
and controlled by one unit to ensure proper protection for each occupant. The
front and side airbags, belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters are activated
by the car’s sensor-controlled safety electronics based on the type and severity
of the impact.

The side airbags are integrated into the seat backrests and inflate in the
event of a side-impact collision over a large area extending from the bottom
of the backrest all the way to the upper edge of the headrest to provide effective
upper body and head protection regardless of seating position.

Extra safety in the event of a rollover is ensured by the windshield frame
that serves as a rollover safety bar. Rollover sensors that permanently monitoring
all vertical and horizontal movements of the car can activate rollbars positioned
behind the rear headrests. The belt latch tensioners on the front seats as well
as the side airbags are activated within fractions of a second.

Four seats, lots of space, extra freedom: the interior.

The new BMW 3 Series Convertible offers open-air driving pleasure for four.
The front seats come with integrated belt systems and the center console extends
all the way to the rear, splitting the rear into two single seats for extra
comfort by offering generous headroom thanks to their low seating position.

Over the previous model, shoulder room at the rear is increased by 3.15 inches
and elbow room grows 4.72 inches. Access to the two seats at the rear is facilitated
by both the seat release lever fitted at the top of the seat backrest and the
2x-speed fore-aft power adjustment switch.

Measuring 12.25 cubic feet, luggage capacity is still very generous. And even
with the roof down, the remaining capacity of 7.35 cubic feet provides ample
space for taking along additional necessities. And by folding the rear seat
backrest down, one can conveniently load bulky objects on the flat area behind
the rear seats, without the risk of harming the upholstery.

A unique feature for this kind of convertible is the optional opening between
the rear seat area and luggage compartment that measures 15.75 inches and connects
the luggage compartment with the rear passenger area, thus making the new 3
Series Convertible ideal for the driver and passenger travelling long distances
and for many transport requirements in everyday use. This option includes a
ski/transport bag that is easily and conveniently set up within seconds (and
can be removed just as easily).

Even more intuitive: iDrive with Programmable Memory Keys

The new BMW 3 Series Convertible features BMW’s trendsetting iDrive system
to control the Navigation, Climate, Entertainment, and Communication functions.
The new monitor automatically adjusts to ambient light conditions and is positioned
in a perfect ergonomic arrangement in the instrument panel.

New to the 3 Series Convertible are eight Programmable Memory Keys on the dashboard
that serve to simplify operation and control. Two of the eight keys allow quick
access to AM or FM radio stations and control the music source. The remaining
six can be programmed for favorite items such as navigation destinations, radio
stations or even telephone numbers. The keys are touch-sensitive: each respective
function is clearly presented on the iDrive display as soon as the driver places
his or her finger on the button.

Unique and premium equipment.

Offering a wide range of safety and comfort features, the new BMW 3 Series
Convertible makes every trip an experience in pleasure. To supplement the wide
range of standard equipment, the new BMW 3 Series Convertible is available with
a wide choice of high-tech audio, navigation, Bluetooth and telematic functions.

New management and control of the automatic air conditioning, for example,
serves to enhance the high standard of comfort in the Convertible. Automatic
programs for ventilating the car selected through iDrive are now being supplemented
by another mode: In addition to the three "Gentle", "Medium"
and "Intense" stages, the driver is also able to activate a "Convertible"
mode whenever the roof is open. This reduces the influence of the interior temperature
sensor on the ventilation control. Instead, temperature control and blower intensity
are controlled as a function of the exterior temperature and sun glare. A further
function is adaptation of the amount of air flowing into the car to its current
speed on the road, with Automatic Air Recirculation (AAR) being automatically
deactivated at a road speed of more than 50 mph. And when using the heater,
the distribution of air is optimized to provide the same consistent temperature
throughout the interior of the Convertible.

The new Convertible mode on the automatic air conditioning is available only
with the roof open. As soon as the retracting hardtop folds back over the passenger
compartment, the automatic air conditioning will return to the program last
chosen when the car was closed, the Convertible mode then being automatically
reactivated when the driver opens the roof again.

Sun Reflective leather for cooler seating

Particularly appealing on the new 3 Series Convertible is the special leather
that was developed for the seating upholstery. Modified color pigments serve
to reflect the infra-red radiation by the sun, very effectively preventing excessive
temperatures on the seat surfaces otherwise encountered in weather that would
be perfect for open-air motoring.

To achieve this, BMW is the first carmaker in the world to use Sun Reflective
technology in its leather. Applying this process, pigments are embedded in the
material during production to reflect infra-red radiation in sunlight in wavelengths
of more than 720 Nanometres, significantly reducing the usual heating effect
on the surfaces. All other qualities of the leather material remain unchanged.

Sun Reflective technology is used both on the seat upholstery and on the armrests
to prevent body contact with excessively hot surfaces. This new leather treatment
is able to reduce surface temperatures on dark interior colours by up to 68
°F, and also offers advantages on light-colored upholstery, where the heating
effect of sunshine is less severe.

An accessory wind deflector developed especially for the new BMW 3 Series Convertible
reduces air swirl within the interior even at high speeds. This new wind deflector
is fastened firmly in the rear of the passenger compartment by supports in the
side panels and can be swivelled into position. Just one single movement of
your hand either on the driver’s or passenger’s side is sufficient to securely
fasten the deflector in position.

The BMW 3 Series Convertible-maintaining the tradition

BMW 3 Series Convertibles have been known for incredible top-down driving experiences
for 19 years running. The new BMW 3 Series Convertible continues this tradition
without any compromise. The very first Convertible based on the BMW 3 Series
debuted in 1987 and was the epitome of dynamic performance and sporting elegance.
As the first premium manufacturer to launch an open four-seater in this segment,
the competition has now become most challenging and fierce, but the BMW 3 Series
Convertible remains unique to this very day.

Unlike many open four-seaters in other classes, the first BMW 3 Series Convertible
had a soft top that moved down completely beneath a firm cover at the rear of
the car, to maintain its classic lines.

This beautiful style continued in 1994 with the second generation 3 Series
Convertible. Its larger wheel arches and A-pillars slanted at a lower angle
gave it an even more sporting and dynamic look.

The third rendition of the 3 Series Convertible entered the market in 2000
and continued the trend towards dynamic appearances and performance with its
muscular surfaces and contours while retaining its usual proportions.

All BMW 3 Series Convertibles quickly became classics during their lifetime.
The objective in developing each new model was to adopt the elementary qualities
so typical of a BMW 3 Series with modern, trendsetting requirements. The new
generation comes with an innovative roof concept that not only retains, but
further accentuates the original character of the 3 Series Convertible.