BMW Considering Retaining Soft Top For M3 Convertible
01-26-07, 06:40 PM
#1
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BMW Considering Retaining Soft Top For M3 Convertible
WINDING ROAD’s inside sources confirm that BMW’s M Group is considering retaining a soft top design for the forthcoming M3 convertible, which would eschew the E92 platform’s latest folding hard top design on the 335i and 330i convertibles.
As BMW launched their new 3-series convertible in Arizona last week (we were there for the launch–look for our test drive in next month’s WINDING ROAD), questions continued to crop up concerning the top’s weight disadvantage. BMW loads extra pounds on the excellent 3-series coupe chassis by moving to Edscha’s folding top design, which is beautiful and quiet by any measure. But, 440 pounds is 440 pounds is 440 pounds.
For the more discriminating M Group within BMW, saving weight will be one of their top priorities. Some keen observers would probably suggest that BMW should instead drop their V-8 engine idea if they really wanted to save weight, but we digress. With the V-8 engine on the way for both the M3 coupe and convertible, weight savings will be especially important. Right now the company is working to develop a special soft top which would withstand the M3’s high speeds while retaining high levels of interior quietness.
Another option on the table at the moment, according to our source, would be to keep the folding hard top concept, but with carbon fiber panels and carbon fiber arm extensions. This would be costly, for sure, but it would achieve a higher level of interior noise reduction without much weight.
As BMW launched their new 3-series convertible in Arizona last week (we were there for the launch–look for our test drive in next month’s WINDING ROAD), questions continued to crop up concerning the top’s weight disadvantage. BMW loads extra pounds on the excellent 3-series coupe chassis by moving to Edscha’s folding top design, which is beautiful and quiet by any measure. But, 440 pounds is 440 pounds is 440 pounds.
For the more discriminating M Group within BMW, saving weight will be one of their top priorities. Some keen observers would probably suggest that BMW should instead drop their V-8 engine idea if they really wanted to save weight, but we digress. With the V-8 engine on the way for both the M3 coupe and convertible, weight savings will be especially important. Right now the company is working to develop a special soft top which would withstand the M3’s high speeds while retaining high levels of interior quietness.
Another option on the table at the moment, according to our source, would be to keep the folding hard top concept, but with carbon fiber panels and carbon fiber arm extensions. This would be costly, for sure, but it would achieve a higher level of interior noise reduction without much weight.
01-26-07, 07:32 PM
#4
Casual users would miss structural rigidity and superior comfort and durability of hard top.
But then again, M3 shouldnt be for casual drivers, should it? :-)
01-26-07, 07:36 PM
#5
that is certainly true, but at the same time, if you really are up to all that M3 could offer, performance wise, wouldnt you use coupe anyway?
Casual users would miss structural rigidity and superior comfort and durability of hard top.
But then again, M3 shouldnt be for casual drivers, should it? :-)
Casual users would miss structural rigidity and superior comfort and durability of hard top.
But then again, M3 shouldnt be for casual drivers, should it? :-)
01-26-07, 11:13 PM
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.I understand weight reduction for M models but I personally feel Luxury drops should all feature metal roofs at this point. Whether carbon fiber, aluminum or steel, cloth should no longer be in production for convertibles in excess of 50k. In the words of the of the great Mike Tyson, "It's ludicrous". Especially with VW's Eos and even Miatas featuring hardtops. BMW finally caught up to MB and Lexus in regards to a hardtop convertible and now their considering axing it for arguably their most important convertible, all in the sake of weight reduction.
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01-27-07, 01:58 AM
#8
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Cant believe the 335i Convertible weighs over 4,000lbs!! 
Thats insane. A bigger V8, chassis improvements probably add an additional 100 or so lbs.
Would seem kinda backwards if the M3 has a soft top while lesser models have a hard top. There idea of using carbon fiber would be pretty cool. Something they should definitely look into, but Im guessing would raise prices significantly.
Thats insane. A bigger V8, chassis improvements probably add an additional 100 or so lbs.Would seem kinda backwards if the M3 has a soft top while lesser models have a hard top. There idea of using carbon fiber would be pretty cool. Something they should definitely look into, but Im guessing would raise prices significantly.
01-27-07, 02:03 AM
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That alone is why I could never do the ragtop thing. I'd be pissed!! Well except for that new Jag XK .
I understand weight reduction for M models but I personally feel Luxury drops should all feature metal roofs at this point. Whether carbon fiber, aluminum or steel, cloth should no longer be in production for convertibles in excess of 50k. In the words of the of the great Mike Tyson, "It's ludicrous". Especially with VW's Eos and even Miatas featuring hardtops. BMW finally caught up to MB and Lexus in regards to a hardtop convertible and now their considering axing it for arguably their most important convertible, all in the sake of weight reduction.
.I understand weight reduction for M models but I personally feel Luxury drops should all feature metal roofs at this point. Whether carbon fiber, aluminum or steel, cloth should no longer be in production for convertibles in excess of 50k. In the words of the of the great Mike Tyson, "It's ludicrous". Especially with VW's Eos and even Miatas featuring hardtops. BMW finally caught up to MB and Lexus in regards to a hardtop convertible and now their considering axing it for arguably their most important convertible, all in the sake of weight reduction.
01-27-07, 03:41 AM
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02-01-07, 03:43 PM
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02-01-07, 06:18 PM
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