Highlight: The rear-wheel drive 2011 M3 Convertible features a V8 engine, a first in a production BMW M3.
Test vehicle’s MSRP: $78,425 (Base price starts at $67,925)
Why the M3 Designation: The M-series is the high-performance version of the BMW. Just as Mercedes has the AMG version and Chrysler has the SRT-8 high-performance line for their vehicles, BMW has the M-series.
Major Standard Features: 18-inch wheels and high-performance wheels; a 6-speed manual transmission; self-leveling Xenon headlights; flared front (and rear) fenders for a more athletic look; power front seats with 4-way lumbar support; rear seat easy-entry with memory for front seats; sliding/adjustable front center armrest; front-seat mounted airbags; high-performance ABS; special suspension with twin-joint spring-strut front axle, sub-frame, front axle tie-rod and stiffening plate in aluminum, rear axle sub-frame in steel, track control arm and spring strut in aluminum and lightweight steel construction; keyless push-button starter; and a power-folding retractable hardtop with an integrated rear-window defroster
Standard Audio System: 10-speaker AM/FM stereo/CD with Radio Data System, Auto-Store, MP3 capability and HD radio
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
Maintenance Included in Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
Ipod And USB Adapter: a $400 option, which was included in our test vehicle
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 4.0-liter, 8-cylinder/414-hp
Standard Fuel-Mileage: 14-city/20-hwy
What’s New: For the 2011 model-year, the M3 convertible receives BMW’s signature M Drive system as standard equipment, which allows one to personalize the steering characteristics of the vehicle from comfort oriented to direct/sporting oriented. Also the four-seater convertible adds BMW’s new fuel-efficient Automatic Stop-Start feature, which we’ll describe later.
Pros: Ironically, when one thinks of a performance vehicle, fuel-savings isn’t usually associated with it. However, with fuel savings being at the top of most consumers shopping list these days due to the fluctuating gas prices, the M3 offers the German brand’s exclusive Automatic Stop-Start System. With this system, the engine is instantly stopped when the vehicle brakes are applied and the vehicle is stopped for 3 seconds or more. All accessories continue operating, such as infotainment, climate control, power windows, but the engine is not burning any fuel because it is essentially paused. And once the driver lifts off the brake pedal (or turn the steering wheel as if to initiate a right turn), the engine instantly re-starts. BMW estimates consumers can receive up to a 5 percent fuel-saving benefit with this technology.
