BMW M3 Convertible

Nov 28 2008 Mike Torpey

SO are we talking mutton dressed as lamb or a wolf in sheep's clothing? Visually, it could be either.

The pair of twin exhausts, pronounced power bulge, 19-inch alloys and flared wheel arches suggest this may be no ordinary convertible.

But remove the M3 badge and some folk could be persuaded that a few bob had been thrown at tarting up a BMW 3-Series.

The answer is probably 'no' to both questions because the BMW M3 Convertible is a full-blown rocket ship on wheels, a car with the sort of seismic thrust capable of ripping off the lid - with or without the electronics that remove it in 22 seconds.

And while were talking figures, here's a few more to mull over. The M's V8 engine management system is one of the most advanced in the world, with a direct link to the company's Formula One racing programme.

It contains more than 1,000 individual components including three 32-bit processors and can make up to 200 million calculations per second. Heady stuff.

So what's it like to drive the M3? In a word, awesome.

The 4.0-litre engine develops 420bhp at a lofty 8,200rpm and, in the heavier convertible form, can reach 62mph in 5.1 seconds - slightly slower than the 4.8 of the coupe.

While a six-speed manual transmission comes as standard the test model was fitted with a new seven-speed M Double Clutch semi-automatic gearbox.

It costs an extra £2,590 and uses two clutches to offer lightning changes without any interruption in power delivery.

Combined with BMW's Drivelogic function - which allows drivers to fine tune gearchange characteristics - the system provides the sort of full-throttle shifts enjoyed by F1 racers. On the downside the shifts can feel a bit jerky.

The car's handling though is near matchless thanks to a balanced chassis and wonderfully positive feel from the chunky steering wheel. The rumbling soundtrack too is just the right pitch.

And that brings me to another option - the car was fitted with more than £9,000 worth of extras - in the shape of electronic damper control (£1,295).

Settings for EDC comprise comfort, normal and sport, each selected via a button on the centre console.

In normal mode the damping is constantly adjusted to achieve the optimum balance for all driving conditions. Sport stiffens the ride and comfort produces a more compliant feel, while there's also an M Dynamic mode button which sharpens the steering and makes the throttle more responsive.

Inside, the M3's dash and fascia is fairly bland, even if red leather seats work well with the black interior.

It's also very comfortable for those up front, though rear space isn't over-generous and the convertible - unlike the five-seat saloon - can only accommodate four people. Boot space is also pretty limited.

BMW has long claimed to offer 'the ultimate driving machine' and in the latest M3 they have a serious road-going racer.

FAST FACTS

BMW M3 Convertible auto

Price : £57,890

Mechanical : 420bhp, 3,999cc, 8cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 7spd automatic gearbox

Max speed : 155mph

0-62mph : 5.1 secs

Combined mpg : 23

Insurance group : 20

CO2 emissions : 293g/km

BiK rating : 35%

Warranty : 3yrs/ unlimited mileage, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust