The new BMW E92 M3 Convertible is probably the furthest you can get from the roots of where the M3 badge originally came from. Back when the E30 was competing in touring car championships, it was the most desirable mid size performance car on the market. That may still be the case but the M3 has more toys and creature comforts than you can shake a stick at. This is a good thing. At least for BMW because it makes the car more of a commercial proposition rather than a car for the performance purist.
There are some added bonuses too with the BMW E92 M3 Convertible, not least of which is a folding hard top and a 414bhp 4 litre V8 engine. BMW have also chosen to use the E92 M3 Convertible as the launch car for their new M DCT double clutch semi-automatic transmission which is a £2590 option on the car. The new gearbox is something of a revelation, especially for those who have owned or driven the car with the old single clutch, clunky SMG box. The new car breezes through the gears in auto mode, but it has lots of tricks up its sleeve, with six settings for the shift speed and a power button on the transmission tunnel that should be pressed if you want to tap all the horses. With the top down, the power button pressed and the gearbox turned up to six, there is not a lot that could better it for the thrill of the ride, and the noise of the vocal engine.
| Engine |
V8, 3999cc |
| Max Power |
414bhp @ 8300 rpm |
| Max Torque |
295lb ft @ 3900 rpm |
| Top Speed |
155mph (limited) |
| 0-62mph |
5.3 seconds |
| Price |
£54,760 |
| Cost to you? |
Nothing - enter the competition |
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