NEW 3 SERIES CONVERTIBLE UNVEILED

Based on the 3 Series Coupe, the Convertible shares all the styling features of its hard-top brother as far as the A-pillar. Beyond, its clean lines and muscular rear end give it the stylish good looks demanded by wind-in-the-hair enthusiasts.

There is no fixed roll hoop to spoil the lines of the car, but instead a highly sophisticated roll-over system activates from the rear head restraints when required. The car will also feature BMW's sophisticated driving stability aids - ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) and DSCIII (Dynamic Stability Control).

New front seats feature a seatbelt system which is incorporated into their structure, instead of being attached to the car body. This ensures the correct seatbelt geometry at all times, makes access to the back seat easier and stops the passenger belt flapping when not in use.

A new soft top design improves noise insulation, visibility and luggage space. Padding in the lining reduces wind noise and a glass rear screen gives improved de-misting performance and scratch resistance, compared to the plastic window of the previous model.

The whole soft-top system is contained in a cartridge which has two major benefits. With the roof erected it allows the container which extends into the boot space to be folded up, giving a 30 per cent improvement in luggage space compared to the previous 3 Series Convertible (300 litres versus 230 litres). In addition, if owners wish to fit the optional hard top, the folded soft top can be removed as single unit.

The Convertible is the fourth model in the new 3 Series range. It follows the Saloon (September 1998), the Coupe (June 1999) and Touring (November 1999).

Front view

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