2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
The BMW M3 Cabrio offers a terrific power delivery. The driving pleasure in this four-seater is spoiled by the consumption. 17 liters in the city are an announcement.
By Frank Mertens
Oh, why is autumn already? Why couldn't this test car arrive a few months earlier? Of course there are people who use a convertible even when the temperatures are in the single digits. I admit: you are probably the only real convertible driver. For this group of people, people like me, who only open the top when the outside temperature is pleasant, are nothing but wimps. I have to live with this stigma. But I'm lucky, because the hardtop of the BMW M3 Cabrio does not immediately tell that it is a convertible.
Open in 22 seconds
Accordingly, when I stop at traffic lights, I don't immediately have to feel guilty that I closed the convertible top in the morning at a shivering 12 degrees in contrast to the driver of a Saab 9-3 convertible holding me (yes, fortunately the brand still exists). But if I wanted, I could. And faster than most other open-top drivers.
In just 22 seconds, I could make the hardtop disappear in the rear with the help of a small push of a button. It's fast, really. A red light is enough to let the wind blow through your hair. The opening is not only quick, but also elegant thanks to the ingenious folding mechanism.
This sport version of the 3 Series convertible is an eye-catcher anyway. This is ensured by the arching typical of the M versions on the bonnet, called Powerdome by BMW. And what is hidden under the bonnet has a lot to offer: the V8 high-performance engine provides 420 hp. It doesn't do that in a subtle way, however, but as you would expect it from a sports car: namely, extremely expressive, and even when the car is stationary a hit they're on the way. The V8 hisses aggressively, even if you haven't covered a meter with it. Some like it, others - like my wife - just find it chubby. The tastes are just different.
Economical looks different
Incidentally, she also finds that peak consumption, which according to the on-board computer is 17.1 liters in the city, is anachronistic. It doesn't help that I explain that the BMW M3 is a sports car and not a fuel-efficient model. It can also be forgiving if the on-board computer on the country road consumes 11.2 liters, with a sedate driving style, mind you.
Accordingly, she looks at me punishingly when I step a little too hard on the accelerator while driving and we are constantly pushed into the narrow, but comfortably shaped seats. The power development is fascinating and, thanks to the excellent working seven-speed automatic transmission, happens almost instantly and puts a smile on your face when you appreciate something like that. If you want, you can of course also use the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel if the automatic seems too conservative.
The acceleration values of the M3 speak a clear language: In 5.1 seconds (5.3 seconds with the hand switch) it catapults you to 100 km / h. The end of bliss is reached (regulated) at 250 kilometers per hour, even if the speedometer is up to 330 km / h is enough. More appearance than reality must be allowed. Where, let's be honest, where can you actually drive so fast on public roads?
Class by itself
The driving dynamics are in a class of their own. The M3 convertible lies well on the road, thanks to the rear-wheel drive, enables a sporty driving style. If the normal state is not enough for you, the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) in the so-called M Dynamic Mode enables you to achieve more slip in the longitudinal and transverse dynamics. That's not bad, but not really necessary in everyday life.
Incidentally, BMW calls the M3 convertible a four-seater. But sitting in the rear is not really comfortable. Sitting there is only recommended for people under 1.80 meters. Adults are not expected to travel longer there either, but that can be tolerated: The M3 is more likely to be bought as a second car, by an exclusive clientele, by the way.
Because at least 75,250 euros are due for the convertible. At the latest, it is clear that this car is not a volume model and therefore only appeals to a small target group. The consumption and CO2 emissions of 293 grams per kilometer are not getting any better - says my wife. No point in reply.
