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In a town where most tans are purchased and delivered indoors, BMW offered the US release of the outdoor Ultimate Tanning Machine, the M3 Convertible.
Strolling Miami and LA beaches for years, the 3 series convertible has become iconic for the look-at-me yuppie set. Many have been delivered to brand-enthusiasts with little care for the vehicle’s performance potential. In recent years, however, BMW has offered up M versions of the coupe and convertible to those drawn to open top tanning and motoring. The coupe M3 launched in 1986 and two years later the first BMW M3 Convertible hit the streets.

This fourth BMW M3 Convertible is the first with a retractable hardtop. Like other retractable hard tops when in the closed position, the top looks fairly sleek, but has the considerable lines of the 3-piece unit breaking up the overall look. In a light body color, it looks a bit awkward. You be the judge. The front end is made distinct by three large air intakes beneath the radiator grille for intake and cooling. Vertical bars border on the air intakes on either side.

But the real story here is the promised drive characteristics. Its new eight-cylinder engine (a first for the M convertible) develops 414 hp from slightly less than 4 liters. Maximum torque is 295 lb-ft is developed starting at 3,900 rpm and running all the way up top 6,5000 rpm, with a redline engine speed of 8,400 rpm, which is the highest revving engine BMW has ever built. All combine to launch the lucky tanner from 0-62 in 5.3 seconds, with a top-end electronically limited at …. you guessed it, 155 mph. Power is delivered rear wheels through a 6-speed transmission. In addition, it looks like BMW is finally ditching SMG and joining the party with a double-clutch transmission option which will first be offered in the coupe, and later on the convertible.
Need of a fast tan? $65,725.