Not only does BMW's M3 Convertible look the part, it matches the svelte styling with performance and technology too.

LAST week the top came off the glamorous edition of the M3 family.

And there’s lots to reveal because it is the first M3 with a retractable hard top roof and the first BMW to offer a new M double-clutch transmission.

This high-tech gearbox will soon make manual changing a thing of the past. While purists will scoff, this seven-speed transmission is quicker than the manual version. These double clutch gearboxes are doing great business in Volkswagens and Audis and Porsche has introduced one in the famous 911 range.

The M Double Clutch Transmission with DriveLogic (M-DCT) can be driven as an auto or as a manual.

With as many as 11 adjustable modes, M-DCT provides something for everyone.

Initially it is a $6900 option, first into the M3 Coupe next month, followed in November by the convertible, which should be around $170,000 for the entry-level six-speed manual plus $6900 if you opt for the high-tech transmission. It will be joined about the same time by the sedan, the first four-door M3 in Australia and to be priced as low as around $140,000 to compete against the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG sedan.

The M-DCT is more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendlier than conventional transmissions. The DriveLogic program provides 11 variations in shift speeds and change points: Five in auto Drive mode and five in manual (six if you include the launch-control option). These vary from level one for the mildest response to five for the sharpest.

The launch system can be used as many times as the twin wet clutches can withstand the heat. The M3 V8 revs to 8300rpm but the trick transmission is theoretically capable of dealing with 9000rpm and channelling 650Nm. It worked well with the E93 M3 convertible’s 4.0-litre, 309kW/400Nm V8 on a 360km run from Port Macquarie over the Great Dividing Range to the New England Tableland and back.

Left in the Drive setting, the transmission shifts almost seamlessly, even when kicking down from seventh gear to third under hard acceleration.

Manual mode is engaged by nudging the cute gear lever or by grabbing the steering wheel-mounted paddles. There are twin aluminium paddles with the left for downshifting and right for up.

Using the paddles provides instant response. You have to make sure you are in the right mode and you really need to spend some time with the experts understanding how the system works.

I got caught out when overtaking a badly driven 4WD towing a caravan. I thought I was back in Drive mode and when I kicked down nothing happened. I then had to quickly use the paddles to make a quick and safe overtaking maneouvre.

If you can’t be bothered changing down when slowing down, the transmission will do it for you. It will also prevent downshifts if you’re close to the redline. BMW says M-DCT is basically a manual minus the third (clutch) pedal and far more efficient and quicker. The automatic function is resumed by nudging the stick rightwards. In this setting, M-DCT is also impressive.

While the M3 convertible is heavier than the Coupe, it is no less energetic. It can sprint to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds, about half a second behind the coupe but still ahead of the old E46 M3.

The roofless M3 was exhilarating on the seemingly endless series of 25km/h and 35km/h bends on the Great Dividing Range. My driving companion lived in the area and knew the road like the back of his hand.

Despite the cold and sometimes wet conditions, the M3 Convertible belted from corner to corner without putting a wheel wrong. The extra 235kg the convertible weight over the coupe is mainly down to its folding metal lid (the M-DCT transmission weighs only 35kg more than a normal manual).

The convertible is secure and solid in all road and weather conditions. Although there is more road noise in the drop top, it allows that glorious engine to be heard bouncing off the hillsides as the driver rips up and down through the gears.

BMW Group Australia general marketing manager Tom Noble said BMW understood the strong lure of the M badge for their most passionate customers.

“This latest car underscores our competitive advantage in the marketplace. It is the only performance car of its type to feature innovations such as a high-revving engine, a retractable hard-top and the benefits of SunReflective leather,’’ he said.

“The M3 Convertible is a sublime product and one of the best from BMW M. It will be hugely satisfying for both our existing M3 Convertible owners as well as newcomers to the BMW M brand.

“Undoubtedly, one of the biggest thrills will be hearing that V8 M engine on full song. Given Australians’ love affair with V8 engines, we know the new BMW M3 Convertible has been eagerly awaited. Now the fun starts.

“The M3 Convertible will appeal to buyers who want to combine the performance and peerless engineering of a traditional M car with the unique driving experience of an open-top car.’’

The M3 Convertible arrives in BMW dealers next month for demonstration purposes, with the first customer deliveries in the final quarter of the year in time for summer.

Share this article