M3/M4 Official Pics: M3 Convertible with M DKG

[Merc1]

Well you know I'm not a lap time guy and I prefer the more leisurely performance of a GT/Convertible over something like a M3 CSL that you guys go nuts over. When you combine the looks of this version with the new gearbox you have a winner in my book. Either way this heavy cabrio still has limits above what I'd try on most roads so it works for me.

M

 

[PanterroR]

Yeah, i know that. But still this is an M3 and weight savings is needed with every new generation, at least that's what BMW was doing...untill now...

 

[Merc1]

How much heavier is it over the coupe?

M

 

[PanterroR]

230kg...

 

[Zafiro]

Next M3 CSL with DKG will give me wet dreams I got to start saving cash for the honey

 

[Merc1]

230kg...

Ok let me get out my converter...

230KG = 507lbs...

Gulp that is a lot. Even the previous generation M3 coupe to cabrio didn't gain that much weight. Maybe those acceleration times everyone was complaining about are real. I still want one though.

M

 

[Zafiro]

thats the price you pay for a hardtop. Now where is the Carbon fibre roof?

 

[Merc1]

Wasn't there some talk about a folding carbon fiber roof at one point? Way too expensive I guess.

M

 

[PanterroR]

Waaaay too expensive...

 

[Sunny]

If they stopped making these, I wouldn't shed a tear. In fact, I wish they made a touring version instead of this poser.

 

[PanterroR]

That makes it 2 of us, Sunny.

 

[Merc1]

Haters.......

M

 

[PanterroR]

Wow, Marcus defending BMW of it's fans... That's something you don't see every day...

 

[Merc1]

I know right.

M

 

[bmer]

If they stopped making these, I wouldn't shed a tear. In fact, I wish they made a touring version instead of this poser.

That makes it 2 of us, Sunny.

Make that 3.

 

[PC Valkyrie]

Sunny and Tycoon......that's a bit harsh, no? The M3 is really a road car with a lot of performance packed in. I agree that for the track junkie, the M3 cabrio is a waste of money, but for those who want a very good performing car with the luxury of open top for the road and even on occasional track days, it delivers more than enough for the average driver.

Now, you may wonder, why not just get a 335i cabrio instead??.....much cheaper, more than enough performance for the road, etc, etc. Well, you don't get the wonderful V8, and you don't get things like adjustable dampers and the cool M-DKG gearbox.

Saying the M3 cabrio is pointless is like saying all high priced luxury cars are really pointless.........some people in this world indeed feel this way, but I don't think you two fall into that category.

 

[Zafiro]

Officiall DGK info from _BMW

The new M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic
15.01.2008

BMW M GmbH is proud to be the world's first car maker now offering a
seven-speed Double Clutch Gearbox specially conceived and designed for a high-speed power unit. Compared with all conventional systems available
so far, this new gearbox ensures an optimum gearshift and even more dynamic acceleration, and at the same time reduces fuel consumption by a signi-
ficant margin.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The world's first Double Clutch Gearbox conceived and developed for a high-speed power unit; gearshift without interruption of power and traction; gearshift management with M-specific configuration; seven gears for optimum gear increments ensuring particularly dynamic acceleration; simultaneous debut in the BMW M3 Coupé, BMW M3 Saloon,
and BMW M3 Convertible.

Drivelogic with eleven electronically controlled driving programs in
M-specific set-up; five shift programs in the automatic mode, six shift programs in the manual mode including Launch Control for maximum acceleration from a standstill; efficiency-enhancing transmission control in the automatic mode; sequential gear selection in the manual mode.

Fourth, consistently enhanced generation of the automated manual gearbox in M-specific configuration; further enhancement of the car's dynamic driving characteristics and the motorsport-oriented driving experience; manual gear selection by sports selector lever or via paddles on the steering wheel; both control elements in M-specific configuration and set-up; Shift Lights.

Perfect interaction of the M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic
and the V8 power unit in the new BMW M3; measurable and tangible improvement of acceleration; optional sporting downshift performance with int-between gas.

Elaborate cooling of transmission fluid as the prerequisite for absolute reliability and endurance of the Double Clutch Gearbox with Drivelogic even on the race track, when subject to extreme loads and high outside temperatures.

Optimised comfort in driving manoeuvres at very low speed ensured by Low Speed Assistant; automatic activation of parking lock after switching off the engine.

Further reduction of fuel consumption and emissions compared
with manual gearshift and a conventional converter-type automatic transmission.

 

[Zafiro]

 

[Sunny]

Sunny and Tycoon......that's a bit harsh, no? The M3 is really a road car with a lot of performance packed in. I agree that for the track junkie, the M3 cabrio is a waste of money, but for those who want a very good performing car with the luxury of open top for the road and even on occasional track days, it delivers more than enough for the average driver.

Now, you may wonder, why not just get a 335i cabrio instead??.....much cheaper, more than enough performance for the road, etc, etc. Well, you don't get the wonderful V8, and you don't get things like adjustable dampers and the cool M-DKG gearbox.

Saying the M3 cabrio is pointless is like saying all high priced luxury cars are really pointless.........some people in this world indeed feel this way, but I don't think you two fall into that category.

Yeah, the car is nice, especially with the roof down. It is just that I am not a cab person, heck I don't even ever use my sun roof - so I'd rather they use the capacity to make more coupes/sedans.

Also as much I hate stereotyping, I hate the image that the typical M3 cab owners bring with them. It is funny in my old company, there were 4 M3s - the 2 coupes belonged to engineers and the 2 cabs to sales guys who actually dressed like Clarkson in that M3 vs RS4 vs C63 video.

 

[EnI]

More about M DCT transmission + discussion:

http://www.germancarforum.com/bmw-lounge/21642-new-m-dct-dual-clutch-transmission-bmw.html