2009 BMW M3 Convertible

Hard to Top

With a retractable folding metal roof, the high-performance BMW M3 Convertible can do double duty as a coupe.

The M3 Convertible is the droptop version of BMW's top-of-the-line 3 Series, the legendary M3.

It takes the M3's coupe body style (which also comes as a four-door sedan) and adds a retractable hardtop that lowers or raises in just 22 seconds.

Besides the convertible top and some extra structural reinforcements, the convertible is largely the same as the fixed-roof version. Both use a lightweight 420-horsepower V8 engine that provides nearly 100 horsepower more than the six-cylinder engine in the last-generation M3.

The M3 Convertible will be available with a traditional manual transmission or what BMW calls Drivelogic — a twin-clutch transmission that requires no actual clutch pedal, but still lets drivers shift manually using paddles behind the steering wheel. (VW and Audi use similar twin-clutch transmissions.) Drivers can select among 11 electronically controlled shift modes, five of which are fully automatic, to match their driving style. The Drivelogic system lessens the time required for shifting and will trim the M3 Convertible's 0-60 mph time by a few ticks when compared to the traditional manual.

Because of the space required to store their tops, convertibles are often stingy with cargo space, and the M3 Convertible holds true to form. It affords paltry storage space at its hind end, made even less useful by a tiny trunk opening.

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