Significantly faster, more powerful and lighter, the new four-seater 3 Series Convertible brings to three the tempting choices awaiting buyers of BMW’s open-top market champion.

Extremely popular right from launch, the E46 Convertible in 3.0-litre 330Ci guise struck a chord with Australian buyers demanding the most dynamic driving experience courtesy of the high-performance 170 kW engine matched by luxury features and the finest build quality.

Fastidious performance drivers who enjoy the wind in their hair were delighted by the subsequent arrival of the muscular M3 Convertible, albeit available only in restricted numbers, but equipped with the best engine in the world (as judged by the global ‘Engine Oscars’ in 2001).

Now to complete the family comes the new 325Ci Convertible, offering a wider group of buyers’ easier access to one of the most enjoyable, exhilarating open-top driving experiences money can buy.

The 325Ci Convertible shares its engine with the 325Ci Coupé and enjoys similarly exhilarating performance from the silken smooth straight six, with its purposeful growly exhaust note and willing, high revving engine.

The 325Ci motor produces a generous 141kW of power at 6,000 rpm matched by a suitably burly 245 Nm of torque, peaking at a low 3,500 rpm.

Weighing in a useful 35kg lighter than the 330Ci, the 325Ci Convertible reaches 100km/h in just 8.0 seconds, and has a top speed of 234 km/h.

Available in Australia as standard with a five-speed sports manual gearbox, a five-speed, three-mode Steptronic automatic is available as an option. The automatic version takes just 9.1 seconds to reach 100km/h from rest. In the European Combined Cycle fuel test the 325Ci Convertible manual sips just 9.6 l/100km.

The 325Ci Convertible enters the market with a competitive price of $92,400 for the five-speed manual and $95,000 for the five-speed automatic and comes with an impressive list of luxury features.

Standard equipment includes Montana leather-covered seats with electrical adjustment and memory function, heated in front, a multifunction steering wheel with cruise control, six-airbags, 17-inch light alloy wheels, automatic climate control, power roof, in dash CD equipped audio system plus six-stacker CD changer, and high gloss myrtle wood trim.

The 325Ci Convertible arrives in Australia in August and is expected to further enhance the success of the 330Ci and M3 Convertible in the Australian market.

“The introduction of the 325Ci Convertible to our range in Australia is a great opportunity to expand our offerings to luxury buyers” said John Kananghinis, general manager of marketing and communications.

“Our competitive luxury convertible line-up includes the 3 Series range, Z4 Roadsters and now the flagship 6 Series.

“The 325Ci Convertible provides another effective combination of luxury and sporty performance with the practicality of 4 seaters and the style that makes the 3 Series convertible an icon.”