BMW M3 Convertible by Glenn Gould

Exclusive Carweb.com Road Review
by Glenn Gould

1999 BMW M3 Convertible

Sweet Summer Treat

It is always a treat to attend the Hemmings Motor News Press Day in Bennington, Vermont. It was an especially sweet treat when the arrest-me-red M3 BMW Convertible in the driveway was our drive north.

The M3 is not quite as an exciting ride as the M Roadster, but the M3 Convert has more luggage room. You never know what bargains you will find at the HMN Gas Station/Gift Shop in Bennington. I always bring back a load of goodies.

However, it was the anticipation of a fast run through the lush summer Vermont countryside that really had me excited. Vermont's winding and hilly roads are perfect for an athletic high performance drop-top like our M3. Well, in the summer anyway. We pointed the M3 Convertible though a series of tight, undulating turns. It felt as if we were on those preverbal rails. The M3 negotiated the turns in one smooth, fluid motion, no camber or any other unsettling suspension changes were felt. The car's sport alloy wheels, 7.5 in. wide in front and 8.5 in. in the rear, with high-performance tires helped. As did the finely tuned variable-assist rack-and-pinion power steering. If only, all automobiles had the M's fine road manners.

Note to my insurance agent, there was no need to speed with the M, it's a blast to drive at legal limits. Our M had the slick shifting five speed manual transmission. The car's 240 hp in-line six cylinder was smooth as silk, too. We found third speed the perfect choice for around town motoring. At those posted speeds it kept the engine's rpms up and it was not necessary to constantly up and down shift in traffic. It also brought a delightful razz from the M's exhaust. Who needs a killer sound system with an exhaust and engine combo like that?

The M's ride won't beat you up, its German firm, but not harsh. You can cover long stretches of road without tiring. With the top up, the car is quiet for a convertible. With the top down we did notice a little cowl flex, but nothing that could detract from the fun we were having.

Our bright red car had rich, soft black Nappa leather upholstery and a black convertible sharp color combination for a sporty car. The front seats were supportive and had numerous adjustments. The rear seat was more comfortable than the occasional rear seat found in the Audi TT. At least the M3 gave you some knee and leg room. Yet, it would not be my choice for an extended trip.

If you want to attract a crowd, put the top up and down a couple of times. Its involved mechanical ballet was very entertaining. The power top is stored under lid behind the rear seat. You did not have to hassle with taking on and off the top boot or storing it when not in use. One button does it all. It even latches and unlatches the top for you. The car's lined top assists in sound deadening and insulation of the automobile. On the down side, with only a couple thousand miles on the odometer the top's plastic rear window was already milky. Most convertibles today use a glass rear window. On the positive side, the M3 Convertible had a standard Rollover Protection System. Two structural hoops automatically deploy behind the rear seat in case of a rollover.

Although the new generation BMW 3-Series sedans are out, there seemed little that we would want changed on our old style M3 convertible test vehicle. Oh well, the price of progress they say.


The 1999 M3 convertible had a base price $45,900 and a destination charge of $570. The M3 convertible had oodles of standard features, including all Season Traction Control and a Limited Slip Differential. Even the drivers door lock was heated. For serious winter driving there is an optional aluminum hard top available for the car.

Our BMW M3 convertible was a great summer treat. It was fat-free, and had no calories. But we should caution, it was addictive.

CHEERS
1. Power
2. Handling
3. High fun factor

JEERS
1. Plastic rear window
2. Slight cowl shake