BMW Announces Pricing For New 3 Series Convertible
26 January 2000
BMW Announces Pricing For New 3 Series Convertible WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Jan. 25 -- BMW of North America, Inc.
announced today that the all-new 323Ci convertible, which goes on sale in late
March, will have a base MSRP of $34,990. As the newest member of the latest
generation of 3 Series models, the new convertible is priced only $290 above
its predecessor, the 1999 323i convertible. Taking into account the new
standard features on the 2000 323Ci convertible, it's base price represents an
improved value of more than $4000 versus a comparably-equipped version of the
model it replaces.
3 Series Convertible Is Now In Its Third Generation
Thirteen years ago, BMW recreated the market segment of 4-seater luxury
convertibles. It was a pioneering move when, after more than a decade of
convertibles "lying low," BMW introduced the 325i convertible in 1987. A new
generation, with sleeker styling and new engineering, followed in 1994 and
continued through 1999, last represented by the 323i and 328i convertibles and
offering such new-age features as a lined, fully automatic power softtop and
the automatically deploying Rollover Protection System.
Now comes the third generation, as the fourth model in the new 3 Series.
The first body type -- the sedan -- made its debut as a '99 model; coupes
followed in mid-'99 as 2000 models; a sport wagon also debuts this spring and
now, comes the 323Ci convertible.
The convertible is the open-air companion to the recently introduced 323Ci
coupe, as such powered by BMW's turbine-smooth 2.5-liter inline 6-cylinder
engine. Unlike its competitors, this new BMW convertible is available with a
choice of ideal drivetrains: a typically BMW precise-shifting 5-speed manual
transmission or the new STEPTRONIC 5-speed, 3-mode automatic.
The 323Ci convertible's all-new and even sleeker, sportier styling is the
outer skin of a unit-steel structure that is even more rigid than that of its
impressively staunch predecessors. A glass rear window is also new, and the
lined softtop is designed to reduce dripping from rain when the doors and/or
windows are opened. Overall interior room is increased by 10 percent and
storage of the softtop has been newly configured so that when the top is up,
trunk capacity can be greatly increased. The hard cover that conceals the top
when it is folded is now made of weight-saving magnesium.
Beyond the already high standard of its predecessor, safety has been
enhanced in the new convertible as well. The Rollover Protection System, which
deploys two structural bars upward in case of impending rollover, is now
standard vs. optional in the previous 323i convertible. And the front
safety-belt system is newly integrated into the front seats themselves,
helping occupants get optimum belt fit and restraint effect while allowing
unimpeded entry into the rear seats: an exclusive feature in the 323Ci
convertible's class. As an active-safety feature, helping stabilize the
vehicle in critical cornering or avoidance maneuvers, Dynamic Stability
Control is standard -- as, indeed, on all 3 Series models for 2000.
BMW In America
BMW entered the U.S. market in 1975. Since then, the company has grown to
include marketing, sales and financial service organizations in the United
States; a South Carolina manufacturing operation; a design firm in California;
a technology office in Palo Alto and various other operations throughout the
country. BMW is represented in the U.S. through a network of more than 340
car, 300 Sports Activity Vehicle and 160 motorcycle retailers. BMW US Holding
Corp., the Group's headquarters for North, Central and South America, is
located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Information about BMW products is available to consumers via the World
Wide Web on the BMW homepage. The address is: http://www.bmwusa.com.
