New spin for propeller badge

Following in the mould of a swag of rivals, the new E93 3-series convertible has swapped its soft-top for a metal folding roof.

A bold move maybe but technology has allowed such a move without the convertible suffering from obesity or the normal design trade-off of a frumpy rear-end.

The fourth generation 3-series convertible is arguably the biggest design change to the model from the Bavarian brand which calls on over 70 years of experience in making droptop machines.

It is claimed the three-piece roof opens and shuts in 22 seconds.

There is a diesel four-cylinder convertible but it is unlikely to get a start in Australia.

The Brisbane Motor Show will be the Australian preview for the ground-breaking hardtop only two weeks after the car was put through its paces at the international launch in Phoenix, Arizona.

It will be available in showrooms here in March, soon after it becomes available in Europe and North America.

Prices for the new droptop are $94,900 for the 325i manual ($97,500 automatic) while the red-hot 335i manual will cost $121,500 with the auto at $124,100.

As in the coupe range there will be a choice of either the six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.

Breaking cover in Australia on BMW's Brisbane stand will be the rapid 335i twinturbo convertible along with a 325i version.

There will also be a 323i which is the third and final variant to join the sexy 3-series coupe range after the release of the 335 and 325 last year.

The preview of the 3-series convertible at the show is the second time BMW have used Queensland as a launching pad for important new models within the past six months.

In a major shot-in-the-arm, the 3-series coupe press launch was held out of Brisbane before the car was shown at the Paris Motor Show.

Other cars the blue and white badge has assigned for the show are a hot M6 convertible, the all-new X3 3-litre diesel, a Z4 M coupe and a 3-litre roadster, a 1-series diesel and a 750Li Individual.

The awesome 335i will also be shown in a 3series sedan Individual.