1998 BMW 3 Series Review

BMW ``M'' models are its hot rods, and this is the sexiest four-seat 3-Series BMW.

The $46,470 M3 convertible is the most costly of the 3-Series M models, which also come as a coupe and sedan. It's awfully pricey for a small convertible, but is nicely built and well-equipped. Its 240-horsepower inline six-cylinder engine is a gem, with dual overhead cams, 24 valves and variable valve timing.

The M3 soft top has a much tighter interior than the revamped, larger 1999 BMW 3-Series sedan and won't be offered for more than a year with the bigger 3-Series body.

However, the M3 convertible's backseat can accommodate two tall adults fairly comfortably on short trips--if front-seat occupants slide their seats forward sufficiently. Supportive front seats are designed for fast driving through curves, but rear vision is hindered by small side mirrors.

The small trunk is best suited for only a few pieces of soft luggage.

But one buys an M3 soft top for flash and performance, not roominess. The 3,491-pound two-door is much heavier than the M3 coupe and thus isn't quite as fast. But it's still plenty quick, doing 0-60 m.p.h. in six seconds and topping out at an electronically limited 137 m.p.h.

An advanced five-speed automatic transmission is offered, but M models are for serious auto buffs who prefer to shift for themselves. The five-speed manual transmission works well, but is hooked to a long-throw clutch that is a pain in stop-and-go traffic.

Third gear provides the best response for in-town driving, as fourth elicits limp throttle response and second causes the engine to rev too highly. Decent 65-75 m.p.h. passing maneuvers can be done without shifting out of overdrive fifth gear.

The M3 convertible is a relaxed highway cruiser and has BMW's legendary precise, linear steering. Handling is first-rate. Helping road grip and braking are a lowered sport suspension and huge tires on super-wide, 17-inch sport alloy wheels.

But the low-profile front and rear tires make the expensive wheels easily susceptible to damage at curbs, so care must be taken when parking.

The M3 convertible isn't as rigid as the M3 hardtop models, although the soft top has few body shakes because of its front cross braces and reinforced longitudinal frame members. The firm-but-supple suspension provides a comfortable ride.

A traction control system helps keep things safe on slippery roads, but this rear-wheel-drive car needs special tires for winter driving in this area.

The brake pedal is easily modulated and stopping distances are terrific, thanks to huge vented disc brakes.

The power top is a picture of efficiency; it goes down and up quickly, with a smoothly integrated hard cover automatically covering the top after motors fold it down. Side windows are lowered and raised by a single-touch switch. As an added convenience, a driver can raise the top and windows by holding the key in the locked position in the door handle.

No wonder this thing costs so much money.

The top is fully lined, and door windows seat positively in their weatherseals when raised, resulting in snug weather protection and low wind noise with the top up. A color-keyed, $2,295 aluminum hardtop is offered for those wanting things more weathertight in winter.

This is a safe car; two protective roll bars pop up behind the rear passengers if car sensors detect an impending rollover. And side-impact air bags work up front with the regular air bags during a collision.

But heaven forbid that this BMW gets even a fender scratch.