1987 BMW 3 Series Convertible Brochure

3251 Convertible
s +
—E —

325i CONVERTIBLE
The 325i Convertible:
Created for those
with a penchant for
driving wide open.
325i
CONVERTIBLE

STYLING
How less
can be more.
uilding the 325i Convertible
put our engineers and
designers to a demanding
test. Requiring them to
completely redesign the body of
the 3-Series.
For only all-around body reinforcement can give an open car
the right kind of torsional stability
and strength. From the high-rising
door-sills to the reinforced frames,
the BMW Convertible has everything it takes to remain strong and
stable even on bumpy roads.
The production quality of
the BMW convertible
completely matches the
standard set by the design.
Numbers also provide convincing
proof of German quality and BMW
engineering: 4,700 welding points
for optimum stability, a seemingly
endless two-mile conveyor belt
through anti-corrosion baths and
paintwork shops, and 2,170
| check-up points for final approval
The completely
restructured body
offers exceptional
torsional rigidity.
Longitudinal supports 2.4" higher
than normal, additional reinforcement
bars, support
mounts and crossmembers give the
325i Convertible
strength
and stability.
of the bodyshell give a whole new
meaning to the concept of quality.
One of the most impressive features of this new convertible
philosophy, however, is the soft
top. Within a matter of seconds
you'll have it raised into position,
resting snugly and aerodynamically on the body. Robots specifically
designed for quality control have
the exclusive task of continuously
opening and closing the top — day
and night. Made of hard-wearing
cotton with integral rubber fibers,
the roof is watertight even in a
cloudburst. And a special fan
keeps the rear window Clear in all
kinds of weather.
When the sun comes up, the
roof — of course — goes down.
Folding easily and quickly into a
special compartment behind the
rear seats. Fully retractable, as if it
had never been there. Giving the
driver a clear, unobstructed view
to the rear. Without that ">hump” at
the back which often makes the
rearview mirror virtually worthless
in so many convertibles.

POWER PLANT/SUSPENSION
Experience
a heightened
awareness of
the road.
POWER PLANT/SUSPENSION
he 325i Convertible offers
the unique combination of
open-air motoring and advanced technology. An innovative headlight system: ellipsoid
low beam providing brighter lights
for better visibility and reduced
The suspension is in a class of its own.
glare to oncoming traffic. Under
the hood is a 2.5 liter, 6-cylinder
engine with 168 hp and maximum
torque of 164 ft./lb, with Digital
Motor Electronics for maximum
engine efficiency.
The Convertible comes with
two different transmissions: the
speed manual with short and
smooth shift-travel, or the 4-speed
automatic transmission with con
verter lock-up clutch available as
an option.
The suspension features numerous race-proven components.
From the twin-tube gas-pressure
shock absorbers and the elaborately designed spring struts all
the way to the rear axle semi-trailing arms swept back by 15° —
everything forms one perfectly
tuned unit. To give you ideal driving characteristics even on rough
country roads.
The braking system consists of
four swing-caliper disc brakes, internally-vented in front. An antilock braking system (ABS) is stand
ard equipment. ABS measures
wheel-slip on each wheel 96 times
per revolution. So that in an emergency it will apply and release the
brakes up to 15 times a secon
preventing the wheels from locking and enabling the driver to
steer around an obstacle.
The 6-cylinder
power plant offers
168 hp, acceleration
from O—60 in just
8.6 seconds.
The multi-arm rear
axle swept back by
§ 15° features antisquat to keep the
car smooth and the
ride comfortable.

» 60. no | wo ¢ 100 A
0003 8B G io
tecTROMe
ree aa
120—
—e
to. 9AM
HR-DATE AVG MPH MMPH
WWGMPG © RANGE. = TIMER
TEMP CODE SET-RES
The on-board computer gives important information:
the range you can
still cover on the
fuel in the tank,
average fuel consumption and when
to stop for gas.
The BMW Sound
System with antitheft radio/cassette
deck and 6 high-output loudspeakers in
the side panels.
Vinin
x1000
ANTI THEFT
ANTI THEFT
at —
Ph 925
= BAND TREBLE
5/PROG BASS
COCKPIT
Ergonomics.
The key to
ust one look and you see it
all. Nothing can escape you.
Every instrument, each
switch, even the smallest
detail is just where it should be, so
that you'll "automatically” reach
for the right controls.
To ensure this high standard of
control ease, our engineers have
built the cockpit around the driver.
Making it concave in design, arched beautifully and efficiently toward the driver. This places the
anti-glare instruments directly in
your line of vision: the tachometer,
speedometer and fuel gauge.
The BMW cockpit
has three unique features.
The Service Indicator, which informs of when your car needs
routine servicing based on the style
of your driving — fast and dynamic
or moderate and more relaxed.
Check/Control constantly compiles information on all the car’s
important functions. As soon as it
detects even the smallest deficiency in a monitored function — such
as an inadequate water level in the
windshield washer reservoir — it’ll
let you know through a red LED in
the check display right above the
rearview mirror.
It also monitors the engine oil,
coolant level, brake lights and
many other items all the way to
the license plate illumination. Even
reminding you to fasten your seat
belt for safety.
Although the driver's in command, he can benefit from a little
help. From the on-board com
puter. Which will tell you, for example, how far you can get with the
fuel in the tank. Or when you have
to fill up. In winter it'll warn you of
icy roads as soon as the temperature drops to 36°.
The cockpit is arched around the driver.
All the controls and
instruments are exactly where they
should be for relaxed, fatigue-free
motoring.
All these functions make the
on-board computer an extremely
helpful asset you'll never want to
do without again.
Another standard feature of the
BMW Convertible is the anti-theft
stereo radio/cassette deck. Which
will turn every joy ride into your
private open-air music festival. So
just breeze along and enjoy life.

INTERIOR
Four luxury seats.
And nothing
but the sky above.
his is real open-air motoring
four fully-grown adults can
enjoy in style. With lots of
space at the rear and a
sense of freedom you've never experienced before. For this is a new
concept of active, sporting luxury.
Driving comfort and driving safety
start with the proper seating position at the wheel.
The immediate oneness a
driver feels upon sitting behind the
wheel of a BMW results, to a large
extent, from the carefully conceived seating, visibility and steering
position.
A seat adjustable in numerous
ways relative to the pedals and
steering wheel allows all drivers to
find their own optimum position.
This makes the driver feel
more in control behind the wheel,
exerting a positive influence on the
total driving experience.
The quality of the technology is
matched by the luxury of the interior.
A unique blend of refined engineering and high-quality materials
ensures dynamic driving pleasure
with a comfortable, all-leather interior. Sports seats for the driver
and front passenger, featuring
good tight side support even in
turns, and a taut but not too hard
backrest for relaxed long-distance
traveling.
So the classic roadster now
has a modern successor. With the
comfort and style of a new age.
With ample legroom for the rear-
The BMW 325i Convertible
is a genuine four-seater.
seat passengers, and front seats
that automatically move forward
| when you want to get out from the
back.
But take another look at the
| front seats. The driver’s hands
resting firmly on the M Technic
leather sports steering wheel. Enjoying that perfect feeling and
smooth handling convertible
drivers appreciate so much.
Because a convertible is an expression of lifestyle — your lifestyle. Which starts right at your
finger-tips. At the steering wheel.
Then, press the button,
down go the side windows front
Leather-upholstered
front seats with optimum side support.
Adjustable for
height, seat angle FF
and backrest angle.
and rear. Unlatch the hinges
above you, and without the
slightest effort the roof will disappear behind the rear seats in a
matter of seconds. When folded
down the entire roof disappears
completely into the storage space
between the luggage compartment and the rear seat. This gives
the flair and feeling of a genuine
roadster. To offer the thrill of open
air motoring with particular ease
and convenience, the roof features
not only two tightening handles
but also two gas pressure springs.
So that it can be opened and closed without the slightest effort.
Now you are ready to enjoy the
blue skies up above in your BMW
325i Convertible.

HERITAGE
A legend reborn.
he 325i Convertible recalls
an early tradition of high
performance exemplified by
the open-air roadsters that
once ruled the highways and AIpine passes of Europe — one of
which is the legendary BMW 319.
BMW is therefore uniquely qualified to present this latest incarna
tion of that motoring tradition.
For the new 325i Convertible,
reliability began with precision
design proven in facilities like the
BMW Aerothermal Test Center,
where sample components can be
subjected to 75-mph snowstorms
in mid-July, and prototype testing
for over 3 million miles.
HERITAGE
During actual production, a
daily average of one quality control
inspector for every finished car ensures that the 325i Convertible is
| built with great care. Bodies
undergo a 37-step rustproofing
and painting regimen. Periodically
Cars are subjected to an excruciating 7,000-step spot-check.
Such perfectionism explains
how we can provide the 325i Convertible with its enviable
3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and 6-year limited warranty
against rust perforation. *
The BMW symbol of
the rotating propeller. A synonym
for consistent performance, innovation and quality.

EXTERNAL AND
Specifications.
INTERNAL DIMENSIONS
WEIGHT
Unladen
Max. permissible
Permitted load
Permitted axle load front/rear
Permitted roof load
POWER PLANT
Cylinders
Capacity
Stroke/bore
Nominal output/rpm
Max. torque/rpm
Compression ratio/fuel grade
TRANSMISSION
Standard gear ratios |/II/III/
IV/V/R
Final drive ratio
PERFORMANCE
Drag coefficient
Top speed
Acceleration 0-50 mph
0-60 mph
1/4 mile
FUEL CONSUMPTION *
5-speed standard transmission
City
Highway
Automatic
City
Highway
WHEELS
Tire dimensions
Wheel! dimensions
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery capacity
Alternator output
SPECIFICATIONS
Ibs
Ibs
Ibs
Ibs
Ibs
cu.in.
inch
hp(SAE)/min
ft. Ib/min
a
mpg
mpg
mpg
mpg
Ah
A/W
Numbers in () apply to vehicles with automatic transmission.
EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage may vary, depending on speed, weather and trip length: actual highway mileage
we
most likely be lower.
3015 (3040)
3855 (3880)
1895/1995
152.2
2.95/3.31
168/5800
164/4300
unleaded/91 RON (87 AKI)
3.83/2.20/1.40
1,00/0.81/3.46
3.73
0.40
130 (126)
6.0 (8,0)
8.6 (10.5)
16.5 (17.9)
195/65 VR 14
6x14 __lightalloy
90/1260

BODY
Two-door, four-seater convertible, specially designed and constructed monocoque all-steel
bodywork with rollover bar integrated in windshield frame,
welded to the floor assembly, front
and rear crumple zones with
predetermined deformation, allaround body reinforcements.
Tank capacity: 14.5 gal.
POWER PLANT
Water-cooled 2.5 Itr.,
6-cylinder 4-stroke inline engine,
longitudinally mounted and inclined, light-alloy cylinder head,
overhead camshaft with 7 bearings, crankshaft running in 7 bearings with 12 counterweights and
torsional vibration damper, crossflow radiator, viscous-coupled
temperature and speed-related
fan, engine oil cooler, Motronic
with adaptive lambda control, integrated altitude sensor, electronic
grid-controlled ignition and gridcontrolled air-volume-metered fuel
injection, electronically controlled
idle speed. Twin-tube exhaust with
twin tailpipes, catalytic converter
with heated lambda probe.
SUSPENSION/TRANSMISSION
Suspension: single-pivot
McPherson strut front axle with
positive steering roll radius and
anti-dive, rear anti-roll bar, independent rear suspension on
semi-trailing arms swept back by
15°, anti-squat and anti-dive,
twin-tube gas pressure shock absorbers, power steering related to
engine speed, BMW 6 J x 14 lightalloy wheels, 195/65 VR 14 tires,
twin-circuit brake system with
brake servo, swing-caliper disc
brakes front/rear, vented at the
front, brake pad wear indicator,
handbrake acting mechanically on
additional drum brakes, anti-lock
brake system. Hydraulically actuated single-plate clutch with
plate spring, torsional vibration
damper and automatic adjustment for wear, clutch operation via
offset spring. 5-speed manual
BASIC EQUIPMENT
transmission. Standard drive:
engine at the front, rear-wheel
drive.
EXTERIOR FEATURES
Roadster. Soft top. All-around
parking protection through rubber
side strips. Hood supported when
open by torsion bar and gas
pressure spring. Rear end of hood
rising toward windshield. Trunk lid
with gas pressure springs.
Laminated windshield with darkgreen shade, green plastic rear
window, fixed-position front
quarter-windows. Both rearview
mirrors finished in body color.
Central locking incl. fuel tank filler
flap. Tank filler flap with holder for
tank cap.
INTERIOR FEATURES
Full carpeting of entire floor
On-board computer || with
| digital clock, remote control from
| steering wheel lever. Cruise con-
| trol. Electric windshield washer
with automatic wash/wipe. Electric windows front/rear.
Interior light next to Check/Control. Air conditioner, heating outlets |
in rear, fixed-position defroster
nozzles for windshield and side
windows. Blower for rear window.
BMW Sound System with 6 highoutput loudspeakers.
and parcel shelf. Storage space on |
instrument panel, front and rear
center console, storage boxes in
front doors. Safety ashtray at the
front, illuminated ashtray on
center console at the rear.
Leather sports steering wheel
and leather stickshift knob.
Toolbox in trunk lid. BMW sports
seats at the front, rear seats with
individual body contour, leather
upholstery and leatherette door
lining, adjustable and removable
front headrests.
3-anchor inertia-reel seat belts
front/rear. Rear belt locks recessed in backrest. Interior mirror
bonded onto windshield.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Ellipsoid-technology dual lowbeam headlamps. Foglamps.
Third central brake light on trunk
lid. Side markers. Both rearview
mirrors electrically adjustable.
Cockpit: instrument cluster with
electronic speedometer, tachometer, odometer, Energy Control,
Service Indicator, Check/Control,
fuel and coolant temperature
gauges, warning lights for fuel
level, emission control, handbrake
pulled, brake pad wear and brake
fluid level, oil pressure.
U.S. Importer:
BMW of North
America, Inc.
Montvale,
N.J. 07645
BMW reserves the
right to make
changes in
specifications, standard and optional
equipment without
prior notice. Further
information can be
obtained from your
BMW dealer.
© BMW AG,
Munich/West
Germany
Not to be reproduced
wholly or in part
without written permission of BMW AG,
Munich
71103 18 25
2/87 VM. Printed in
West Germany 1987

niet
a cisece vure
The ultimate
driving
machine