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Take the most masculine BMW there is, the soon-to-be-replaced M3 Coupe and swipe all of its best hardware. We're talking everything from the engine, steering system, brakes, variable differential lock and a handful of suspension parts. M Roadsters also have unique 18-inch wheels and bodywork, not to mention 218 fewer pounds to carry around compared to the M3.
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Big analog gauges with red needles sit behind a thick Motorsport steering wheel. The tachometer is also Motorsport spec, with a variable redline that settles at 8,000 rpm when the oil is fully warmed up. The speedometer reads to 180 mph, but the computer will cut you off at 155 mph.
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The 3.2-liter straight six is identical to the M3's so it has an iron-block, double VANOS variable valve timing system and an 11.5:1 compression ratio. A slightly more restrictive and quieter exhaust shaves off 3 horsepower, leaving the M Roadster with an official rating of 330 hp at 7,900 rpm. Torque remains the same at 262 pound-feet at 4,900 rpm.
A new six-speed manual transmission is used since the M3's six-speed didn't fit. It's the only transmission available and its final gear ratios are virtually the same as in the M3, yet BMW claims a quicker 0-60 time (4.8 to 4.9) for the heavier coupe. It couldn't explain why.
...
Although the M Roadster shares its steering system, brakes and numerous suspension parts with the M3, most of the parts were tuned specifically for it. The ride quality is noticeably better than the M3 on the street. It's remarkably stiff for a convertible, yet you rarely get any harsh impacts. Steering feel is about perfect and the brakes are way more than you'll ever need for the street.
...
With a base price of $51,300, the 2006 BMW M Roadster will run you $2,400 more than an M3 coupe. That doesn't make the roadster much of a bargain considering it isn't any faster and has two fewer seats and a smaller trunk.
Compare it to other high-performance convertibles, however, and the M Roadster is the new king of performance per dollar. It's not only $3,400 cheaper than a Porsche Boxster S, it's $10K less than a Mercedes SLK55 AMG. And if BMW's numbers are correct, the M Roadster is faster than both.
Take the most masculine BMW there is, the soon-to-be-replaced M3 Coupe and swipe all of its best hardware. We're talking everything from the engine, steering system, brakes, variable differential lock and a handful of suspension parts. M Roadsters also have unique 18-inch wheels and bodywork, not to mention 218 fewer pounds to carry around compared to the M3.
...
Big analog gauges with red needles sit behind a thick Motorsport steering wheel. The tachometer is also Motorsport spec, with a variable redline that settles at 8,000 rpm when the oil is fully warmed up. The speedometer reads to 180 mph, but the computer will cut you off at 155 mph.
...
The 3.2-liter straight six is identical to the M3's so it has an iron-block, double VANOS variable valve timing system and an 11.5:1 compression ratio. A slightly more restrictive and quieter exhaust shaves off 3 horsepower, leaving the M Roadster with an official rating of 330 hp at 7,900 rpm. Torque remains the same at 262 pound-feet at 4,900 rpm.
A new six-speed manual transmission is used since the M3's six-speed didn't fit. It's the only transmission available and its final gear ratios are virtually the same as in the M3, yet BMW claims a quicker 0-60 time (4.8 to 4.9) for the heavier coupe. It couldn't explain why.
...
Although the M Roadster shares its steering system, brakes and numerous suspension parts with the M3, most of the parts were tuned specifically for it. The ride quality is noticeably better than the M3 on the street. It's remarkably stiff for a convertible, yet you rarely get any harsh impacts. Steering feel is about perfect and the brakes are way more than you'll ever need for the street.
...
With a base price of $51,300, the 2006 BMW M Roadster will run you $2,400 more than an M3 coupe. That doesn't make the roadster much of a bargain considering it isn't any faster and has two fewer seats and a smaller trunk.
Compare it to other high-performance convertibles, however, and the M Roadster is the new king of performance per dollar. It's not only $3,400 cheaper than a Porsche Boxster S, it's $10K less than a Mercedes SLK55 AMG. And if BMW's numbers are correct, the M Roadster is faster than both.
