2004 BMW M3 SMG Convertible Road Test

A Straight-Razor on Wheels

Imagine a straight razor manufactured from surgical quality, high carbon steel. Visualize the skilled machining of its

Having spent a week with the BMW M3 Cabriolet, I was awed by its capability for speed and accuracy. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

precision blade and the ergonomic contouring of its perfectly balanced, weighted handle milled from cold steel. Now feel how efficiently the finely honed edge of the blade follows the curves of your flesh while painlessly removing anything growing above its surface. With the confidence and skill of an old-world barber you effortlessly dance the blade over your skin with speed and accuracy. Never does the hardened razor slip from your steady hand or unexpectedly slit the vulnerable surface on which it glides. If this razor were a car, it would be a BMW M3.

I recently had the pleasure of dancing an M3 Cabriolet over the streets in and about my town and was awed by its capability for speed and accuracy. And like the imaginary razor, never did the M3 slip from my grasp or unexpectedly slide upon the surface it traveled.

My test unit was a sensational looking Titanium Silver soft-top version of the Bavarian supercar. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

My test unit was a sensational looking Titanium Silver soft-top version of the Bavarian supercar. And because I view the design of this lionhearted beast so favorably, please don't assume I've jumped on the yuppie "Bimmer" bandwagon - I haven't. My admiration of the bi-kidney grilled two-door is based on BMW's long history of designing vehicles exhibiting cutting-edge style, with or without the Bangle effect.

Proportionally, the BMW 3-Series is downright perfect. That sizing perfection is retained when the 3-Series roof is dropped into its storage well by depressing a single console-mounted button. Once in place, a hard tonneau cover creates a beautiful and smooth exterior to interior transition.