The convertible version of BMW's latest 3-Series lineup of cars will soon be coming to Canada, bearing a base price of $51,500.
It will be called the 323Ci but for reasons too complicated to explain here that designation does not reflect the size of the engine. So the 323Ci will be powered by a 2.5-liter inline-6 that develops 170 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 3500 rpm and in the base model will come with a 5-speed manual transmission.
The third ragtop version of the 3-Series will have some interesting features, including safety belts built right into the front seats, rollbars that pop out of the rear head restraints, a heated and scratch-proof rear glass in the convertible top, a relatively light hardtop that replaces the convertible top that can be removed and stored for the winter, and more.
Standard equipment includes traction control, a leather sport steering wheel, a hand-operated softtop, front and side airbags, air conditioning, an onboard computer, a battery-less remote entry control, 16-inch wheels, and a steering wheel that tilts and telescopes.
The list of key options would probably start with the 5-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic (a psuedo-manual system) for $1,200, the premium package (auto dimming mirror, Myrtle wood trim, front centre armrest and power memory seats) for $1,275, the Sport Package (a sport suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, and sport seats) for $1,900, Montana leather for $2,400, a navigation system for $3,900, a power softtop for $1,880, and a body-colored hardtop for $3,400.