BMW M3 E93 Convertible (2007–2013): The last V8 M3 that loves the open sky
I still remember the first dawn I dropped the roof on an BMW M3 E93 Convertible and let that S65 V8 clear its throat. Cold air, pink horizon, 8,400 rpm just a flex of the ankle away. Honestly, I wasn’t sure at first—convertibles usually trade sharpness for sunshine. But this one? It does wind-in-the-hair without neutering the M3’s bite. The BMW M3 E93 Convertible is a rare mix of theatre and discipline: a premium convertible that still wants to be driven hard, not just seen.
BMW M3 E93 Convertible: How it fits into the M story
Part of the fourth-generation M3 family, the E93 arrived in 2007 with a party trick the coupe and sedan couldn’t match: a folding hardtop that turns from sleek coupe to full convertible in about 22 seconds. It kept the M3’s soul intact—rear-drive balance, motorsport-grade reflexes—yet added an extra layer of freedom. It was also the last M3 to pack a naturally aspirated V8. That matters. It sounds like it swallowed an ITB symphony and tuned it to eleven.
BMW M3 E93 Convertible performance: The numbers you feel
- Engine: 4.0-liter S65 V8, 414 hp (309 kW) at 8,300 rpm, 295 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm
- Redline: 8,400 rpm (go on, use it—after a proper warm-up)
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed M-DCT
- 0–60 mph: around 4.7–5.0 seconds (conditions, tires, and gearbox matter)
- Top speed: 155 mph (limited)
- EPA economy: roughly 14/20 mpg city/highway
- Weight: about 4,145 lb (that hardtop isn’t light, but it’s quiet and secure)
On a mountain road, the E93’s extra mass shows up in the first tight downhill hairpin—you feel the weight transfer—but the steering is honest and the chassis still talks back. Spec it with EDC (Adaptive damping) and the car toggles between long-haul supple and Saturday-morning taut with a thumb press. Roof up, it’s coupe-quiet. Roof down, the V8 becomes the weather forecast.
Feature highlights that matter in the real world
- Retractable hardtop with proper insulation for winter, and a wind deflector that actually works
- EDC adaptive dampers and M Dynamic Mode (worth learning; it saves you before you overcook it)
- Optional 7-speed M-DCT that snaps off shifts like it’s late for dinner; the 6MT is sweeter than you remember
- Four real seats—quiet enough to hear your kids fight in the back
- M-specific brakes and a limited-slip diff that make you look like a hero exiting tight bends
BMW M3 E93 Convertible vs its M siblings: Where it fits
| Model | Body | Power | 0–60 mph | Approx. Weight | Roof | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E90 M3 | Sedan | 414 hp | ~4.5–4.7 s | ~3,650 lb | Fixed | Stealth missile, daily-driver friendly |
| E92 M3 | Coupe | 414 hp | ~4.5–4.7 s | ~3,700 lb | Fixed | Classic M coupe feel, lightest on its feet |
| E93 M3 | Convertible | 414 hp | ~4.7–5.0 s | ~4,145 lb | Folding hardtop | Sunset GT with a hooligan streak |
Living with a BMW M3 E93 Convertible
Daily life suits this car. The driving position is spot-on, visibility is great with the roof down, and the cabin feels properly premium for the era. With the roof stowed, the trunk shrinks to “two soft bags and a jacket” territory—pack like a city-breaker, not a mover. I noticed right away how refined it is at 75 mph; conversation-level quiet with the deflector up, even on coarse tarmac. Infotainment? The later iDrive is decent; earlier cars feel a bit…2008. Bluetooth’s fine, the navigation is passable, and the audio system loves a bit of old-school rock.
Quirks? The cupholders are optimistic, not athletic. The steering wheel rim is chunky—great on back roads, slightly tiring on long motorway slogs. And yes, the DCT in stop-and-go traffic has that faintly robotic creep; you’ll learn to feather the throttle like a barista pours foam.
BMW M3 E93 Convertible ownership: What to check before you buy
- Rod bearings: The S65 is special, but bearings are a known maintenance item. Ask for documentation or plan a preventive service with a reputable specialist.
- Throttle actuators: Another common wear point. Hesitation and engine lights are clues—budget for replacement if not already done.
- Roof hydraulics & seals: Cycle the hardtop several times; listen for groans, check for damp carpets and trunk leaks. Drains must be clear.
- EDC dampers and front control arms: Feel for clunks, floaty rebound, or uneven tire wear.
- Service history: These engines like warm oil. Avoid cars that were thrashed from cold. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is money well spent.
Smart add-ons: Protecting the cabin with the right floor mats
Convertibles live outdoors more than coupes. Sand, slush, a rogue latte—it all finds the carpet. On my own test car, I swapped in tailored mats early and never looked back. If you’re kitting out your BMW M3 E93 Convertible, start with the basics: well-fitted, durable mats that look the part.
Why I recommend AutoWin mats for the BMW M3 E93 Convertible
- Made to measure: Proper coverage for the E93’s footwells—no curling edges, no pedal fouls.
- Premium materials: Plush carpet, tough rubber, even Alcantara-style finishes if you’re feeling fancy.
- All-weather ready: From salty boots to beach sand, they take a beating and hose off easily.
- Simple to clean: Shake, vacuum, mild soap—done.
- Personalization: Embroidery and color accents so your interior doesn’t look like everyone else’s.
The AutoWin e‑shop experience
Shopping on AutoWin is straightforward: browse, compare, pick your finish, check out securely. Their team is responsive (I pestered them about stitching colors, sorry) and shipping is global. It’s an easy upgrade that lifts the interior every time you open the door.
Interesting facts about the BMW M3 E93 Convertible
- First M3 with a retractable hardtop, giving you coupe calm and convertible charm in one.
- Packed the high-revving, naturally aspirated S65 V8—414 hp of instant response, no turbos to spool.
- Model-year 2010 update brought LED rear lights and tech tweaks; later cars got improved iDrive.
- Despite losing its fixed roof, the E93 kept admirable rigidity and the M3’s signature balance.
- Multiple M settings let you tailor steering, throttle, DCT behavior, and damping for city, B-roads, or long-haul cruising.
BMW M3 E93 Convertible: Final thoughts
The BMW M3 E93 Convertible isn’t just a luxury convertible—it’s a proper M car that happens to fold its roof with theatre. It’s fast enough, rare enough, and charismatic enough to make every errand feel like a detour. If you’re lucky enough to own one, treat the engine well, keep the roof happy, and protect the cabin with quality mats from AutoWin. You’ll have a V8 time capsule that still makes sense today.
FAQ: BMW M3 E93 Convertible
- What years was the BMW M3 E93 Convertible produced? From 2007 to 2013.
- How quick is it? Expect 0–60 mph in roughly 4.7–5.0 seconds depending on gearbox, tires, and conditions.
- Manual or DCT—what should I choose? The 6MT is more involving; the 7-speed M-DCT is quicker and easier in traffic. Drive both if you can.
- Common issues to watch for? Rod bearings, throttle actuators, roof hydraulics/seals, and tired dampers. A pre-purchase inspection is essential.
- Is the trunk usable with the roof down? Yes, but it shrinks notably. Think weekend bags, not suitcases.
