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BIMMERPOST NEWS

BMW 4 Series Convertible (F33) Goes Topless for the First Time

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We're happy to share the first spyshots of the F33 4 Series Convertible with its top down and in operation. Earlier spyshots suggested that the 4 Series Convertible will retain its folding hard top mechanism, first introduced on the predecessor E93 3 Series Convertible. These spy photos officially confirm this. As far as we can tell, the hard top operation and design is largely similar to the E93's so we wouldn't be surprised if this was a takeover from the current car.

That's where the similarities end in these photos, as the F33 sports unique seat (look at the front ones) which remind us of the F12/3 6-series seats, and which could signal an upmarket position from the F30 3 series sedan. The exterior is still heavily camouflaged (no, the round rear lights aren't there to stay but just part of the camouflage as they allow BMW to hide the real rear lights design while meeting legal requirements for street safety), so it's still difficult to make out the final design. However, we expect the F33 (and F32 coupe) to be loosely based on the current F30 3-series sedan yet showing a more sportier, sleeker, and somewhat unique design.

The U.S. lineup will most likely include the N20 2.0-liter turbo inline four and the N55 3.0-liter turbo inline six currently used for the F30 3-series sedan. Perhaps both engines get a small power bump to reflect the upmarket approach of the F33 4 Series convertible. Expect the F33 to be available in Spring 2014. Yes, that's plenty of time left so stay tuned for more spyshots and information on the 4-series convertible.

Follow our 3 series / 4 series spy photos @ http://www.bimmerpost.com/3-series/spyshots/
Also see our future BMW models rough timeline - http://www.bimmerpost.com/future-bmw

VIDEO:

Previous spy photos of the F33 convertible:

[Maz335i]

Something to look forward to...

[bavarian19]

Moving upmarket? That is simply just another way of saying they are going to charge more for the same product. Maybe they will even try to sell it by throwing in a nice option or two.

Same story as to the Z4. You used to be able to buy one for 35k.

[JesperGustavsson]

Extremely complicated folding procedure!

Is there any place at all for luggage after the roof has been folded into the boot?

[Yurka]

Hard top in the 4, but still none on the 6.

BMW is strange sometimes...

[Rdx]

Originally Posted by JesperGustavsson

Extremely complicated folding procedure!

Is there any place at all for luggage after the roof has been folded into the boot?

Will it trowh out your luggage if there is any while folding?

[positiveions]

interesting...

[Masheen]

Looking very interesting

[CasZy NL]

Bad thing they again choose for a hard top. A soft top has so much more style.

And indeed it seems very large. No more 3-series. Hopefully the 1er coupe/cabrio will grow to former 3er volume.

Looking forward to see the new 4er in more detail.

[MI6]

South, so what you are saying is that the 4-series has been confirmed for the new F32/33????




-Bond

[nate82]

what happens to these test mules after testing is completed?

[mapezzul]

Originally Posted by nate82

what happens to these test mules after testing is completed?

Crushed then recycled. They are not true vin'd cars.

[GOLFFRR]

I guess ill have to see more before I make any comment. For now that open/close set up seem interesting.

[desertfox73]

Ok, I'll bite. Maybe I didn't see something others are seeing (it's been a long day)...how is this mechanism different from the E93?

[Forster]

Not a fan of the current hard top convertible 3er and this one looks just as bad... Choppy, visible cuts in the roof, just doesn't flow IMO...
Also curious as to the "4 series" being confirmed.. Hmmm I'll stay tuned..

[kardboard]

Interesting pictures, indeed!

More and more this is looking like a mini 6 series as I predicted several months back.

And here is more proof (remember all speculation, just stroking my own ego by saying "proof")

http://www.f30post.com/forums/attach...0&d=1323722364

The front of the car has very much the same dimensions. If you look closely it has that hoodline above the BMW emblem. The middle, where the grill would be is double the width of one headlight, just like the six series. Low kidneys, just like the 6 series. The six series has a mellow hood, and this 4 series does as well. The wheel arches stick out the same on the mule as they do on the 6 series. The front has the exact dimensions as the 6 series.

The rear of the car is where I think the 4 will distinguish itself from the 6. The lower pumper looks to be more shapely than the mule. I believe the tail lights will be similar but only as similar as the F10 is to the F30

Then there is how the mule drops its top. Just like the 6 series dropping his top. Notice it is the same system the 4 series uses. ALMOST exactly. Obviously the hardtop reverses the steps (folding the top first, then tucking it into the trunk, as opposed to the 6 opening the trunk first and folding the top in after.


The front of the headlamps also slide back into the wheel well a bit like the 6 series. Dimensions seem to be the same (although scaled down). But the body lines are very interesting on this mule. Of course it's too hard to tell what is and isn't there, but it seems like the main line to the 4 series will be a lot lower than whats on the 6. The six has a very distinguishable line that follows the door handles, this one doesn't seem to. Or if it does its not as sharp as the 6. There is also a second body line under the door handle on the 4.

I love speculating on these cars!
SPECULATION but very very similar.

[southlight]

Originally Posted by MI6

South, so what you are saying is that the 4-series has been confirmed for the new F32/33????

Originally Posted by Forster

Also curious as to the "4 series" being confirmed.. Hmmm I'll stay tuned..

There's no official announcement or confirmation from BMW, but that's how things are looking to us at this point.


Best regards,
south

[Zebra99]

I love the E93's, but with the redesigned F series it'll be hrd to tell of the F33 will look nice at all. I'll stay tuned to finalize my decision when they actually start showing em off in person, but I can be certain of one thing...

If they charge more just because it's a "4" they've lost a customer. I'll hold on to E93 as long as I can and if anything the only thing I'd consider is a 2011 E93 335is so that it's still mostly my body style (LCI) and sill using N54 platform.

Thanks BMW...or not

[Jblack4083]

Originally Posted by Yurka

Hard top in the 4, but still none on the 6.

BMW is strange sometimes...

I personally like the soft-top on the 6... I think it's more elegant. Maybe there are engineering obstacles associated with the larger area that needs to be covered. That's what's probably preventing them from incorporating a soft top on the 6. Then again, what other big coupe has a hard top?

[cgaffney004]

looks like it weighs 4000lbs plus

[ATSR]

Originally Posted by MI6

South, so what you are saying is that the 4-series has been confirmed for the new F32/33????

Originally Posted by Forster

Also curious as to the "4 series" being confirmed.. Hmmm I'll stay tuned..

Originally Posted by southlight

There's no official announcement or confirmation from BMW, but that's how things are looking to us at this point.


Best regards,
south

This is not good news. I refuse to accept the soon-to-be fact that the new M3 coupe is going to have a completely irrelevant name. What a waste for one of the few historically significant badges.

Bad move BMW

[shoptb]

I wish that they'd ditch the convertible hard top....adds more weight and doesn't really provide any substantial benefit over a well-engineered soft top.