BMW 3-Series Coupe & Convertible 2011 facelift

The BMW 3-Series coupe and convertible models have received a mid-life facelift to complement last year’s update of the sedan, even as the German firm is readying the all-new 2012 3-Series for release next year.

The 2011 3-Series coupe and convertible come with reshaped headlights, a wider grille and a reworked front bumper, all of which are rather unnoticeable. At the rear, the tail lights receive new inner clusters.

The 3-Series coupe will now be offered with xDrive all-wheel drive in some markets, while the 3-Series convertible gets new solar-reflective leather upholstery that apparently reduce seat temperatures when the top is down.

Another non-significant change is the replacement of the existing twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-6 with a new single-turbo 3.0-litre “N55” motor. Oddly enough, the engine produces the same power and torque as the outgoing engine, at 300 hp and 406 Nm, but now feature lower fuel consumption, lower emissions and a wider torque band from 1200 rpm to 5000 rpm.

The N55 engine debuted earlier in the 5-Series Gran Turismo, and will also be fitted in the 2011 BMW 135i. The 2011 3-Series is expected to reach the UAE and other GCC countries by summer this year.