Paul:

Here are my thoughts on your dealer's comments.

1. I can't see a base M3 convertible listing for more than about $8k more than the current M3. This would equate to an MSRP of about $48k-$50k (similar in price to the luxury convert. on the Roundel cover this month, sans the nicer leather but with all the performance goodies). The dealers may only get a few cars, but would they really fetch major premiums? I don't think so. Remember, by the time the convert. gets here, the E36 M3 will be all but history. Yeah its a great car, trust me, I too have one, but with discussions of 4.4L V8s etc., dealers will be hard pressed to move these things as they get closer to the new body/motor. If the convert. is a hit, I am sure they will come back with it in the new body. The typical M3 driver is more performance oriented anyway, after all, if they were not, they would be driving a 328ic now for the same price.
2. As you, I have an M Roadster on order and am interested in what the MSRP will be. The guys that in charge of the M Roadster project at the factory in SC told me to expect a price of something very similar to the current M3 MSRP. That would mean a base MSRP of $38k-$42k. I think your dealer is about 3-6 months behind on his information. A few months ago, dealers here in Atlanta were telling me the same story. I tend to believe the guys at the factory over an uninformed dealer.

Let me know if you have any further thoughts.

     Jay Bell
     jbell_at_kpmg.com
     108407