You’re truly riding with the Big Boys when behind the wheel of this powerful BMW convertible. This is a lot of car. It may look like BMW convertibles of the past, but it’s a far more sophisticated automobile for 2002. And that, my friends, is an understatement. Not only does someone aspiring to own a vehicle of this caliber have to be a big roller, he/she clearly has to be able to bring home enough bread to maintain it.

Our test vehicle 2002 BMW M3 Convertible carried a MSRP of $53,900, with a total vehicle price of $61,295. Destination charge $645, and a whopping $7395 worth of options, including the Oxford Green II Metallic paint ($475). We’ve driven vehicles twice the price of our M3 Convertible, but few are as formidable. This is one beautiful car; auto excellence at its best.

Perhaps the biggest story about the M3 Convertible is the Sequential M Gearbox (SMG II) system. Originating out of Formula 1, the BMW M3 (and M series) sports car is in its second generation. The Sequential M Gearbox is operated by the flick of a couple of "paddles" located behind the steering wheel on the column. By pulling the right-hand paddle, the driver shifts the gearbox up, and to shift down, pulls the left-hand paddle. There is no need for the classic clutch pedal. Rather, the driver can continue to accelerate while shifting.

BMW is the first auto maker to offer the Sequential M Gearbox, creating a racing feel in a street legal vehicle. First introduced in 1996, the SMG has been well-received and is now offered in one out of every two M vehicles sold.

Complicated in its technology, the SMG isn’t difficult to use. However, it does take some getting used to. Clutchless manual transmissions are becoming evermore popular in daily drivers equipped with primarily automatic transmissions. In the M, though, BMW has carved out a particular niche: for a particular type of driver. This isn’t a car for just anyone. It must be driven to be appreciated, and yet, understood in its complexity to be coveted.

It took this writer a day or two to become acclimated to the M’s quirks. BMW has succeeded in creating a "Formula 1 Feel" to this ultimate machine. The beauty of course, is having the option to choose between the two shift modes, depending on your mood.

The M Convertible is also equipped with Drivelogic, a feature on the 7-series. The driver can match the Sequential Gearbox’s gearshift characteristics to his/her style of driving in 11 different programs. Shifting up/down at the touch of a switch the driver can fully enjoy the experience. BMW claims it’s "more relaxed." We’re not sure. Perhaps after it’s mastered.

The Sequential M Gearbox is not only a racing car feature but a safety function, as well. When driving on slick or snowy pavement, shifting down will instantly release the clutch. This will enable the engine to build up excessive drag forces ensuring that the car will not slip or slide. Also important is that the driver cannot make a mistake when shifting gears. When in the "S" or "A" mode, the gearbox will automatically shift back into first gear when the car stops. This was especially noticeable at traffic lights, and at first, a little unnerving.

Practically speaking-and in lay terms-BMW’s Sequential Gearbox shifts electrohydraulically. The control elements of the SMG system, explains BMW, operate by wire; "in lightning speed and safely without any mechanical connections." This is the same technology used in aircraft and space vehicles. Now you understand what we’re trying to convey here.

When driving the M Convertible in the "A" mode, the SMG automatically shifts in accordance with the program selected by the driver through the Drivelogic Control function. When the driver changes from "A" to "S" mode, the gears can shift up manually if the driver pulls the right paddle, or by pushing the selector lever mounted on the console. To shift down, the driver pulls the left hand paddle, or moves the selector forward. The engine double-de-clutches, depending on the driving program selected and the driving situation. Gears can also be skipped by repeatedly operating the paddle or selector lever. Shift lights assist the driver to know when he/she is approaching optimum speed.

BMW has done well in the last several years, with rising net income upwards of 3.8 percent, or $580.2 million worldwide. In the U.S. alone, BMW recorded its best month ever in April ’02, with sales up 20 percent including the Mini. The new 7-series, Mini, X5 SUV have helped BMW compete with other manufacturers in product line availability. Those of us who always were-and remain BMW groupies, are well aware of what BMW means in product. It seems now the rest of the world is also taking note.

Options on our test BMW M Convertible were many, and costly (totaling $7395); i.e., the SMG II system, $2400; lumbar support, $400. Of course, you know, any vehicle in this category has to pay gas guzzler tax and BMW’s no exception at a hefty $1300. These are not prices for the faint-hearted. But then, neither is the BMW M series. This is one serious automobile.

If you’re curious, take the M Convertible for a testdrive, but be prepared to do some brushing up first. Also be prepared to walk away with your mouth hanging open. This is clearly a driver’s automobile. With few equals.