i can imagine that BMW gives the curent 3 series convertible the retractible hard top. not even the marketing aspect would be an issue. I think that with the current development of cars, especially convertibles, there is no other chance for BMW to do it. all other manufacturers are going that way and as long as your are not aiming for small series like elise etc., that has to be your way too. people tend to feel safer and more comfortable in the hard top versions.
regardning the coupe vs. hard top 3 series, there is no problem. the one who wants a convertible, buys it for the convertible feature, no matter how it works. the one who does not want to buy an convertible simply will not. i don´t think that the material the roof is made off will close the gap between couipe and convertible.
i just think that the time for the soft tops is over....sad sad though...
