BMW E3 California

Without a roof in the Sunshine State

From sedan to convertible

The BMW E3 California describes a unique project in which we were allowed to transform a classic E3 sedan into an elegant convertible. The project was based on an old BMW design that never went into series production. This challenging conversion required extensive modifications to the vehicle structure of the E3.

Planning with state-of-the-art technology

At the start of the project, the original vehicle was scanned in its entirety to create a detailed CAD file. In addition, the soft top box of an E30 convertible was digitized. With the help of both CAD files, the convertible top box of the E30 was digitally integrated into the E3 and the exact length of the side doors was determined. The soft top box increases the rigidity of the vehicle in the area of the B-pillar and provides additional storage space.

Implementation with traditional craftsmanship

Once the planning was complete, we were able to prepare the original vehicle. It was mounted on a straightening bench and then the roof and the B and C pillars were cut out. The resulting loss of vehicle stability was compensated for and even surpassed by several profiles in the sill area. This allowed the original B-pillar to be repositioned. Once all the structural vehicle modifications had been completed, we were able to start production of the outer skin. First, the doors and fenders were extended. Before the new trims were made, we produced customized covers for the soft top box and the roof end.

The finish on the California

After cathodic dip coating and painting, the vehicle was returned to our halls, where the final assembly of the components and trim strips took place.

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Martelleria – Blechmanufaktur

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Design von SEKO Systems GmbH