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By
ALISTAIR KENNEDY
16 April 2007
Since the arrival of the first modern retractable hardtop
roof in the Mercedes-Benz SLK just on ten years ago this practical
feature has been progressively added to the majority of convertible
cars.
Despite the obvious benefits in appearance, security and
practicality BMW has been reluctant to move away from the
traditional soft top for its convertible models with the latest Z4
and 6 Series models both using fabric tops.
Now, with the release of the latest version of its 3 Series
convertible, BMW has made the switch to a solid roof, in this case
a three-piece retractable steel unit that can be folded into the
boot in 22 seconds.
The styling that we admired so much in the 3 Series coupe,
released here in October 2006, continues with the convertible. If
anything it looks even better with a strong, squat appearance at
both front and rear with the twin kidney-shaped grille clearly
identifying it as a BMW. Along both sides a distinctive style
crease extends from behind the top of the front wheel arch to the
taillights.
Power comes from a choice of two in-line six-cylinder engines,
a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre in the 325i and a 3.0-litre
bi-turbo in the 335i. The third engine used in the 3 Series coupe,
a 140 kW 2.5-litre six, is not available in the convertible. Nor
are there any plans to introduce a diesel engine although a V8 M3
version may arrive sometime next year.
The non-turbo engine produces 160 kW and 250 Nm. We spent the
first of our extended test drive, around the NSW Northern Rivers
region, behind the wheel of the 325i and feel that it will prove
more than adequate for most drivers.
The 335i is likely to be the enthusiast driver’s car of
choice. The twin-turbo unit provides 225 kW and 400 Nm with the
torque kicking in quickly, the two small turbos spooling up faster
than a single, heavier one would. On the road that big-grunt
bi-turbo engine is a delight to sit behind with a zero to 100 km/h
time of just 5.8 seconds. At 1750 kg, the 335i convertible is 210
kg heavier than the equivalent coupe, so its combined city/highway
fuel consumption rating of 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres is quite
good.
The 3 Series convertible is available with the choice of
six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, the latter
with a Steptronic manual overrides. In line with the requirements
of the convertible’s typical ‘cruising’ buyer BMW expects
only a minimal take-up of the manual gearbox option.
Interior space for the driver and front-seat passenger is good
even for those of ample proportions. The seats are comfortable and
supportive. Space in the two rear seats is reasonable, certainly
fine for a pair of children up to mid-teen size.
Boot capacity, invariably an issue with retractable hardtops,
is a reasonable 210 litres with the roof lowered and 350 litres
with the roof up. Storage space can be expanded with a 400 x 260
mm opening between the rear seat and the boot which is accessible
by folding the rear seatback down.
Unlike some other convertibles where the front windscreen
extends almost over the front occupants’ heads the ‘screen in
the BMW is just right, providing a refreshing ‘open-air’ feel,
yet still gives good protection from the wind.
Another useful feature in the 3 Series convertible is special
leather upholstery which reflects infra-red radiation from direct
sunlight leaving the leather, BMW claims, up to 20 degrees than
conventional leather.
The fourth-generation 3 Series convertible is significantly
more rigid in the body than before, 50 per cent so according to
BMW. Safety is also provided by ABS brakes, cornering brake
control, dual front and head-thorax side airbags, stability and
traction control, cruise control with brake function, brake pad
monitoring and pop-up rollover bars.
Other standard features include satellite navigation, two-zone
air conditioning, six-disc CD player with MP3 capability, rear
parking sensors and Bluetooth capacity. Steering wheel mounted
gear shift paddles are available as a $200 on the automatic 335i.
BMW’s much-maligned iDrive system has been upgraded with the
addition of eight ‘favourite’ buttons to allow instant
operation of regularly used functions.
The complete BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible range with
prices (excluding on-road costs) is:
323i 2.5-litre two-door coupe - $70,200 (manual), $72,800
(automatic)
325i 2.5-litre two-door coupe - $81,900 (manual), $84,500
(automatic)
325i 2.5-litre two-door convertible - $94,900 (manual), $97,500
(automatic)
335i 3.0-litre two-door coupe - $108,900 (manual), $111,500
(automatic)
335i 3.0-litre two-door convertible - $121,500 (manual),
$124,100 (automatic)
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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