With the new 2007 3-Series Convertible, BMW has entered the hardtop convertible arena, joining the likes of Pontiac, Volkswagen, Chrysler and Volvo who have also trod this ground in the last year.
While the fourth-generation 3-Series Convertible is one of the better inceptions of this new trend, it’s also the priciest. The 328i starts at $43,200, and the 335i Convertible test vehicle came with a steep base price of $49,100.
2007 BMW 3-Series Convertible
BMW wins with pair of threes
Favorite features:
- Smooth gearshift
- Comfortable driving position
- Quiet hardtop
- 9 cubic-feet of cargo volume
Needs improvement:
- Unintuitive audio controls
- Wider compatibility for Bluetooth technology
- Heated seats should be standard at this price point
- Entry into rear seats
With the top down, the exterior lines are very sleek. With the top up, you’ve got an attractive four-season vehicle. But unlike other hardtop convertibles that make it difficult to tell if it’s a coupe or drop top, the 3-Series actually puts the hinges for the top operation on the outside. The top goes up and down in about 22 seconds.
One of the quandaries with any convertible is always trunk space. The new 3-Series offers a whopping 9 cubic-feet of cargo volume. The space is a little bit awkward -- especially if you have the top down -- but I had no problem retrieving my gym bag and yoga mat during the test week.
Fit and finish on the 3-Series Convertible is what you’d expect from a BMW: pretty darn good. The one thing I noticed, however, concerned the convertible top. With such an intricate system, you almost expect something to go wrong – if not now, then someday. In the case of the test vehicle, one of the rear flaps covering some of the convertible mechanisms didn’t close all the way.
I got a good driving position in the 3-Series, and I particularly liked the adjustable seat bottoms. As people are getting taller, most manufacturers are starting to ignore the fifth percentile female. Not BMW. They are accommodating both tall and small passengers with a seat bottom that fits my short legs. Yet, through a manual release, the seat bottom actually elongates by a couple inches, giving support to taller drivers as well.
While this new model isn’t as driver-centric as previous models, all the gauges and controls were within easy reach.
I was incredibly thankful that the test car didn’t come with BMW’s irascible iDrive. Even so, some of the audio controls were a bit unintuitive and took a little button pushing to figure things out.
The gearshift was in an excellent position for shifting and resting your hand while driving. It was nice and smooth, and the clutch was pleasantly stiff. Then again, I didn’t get stuck in stop-and-go traffic during the test week.
Entry into the back seat was a bit tricky for the coupe convertible – especially when those people who need to climb back there are all dressed in black-tie attire. Once back there, my passengers enjoyed the ride, saying that it was comfortable. They liked the covered rear cup holders and the little cubbyhole in the console. I did have a co-worker who is a 3-Series owner check out the car, however, and he was unimpressed especially with the cupholders, saying they looked cheap and plasticky.
The 335i Convertible was incredibly fun to drive, with 0 to 60 mph times of 5.5 seconds. It handled well around curves, and the highlight of each day in this car was zooming into the sweeping curve of the Ohio feeder ramp as I was heading in to work.
The steering was sporty and stiff, which is great for straight highway driving, but not so great for parallel parking. I felt like I was getting a great arms workout every time I pulled into a spot.
I have a friend who habitually squeals when I do a fast acceleration in any car, and I thought I would have to tie her down and gag her during my time in the 3-Series Convertible. The test vehicle was the 335i with the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with twin-turbo chargers that delivers 300 horsepower. With such power under the hood, every acceleration – whether in passing or from a stop – was sheer glee. I couldn’t help accelerating quickly. And she couldn’t help squealing.
Good thing the test vehicle also came with a Logic7 audio system with surround sound simulation. I almost couldn’t hear her.
The tradeoff to a fast moving vehicle is usually fuel economy, but the 3-Series convertible has refreshing estimates of 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
The test vehicle came equipped with the Premium Package ($1,550), which included integrated garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-folding side mirrors, compass, lumbar support and BMW Assist with Bluetooth system.
Again I had problems with the Bluetooth hookup. I was able to sync my Sanyo Katana phone and even make a call using the car’s system, but about 30 seconds into the call, the Bluetooth would unpair my phone, and the call would continue via the speaker on my cell phone. Then, 30 seconds later, I’d get a request on my phone to re-pair with the car. So, I did, and the call would work for another 30 seconds. And thus it continued before I gave up and got out my Bluetooth earpiece, which works fine. The folks at BMW tell me that even though my phone is less than a year old, it’s not compatible with this car.
The test vehicle had several other packages that racked up the dollar signs, including Titanium Silver Metallic paint ($475), Cold Weather Package ($750), Sport Package ($1,300), Comfort Access with Comfort Load ($500) and Satellite Radio ($595). With the destination fee, the final price of the test vehicle range in at $55,045.
I liked the BMW 3-Series Convertible, but I also liked the Volkswagen Eos … and it costs $20K less.
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