BMW 3 Series
BMW 3-Series Convertible (328i, 335i)
The latest E92 BMW 3-Series was first introduced in 2007, and now features a very fresh facelift and engine change. The E92 3-Series convertible is BMW's first model with a retractable hardtop. BMW says this convertible is the perfect car for two-person backroad vacation adventures whenever the weather permits. Built on the same chassis and with the same engine choices as the 3-Series coupe, it gives up just a little weight and luggage room in return for the fun of top-down motoring in an all-season automobile.
The only variation between the 328i and 335i models is in the power plant. The 328i uses BMW's normally aspirated 3-liter inline six, offering 230 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 200 foot-pounds of torque at 2,750 rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a standard six-speed manual transmission; a six-speed automatic with rapid-action Steptronic gear selection is optional.
The 335i has a new 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder with a single twin-scroll turbocharger, high-precision fuel injection, and an all-aluminum crankcase, pushing the car to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. The motor produces 300 horsepower at 5,800 rpm. Peak toque is 300 pound-feet, available from a mere 1,200 rpm, all the way up to 5,000 rpm.
BMW says the new N55 engine replaces the N54 with was the same displacement, but required twin-turbochargers. The new N55 single turbo setup produces the same peak power but with a lower starting torque curve, as well as better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
The folding hardtop adds about five hundred pounds to the car compared to the 3-Series coupe, but according to the manufacturer's figures, this has no impact on fuel efficiency. The 328 gets 20 city and 29 highway mpg, while the 335 is rated at 21 city and 30 highway
There's also no sacrifice to the superb handling for which BMW is recognized. The car is solid on the track at speeds well in excess of highway limits, and yet is confident in tight cornering, due to a near-even front to rear weight balance
Stylistically, the 3-Series droptop gets new headlamps, LED tail lamps and mirrors, as well as a widened signature kidney grille with a new chrome frame. The new front and rear fascias add a little length to the car -- 1.14 inches up front and 0.12 inches out back. All Convertibles will now get adaptive Xenon headlamps as standard equipment and the revised lamps gain brighter LED corona rings, a BMW design staple.
Inside, the 3-Series Convertible receives some very minor updates. New additional wood trim options are added to the list and the some of the formerly black plastic trim takes on a more gray shade. The Convertible's leather trim now comes with a sun reflective pigment to keep the seats cooler when the top is down -- as much as 36 degrees Fahrenheit cooler for dark leather.
The folding top mechanism takes up some trunk space, and the folded top even more, providing just about enough trunk space for two roll-aboard suitcases. However, the rear seat backs neatly fold down to form a functional luggage shelf, so a week's vacation in the car can be handled with ease. Fortunately, the hardtop erects in just a few seconds, so all you have to do is remember to close it when you park the car in order to keep your luggage safe.
ABS, stability control and traction control are all standard. Driver and passenger are protected by front, side, and knee airbags. Belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters are activated by sensor-controlled electronics based on type and severity of collision.