BMW 3 Series Convertible

Following on the heels of the BMW 3 Series Coupé launched late last year, the all-new Convertible has just been introduced to the South African market. Although based on the same platform that serves other derivatives of the E90 series, the convertible is stylistically different from its Coupé cousin. Top up, or top down (the metamorphosis takes 22 seconds from start to finish), the 3 Series Convertible is a seriously attractive car and, in a first for BMW, boasts a folding hardtop.

BMW’s engineers only considered the metal and glass folding structure, if it met the stringent requirements of the job at hand. And, surprisingly, the roof itself contributes only 25 kg to the overall mass increase of 200 kg. The bulk of that mass increase takes place in strategic areas below the skin, to aid in maintaining chassis rigidity that is lost when the roof is removed. And, since the reinforcement happens lower down, the Convertible’s centre of gravity is lower than that of the Coupé.

Even though it is a solid structure, the entire roof mechanism folds in a mere 22 seconds, according to BMW, and can be fully erect in only a second slower. Conveniently, the hood can be dropped and raised via the car’s remote fob, which should make for a good party trick when you’re seated at a roadside café.

When the roof is stowed the low-slung lines of the convertible come to the fore. A deliberate attempt at leaving passengers with an open-to-the-elements feeling – the whole point of an open top really – has meant that the designers have steered clear of a rising waistline that many models display.

Usually, the process of making a convertible goes; lop off the roof, a hint of extra torsional bracing here and there and a couple of new panels. With the BMW, however, there are a number of interior features that acquit themselves convincingly to the convertible experience. We’re all familiar with the ergonomically superb, high quality cabins found in many BMWs, but here the small touches make a difference. Optional leather upholstery and trim featuring SunReflective Technology deflects infrared radiation to reduce seat and armrest temperatures by as much as 20 percent. The automatic air conditioning also features a “convertible” setting that tailors conditions according to the ambient sunlight and external temperature.

With the roof up, the cabin remains quiet and extremely well insulated, just some of the benefits of employing a hardtop.
When CAR associate editor Sudhir Matai drove the Convertible at its world launch in Arizona earlier this year he remarked that dynamically, the convertible doesn’t feel markedly different from the Coupé. Over-zealous state troopers, and ice-covered roads prevented any serious exploration of chassis dynamics, but in more favourable conditions BMW claim that the 335i Convertible is capable of a 0-100 km/h time of 5,8 seconds on the way to an electronically governed 250 km/h top speed. One of the fortunate side effects of removing the roof is the fact that you get to enjoy the throaty growl of the motor, especially at full throttle.

There is the same weighted steering wheel, which is communicative as to what’s going on underneath. Plenty of grip from the strut front/multi-link rear suspension set-up, attested to by no interference required from the DSC, despite the tricky conditions. And plenty of power from the same turbocharged in-line six as found in the 335i coupé, that is to say 225 kW and 400 N.m.

Even though there’s the equivalent of three decent sized adults being lugged around, all the time, the convertible is just fractionally slower in terms of acceleration than the coupé, according to BMW’s claims. Thanks to its hardtop, sexy looks, good dynamics and powerful engine, the 3 Series Convertible is likely to be a very popular option in the local context, Matai concluded.

Pricing: (as of March 27)

330i Convertible R484 000

330i Convertible Steptronic R498 500

335i Convertible R577 000

335i Convertible Steptronic R591 500