|
BMW 3-Series
Convertible Road Test
Good points: Handling,
brakes, gas mileage
Needs Improvement: Horsepower, door handles, side visibility, interior
materials
This well-equipped BMW 3 Series
convertible powered by the 184-horsepower 2.5-liter engine costs nearly $38,000.
For that you get a terrific handling convertible, excellent gas mileage, 16-inch
wheels, automatic climate control, one-touch power windows, heated mirrors, a CD
player and keyless entry, and a ski pas through into the trunk. Also standard
are exceptional antilock brakes, a stability control system, dynamic brake
control, front side-impact airbags, rollover protection, and above average
ratings from crash testing programs.
Dad's view: We have frequently voiced our love for the 330i BMW and
consider it one of the world's truly great cars. On the other hand, the lack of
power in the 325 models makes them sluggish to drive when equipped with an
automatic transmission. These 3600-pound cars need more than 175 pound-feet of
torque to be considered anything but smooth highway tanning machines. The
interesting part is that the $8000 more for the potent 330ci is worth it if you
love to drive. The extra 60 pounds the 330 touts is easily offset by the 225
horsepower, and 215 foot pound of torque that turn this convertible into a
sports car.
Competition in this price range
comes from the
Audi TT,
Audi A4, Ford Thunderbird,
Mercedes SLK, Honda S 2000, Volvo C70, and the
Saab 9-3. But the
real power is this price segment is the
Nissan 350Z convertible. Indeed, if you really
don't need the ultra small rear seat the at BMW offers, the Nissan offers a
better value, although you don't get the ride quality the BMW offers.
College going male's view: The base sound system is not significant.
Replace or upgrade it immediately if floating tunes through the atmosphere is an
important part of your convertible expectations. The rear seats are easy to get
into thanks to the BMW electric seat motor that moves the front seat forward for
ease of entry. Getting out is another matter. If you are good at chin-ups you
will be good at getting out because you do need arm strength. The trunk has a
ski pass through and it is large enough for a couple of suitcases and some
soft-sided overnight cases.
I quite enjoyed everything else
about this BMW. Its not hype that draws young people towards them. They may not
be the fastest, but the way the 325 convertible handled makes it almost as
extension of your thought waves. And, it is a babe magnet.
Mom's view: Our test car's interior was very bland, considering its
pricing. The seats were comfortable, the gauges easy to use, and it blended
together well. However, the overall effect is less than understated. It just
lacks character. This could be the interior of any car.
Driving, despite the obvious lack of grunt from the 2.5 engine, was refreshing.
This is an athletic car that communicates well. The optional five-speed
Steptronic automatic transmission saps the engine and its costs $1275. On the
plus side is the fact that this is a marvelous transmission and clearly above
reproach.
I enjoyed driving this 325ci, although not as much as the larger BMW 5 Series,
because it was an honest car. It did not hide road irregularities, it did not
pretend to be a racecar, and it responded to driver inputs in a way few cars in
this price range can match.
On the other hand, I did not
like the door handles that had to be pulled up and out at the same time. For a
shorter person, the leverage required and the slipperiness of the painted handle
make it a tiresome necessity. In addition, the long doors necessary for those in
the backseat to ease entry, are very heavy and when parked on a hill require a
considerable amount of muscle power. Even the reach to shut the door was
extreme. I also found the large blind spot created by the convertible top's C
pillar to be a hindrance when backing out of parking spaces.
Overall, a first rate vehicle, but I would rather have the 330ci and sacrifice
the one mile less per gallon I would get on the highway for the extra 50
horsepower. As for competition, don't overlook the new
Saab 9-3 convertible.
It costs about $40,000, but offers an excellent ride, more spirited
acceleration, and more room.
Young working woman's view: This car is fun. It is good looking, has
enough room to take a couple of friends to the beach, and is just the right size
to park. The only flaw I found was that we could never get over 23 mpg with the
automatic transmission. You might want to check with BMW in your area because
they are offering free three years scheduled maintenance to go with the
four-year/50,000 mile warranty.
Family conference: If you need a convertible this one is worth
considering. Please note, that its weaknesses are not without a cure, if you
have the extra $6000 for the 330ci available.
Written by The
Car Family |
