01-23-2007, 06:40 PM
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| 335 Convertible: Car and Driver
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But how does it drive?
Has chopping the roof and adding weight spoiled the 3-series? Most definitely not. If anything, it’s just a touch less-edgy than the stiffer and lighter 335i coupe and sedan, but the convertible still dances up a twisty mountain road in a way that will satisfy the enthusiast.
The surprisingly linear, 300-hp 3.0-liter direct-injection twin-turbo six barks with a satisfactory, very un-turbo-like snarl and is the least compromised turbo engine we’ve ever driven. Naturally it doesn’t feel quite as strong as in the coupe; BMW predicts the convertible’s 0-to-60-mph times will be 0.2-second slower than comparable coupe’s. We blasted to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds in a 335i manual coupe, so that would put a manual 335i convertible at 5.1 seconds, and an automatic at 5.3. Still not exactly what you’d call slow.
While enthusiasts will probably prefer the standard six-speed manual transmission, opt for the new ZF six-speed automatic and the engine’s boosted nature is concealed even more, to a point that it’s basically indiscernible. BMW claims this new transmission shifts up to 40-percent quicker than other automatics, and even though it’s a conventional automatic with a torque converter its shift times are approaching those of automated manuals, such as BMW’s SMG. To us, this new automatic is up there with the Jaguar XK’s tranny as among the best; both of which are far better than the clunky SMG. And who wouldn’t want satisfying, right-now shifts without the bumbling between gears that happens with SMG? Wide-open-throttle upshifts happen with a reassuring kick approaching that of automated manuals.
As far as the 3-series’ convertibleness is concerned, we did over a hundred miles with the top down, optional wind blocker in place, and windows up. If there’s any degradation to structural rigidity with the top down, it’s minimal, and even at 80 to 85 mph the cabin is reasonably quiet. Perhaps better, we were able to stay warm with outside temperatures in the low- to mid-40s.
Other 3-series traits remain: Terrifically comfortable seats, with optional power bolster adjustment (you must try these); properly weighted and responsive steering that’s among the best; and a ride-handling balance its competitors would kill for.
The 3-series sedan, coupe, and now, convertible. You really can’t go wrong no matter which one you choose. We’ll take a deep breath as we await the 400-hp, V-8–powered M3. How much better can the 3-series get?
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