2007 BMW 3 Series Review

BMW convertibles long have had excellent resale value, so it figures the new ones with metal retractable roofs should be the most desirable 3-series convertibles .

Retractable hardtop convertibles with their added safety and security are making convertibles more enticing. And BMW joins the retractable hardtop field with its first such model -- the fourth generation 3-Series convertible.

Making the metal convertible top available for the 3-Series is a smart move because that series, with its many models, long has been BMW's top-selling car range. It's followed by the costlier 5-, 6- and 7-Series four-seaters, not to mention BMW's X and Z sports car models.

It's helped a lot that the 3-Series coupe, sedan, wagon and convertible have been BMW's lowest-cost models, although they've grown in size and power -- and, of course, price -- over the years.

The 3-Series convertibles long have been expensive -- some say overpriced. Anyway, the new BMW entry hardtop convertible is the $43,200 328i, and the more powerful, upscale 335i version I tested lists at $49,100.

Both convertible models have a good amount of comfort, convenience and safety equipment, including front side air bags and rollover sensors that monitor vehicle movements and can activate roll bars behind the rear-seat headrests.

Options can raise prices considerably, and BMW charges extra for amenities some rivals include as standard equipment. My test car had the Premium Package that costs $2,650 for the 328i and $1,550 for the 335i. It includes leather upholstery for the 328i (standard in the 335i) and lumbar support and power folding rearview mirrors for both. A $750 Cold Weather package has heated front seats and headlight washers for both versions and should be popular in the Chicago area.

Auto buffs should especially appreciate the Sport Package. Its items include sport seats, sport suspension and wider tires on 18-inch (vs. 17-inch) wheels. It costs $1,200 for the 328i and $1,300 for the 335i, and caused my test car's handling to be a little sharper.

Resale value of BMW convertibles long has been high, and the new ones with metal retractable roofs promise to be the most desirable 3-Series convertibles.

The 328i has a 3-liter inline (not V-shaped) six-cylinder engine with 230 horsepower, an increase of 46 horsepower over the last generation 3-Series convertible. The 335i has a twin-turbocharged 3-liter inline six that generates 300 horsepower, for a 75-horsepower increase over the prior model.

BMW says the two small turbochargers virtually eliminate turbo lag, defined as a slight pause between the time you depress the accelerator and when the power kicks in. I noticed no lag at all.

The engines work with a six-speed manual gearbox or a responsive $1,275 six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift feature. My test car had the manual, which shifted stiffly but precisely and worked with BMW's typical rather stiff, long-throw clutch.

The 328i does 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds with the manual and 7.2 with the automatic. The 335i hits 60 in 5.5 seconds with the manual, and in 5.7 seconds with the automatic.

Estimated fuel economy is decent, although these convertibles are heavy for their size. The 328i weighs 3,792 pounds with the manual transmission and 3,858 with the automatic. The 335i is heavier at 3,946 pounds with manual, 3,957 with automatic.

The car feels larger and heavier than it is, although it's among the largest premium compact autos with a 108.7-inch wheelbase (distance between axles) and an overall length of 180.6 inches.

The 328i provides 20 mpg in the city and 30 on highways with the automatic and 19 and 29 with the manual. Figures for the 335i are 20 city and 29 highway with the automatic and 19 and 28 with the manual. Both engines call for premium fuel.

The precise, nicely weighted steering is among the best in the premium compact class, and this car handles with typical BMW confidence. The ride is firm but supple with the regular suspension and a bit stiff with the Sport Package. The brake pedal has a nicely progressive action, and stopping distances are short.

The new 3-Series convertibles have an electro-hydraulically operated 3-piece hardtop that deftly opens in 22 seconds and closes in 23 seconds, disappearing completely in the trunk area. When up, the top provides a secure, quiet interior, although there is some tire noise. When lowered, there isn't much wind buffeting in the front seat at normal speeds.

The retractable hardtop has rock-solid construction, so it was surprising to occasionally hear faint rattles on rough roads and when hitting sharp bumps -- even with the top up.

Long, heavy doors can make it difficult to enter or leave in tight spots, and the back seat is best suited to those under 5 feet 10 inches tall. Two 6-footers fit but will be cramped.

There's plenty of room up front in the handsome interior's bucket seats, which are firm but very supportive. Some might find the start-stop dashboard engine button convenient, and the white-on-black gauges can be easily read.

Audio and climate controls are reasonably easy to reach and work. However, the complex, annoying iDrive control system you need to take if you order the $2,100 navigation system absorbs audio controls and complicates their use. Also, the driver's power window controls are too far forward on the door, making it easy to accidentally lower a rear window when a driver just wants a front window opened. The pop-out dashboard cupholders don't seem as secure as conventional ones.

There is little trunk space with the top up, and even less when it's lowered. Interior storage space is minimal. The hood glides up on twin struts, revealing a neat-looking engine compartment with easily reached filler areas.

The 3-Series convertible long has been popular, and its new retractable hardtop should make it alluring to those who've always wanted a BMW convertible but backed away because it had a soft top.

2007 BMW 3-SERIES HARDTOP CONVERTIBLE

PRICE: $43,200-$49,100.

LIKES: New retractable hardtop. Fast. Stylish. Excellent roadability.

DISLIKES: Tight back seat for taller folks. Long, heavy doors. Power window controls location.