BMW has joined the club.
In simpler times BMW would have rolled out a convertible with a soft top just like it has since 1987. But now, keeping up with the Benzes or even the Pontiacs demands a retractable hardtop. So for the 2007 model year BMW added one, its first ever, in its 3-Series.
With a retractable hardtop the car becomes a year-round traveler ready for rain, sleet, snow and construction zones.
And BMW’s move is certain to force Cadillac to offer a retractable hardtop in its CTS, just like Cadillac is expected to eventually add a wagon. But we digress.
Gone are the typical soft top shortcomings — wear and tear and stains ono the fabric, noise from the top flapping in the wind up or down, and most important, having only a thin sheet of canvas between your melon and whatever you hit in an impact.
Just push the console button and the metal top hides in the trunk in 22 seconds. Push the button again, and it motors back up in 23 seconds. Ample time to open or close at a stop sign, not enough at some lights.
Though it is air tight and doesn’t whistle or flap, a retractable hardtop does have its drawbacks, the primary one that it’s easier to find a needle in a haystack than to find luggage room in a trunk with the top there.
With the top down you can slip a coat, sweater, maybe a pair of running shoes in the trunk. With the top up you can carry a small overnighter providing the case and contents bend or fold. To hold a couple suitcases, the rear seat back folds flat.
The rear wall also conceals a bag that slips out and into the back seat to hold a pair of skis. Actually lots can be held in the back seat except people.
No room for feet, much less legs. There are a pair of fold-out cupholders and an ashtray in back, just no room for anyone old enough to use them.
Convertibles are parade cars, but the huge headrests over the back seats rob the rear ledge of room to seat queen and her court. Headrests are made to rise and serve as roll bars in a rollover. Queens can always hop in a Mustang convertible instead.
BMW offers redesigned 3-Series convertibles, the 325i with a normally aspirated 3-liter 230-horsepower 6-cylinder and the 335i with a 3-liter 6 that develops 300 h.p. Thank the twin turbos, which lack the typical lag. Hit the pedal and the car takes off. No waiting for the turbo to take a deep breath. And though that’s 75 h.p. more than from the 3 liter in the previous convertible, BMW is quick to point out that the mileage rating remains the same at 19 m.p.g. city/28 m.p.g. highway.
Stability control with traction control keeps the radials within the appropriate lane markers. It takes only light pressure on the brakes to stop the mass; four-wheel anti-lock brakes are standard.
The test car came with 6-speed manual. A 6-speed automatic is optional at $1,275. The manual is smooth and helps deliver an energetic jolt as you move up in each gear. However, manual and convertible don’t match as well as automatic and convertible. The 3-liter is a powerhouse, but a convertible typically is a sit-back–and-cruise machine. No need to rush the experience.
As with all BMWs, the 335i is designed for optimum performance. That means a stiff suspension to move from point A to B nimbly. But while agile, the car isn’t necessarily comfortable. When driven at length a backache and/or leg cramps await from stiff ride, stiff suspension and stiff seats.
The car came with run-flat radial tires and a sports suspension that prevents lean in corners — at the cost of a very stiff ride.
Yet BMW took pains to ease one pain associated with a convertible. Hop back into the car after the leather has baked a few hours and chances are you’ll toast a thigh or burn a bun. So BMW has gone with Dakota leather treated to reflect heat that can hit 140 degrees. Dakota reduces the temperature by 30 to 40 degrees so the seat will be about the same temperature as the body.
Noteworthy features include a cell-phone holder in the center console, cell-phone/iPod holders plus iPod jack and power plug under the center armrest, cupholders that slip out of the dash and a cupholder under the armrest with an air duct to heat or cool beverages as warranted. Base price is $49,100, and includes rain-sensing wipers, power locks/windows/seats/mirrors (heated), automatic climate control and AM/FM stereo with C/MP3 player.
Options include heated seats and headlight washers along with the ski bag for $750, a premium package at $1,500 that adds power folding side mirrors, garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror and Bluetooth hands-free phone, a $1,300 sports package with the firm suspension, high-performance run-flat radials and 18-inch alloy wheels, satellite radio at $595 and comfort access, or keyless ignition, with a magical fob at $500. Part of the magic? The fob can raise or lower the top as you stand nearby.
If your primary concern is just a retractable hardtop and not a high-performance sportster, check out a Pontiac G6. If a performance is primary and a retractable hardtop a bonus, the 335i is the ticket.
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2007 BMW 335i convertible
$52,495 as tested *
Wheelbase: 108.7 inches
Length: 180.6 inches
Engine: 3-liter, 300-h.p., 24-valve 6-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 19 m.p.g. city/28 m.p.g. highway
THE STICKER
$49,100 Base
$1,550 Premium package with garage-door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, power folding side mirrors and Bluetooth hands-free phone
$1,300 Sport package with sports suspension, 18-inch run-flat radials and alloy wheels
$750 Cold-weather package with heated seats and headlight washers
$595 Satellite radio
$500 Comfort access with keyless ignition
* Add $775 for freight
PLUSES
First power retractable hardtop for 3-Series.
Very potent 6.
High-performance, top-down motoring.
Stability control with traction control standard.
MINUSES
Rear-seat room.
Long-distance comfort.
No room in trunk.
