Vehicle: 2007 BMW 335i Convertible with Sport Pkg, 6-speed auto with Steptronic paddle shifters and comfort access
Price as tested: CDN$72050

Handling: 3-Series has always been known for its handling dynamics. Its no difference when BMW ditched the soft-top offering for the retractable hardtop in the latest generation. Not only does this retractable hardtop makes the 3-Series one of the stiffest convertible I have ever driven, its additional weight doesn’t sacifice any of the driving manners that what make BMW famous. It all begins with a strong and stiff chassis that is completely free of flex and rattles, as well as its nearly perfect 50/50 RWD balance. When driven the convertible hard through railroad tracks, it doesn’t have any cowl shakes thanks to its bank vault like construction. We are lucky our tester doesn’t have the optional Active Steering, which I have been criticized for its artifical feel. The sports suspension includes in the sports package provides firm and supple ride, on the other hand, its steering is as sharp and precise as any 3-Series I have driven before. The best of all, BMW’s renowed weighty feel remains intact without the Active Steering. Body rolls are minimal. The beauty of its BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control, or what the rest of the world called ESP, is also one of the best systems in the industry. Its threshold is so high that it won’t be kicking in unnecessarily. It allows enthuiastic drivers to have some oversteer fun before any electronic nannies step in. On the other hand, it will save many skilled drivers when the car rears its ugly head when the system steps in.

Performance: There are two impressive engines available in the convertible The standard engine is a normally aspirated 3.0L straight-6 DOHC 24-valver with 230hp and 200 lb/ft of torque. Or the optional 3.0L twin-turbo unit in our tester. Both engines come with BMW’s advanced Double Vanos technology. This twin-turbo straight-6 has a mind-blowing 300 horses and screaming 300 lb/ft of torque. The standard engine is more than powerful enough for convertible’s cruising purpose, as BMW’s straight-6 always provides awesome engine note and performance. However, if you are going for the baddest. This twin-turbo really is the 2nd best compares to the upcoming 420hp V8 M3. When the first turbo steps in, its performance is awesome. When the second turbo kicks in, its just astounishing. It doesn’t have any turbo lag when pushed. When step on the throttle, the power spools up quickly without any drama. We decided to take the 6-speed Steptronic instead of the sweet 6-speed stick shift due to convertible purpose. This Steptronic allows drivers to shift into redline before any up and downshifts. Its shifting is crisp with ratios perfectly matched the turbo character. If you want the true exhiliration, take the 6-speed stick shift. Its a joy to drive with BMW’s renowed precise shifter and proper clutch take-off.

Brakes: Its braking performance is as impressive as its performance. The stopping distance is short and pedal feels solid. The threshold is easily modulated.

Interior: The interior ergonomics is what you expect from a BMW. The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. Both climate control and stereo are placed in ergonomically correct locations. One can use them without taking your eyes off. The leather sports seats are simply wonderful, as it hugs you tightly without being confined. They also finished in top-notch Dakota materials which are soft and supple. As with all the current 3-Series interiors, however, I still find the use of materials low-rent compares to the high standards set by its predecessor.

This retractable hardtop is a marvel of German engineering. It transforms from a hardtop coupe to a convertible in only 22 seconds.

The trunk space is enough for two persons for a daily grocery shopping or on a trip.

Conclusion: The new 3-Series convertible is a car with dual characters. On the one hand, you got a very capable handler with a wonderful twin-turbo inline-6. On the other hand, its a comfortable cruiser with the warmth of a retractable hardtop. In a nutshell, it will set a very high standard for rectracable hardtop convertible that is very hard to surpassed for years to come.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 BMW 335i CONVERTIBLE
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 5/5