BMW 3 Series Cabrio

The 3 Series convertible, a convertible roof rigid folding roof, is on sale from € 44,000. Is a higher price than the canvas hood with Convertibles, Cabrio and the Audi 1.8 T and 1.8T Saab 9-3 convertible. There are also models with a folding hard roof that cost less, like the Volkswagen Eos and Volvo C70 (list of models like 320i convertible, sorted by price). This difference in price is partly due to the fact that BMW has standard items such as xenon headlamps.

At the launch there are four versions of gasoline and diesel ratio (all versions). Later, there will be at a version with four-cylinder diesel engine (320D) and a six-cylinder engine (335d).

Rigid folding roof has a three-piece, which takes 22 seconds to open and 23 closed. Its operation is completely electric, there is no additional closure to be operated manually.

For use as a closed car, the BMW has few limitations because the roof insulation is a very similar version with a closed body (coupe). At least until a speed of 120 km / h, from the inside will not hear noise caused by the wind, is also perceived little road noise and caused by other traffic.

As the interior of the roof is good (it is not any mechanism or articulation), contributes to the sensation of traveling in a closed car. Another interesting feature is that as a closed car rearward visibility and rear three quarters is not bad.

In relation to the coupe, the cabriolet is less suitable for carrying two adults in rear seats because the backs of these seats are in a position close to vertical. Compared to the coupe, it has less space in the rear seats but not enough to average two children or grown adults who are not very high.

To remove the roof must be completely halt the march (in a Saab 9-3 Cabriolet, for example, this operation can be done to a speed of 30 km / h). Another requirement is convertible to the tray, which distributes the trunk should be at the lower of the two possible (this is something common in other Convertibles). According to BMW, "when designing the kinematics of the roof, also took into account the planned diversion of water from the rain." Thus if the roof is wet, can be convertible car without falling into water.

With the deflector positioned behind the rear seats (this element is optional and remove the two rear seats, image) and increases with the windows, you can move up cabriolet 100 km / h or something else without disturbing air currents from reaching the interior . At this speed, the noise forced them to raise the tone of voice to hold a conversation.

Unlike other convertible, is not necessary to use a hat or a scarf because it was felt uncomfortable drafts in the front, unless the seats are placed in a very high or very high up-front occupants. BMW has managed to make a windscreen, without being big or be near, or protects the occupants. The climate has a specific mode when driving without the roof (more information). Optionally you can have leather upholstery, a "sun reflective (more information).

The trunk has a volume of 350 l with a roof made of 210 l and with the roof folded. With a roof over your body size is close to that of a Saab 9-3 (352 l), and intermediate between the one who has a Volvo C70 (404 l) and an Audi Cabrio (315 l). The trunk lid has a mechanism to close the ends gently if it is ajar ( "Soft-Close).

With the 3 Series convertible, the boot is normal for a convertible with a folding hard roof. It's like a Volvo C70 (200 l) and a Volkswagen Eos (205 l) and smaller than a Ford Focus Coupé-Cabriolet (248 l).

When the roof is folded, the cargo trunk mouth is very small. Only you can put a suitcase can fit in the cockpit of an airplane.

When the car is convertible, which limits access to the trunk is the roof. To avoid this shortcoming, the optional remote control has a function ( 'comfort') which rose about three inches of the roof parts are folded in the trunk, so the gap is larger load. This feature also allows comfortable fully open the roof of the remote control.

You can have a trap door that connects the rear seats with trunk, through which you can load golf clubs or skis, image. Another interesting solution is that the rear backrest can be to hunt on his back can load large objects (which do not fit in any case in the trunk, image) without damaging the upholstery of the seats. Although the rear backrest can be lower, there is always a wall of separation between the trunk and passenger compartment.

Between the BMW 3 Series Coupe and convertible, there are certain dynamics that differences can be seen even in a smooth driving (which is how I drove during the presentation): the most notable is that the convertible has a more comfortable suspension. To pass over bumps in the cabriolet noticed some vibration in the steering wheel and the structure (particularly under the windscreen) is not closed version. These vibrations are more or less equal than others Convertibles have four seats from a closed car.

During the presentation, the only version available was the 335i with manual and automatic. The operation of the automatic gearbox it appeared as satisfactory as in other BMW cars we've tested and is therefore a good alternative to manual. The 306 hp engine is probably the best there is in those with similar potency (at least from the standpoint of tact and benefits).

Take an advanced version of the multimedia management system "iDrive", which has eight programmable keys sensitive to friction: to bring the finger, before pressing the button, the display an indication of the role assigned to the key in question. Thus, it is easy to confirm the role of each.

All antennas (radio, TV, GPS) are hidden. It has an antenna on the roof which is activated depending on whether it is folded or not. When the roof is stored in the trunk, some antennas concealed in the sides of the body to replace the antenna on the roof.

The steering is hydraulic, with optional active steering. All versions have a boot button on the dashboard and dual-xenon headlamps. The alloy wheels are smaller, 17 inches (the size of the brakes so requires), with tires measuring 225/45 R17, with the ability to shoot without pressure (Runflat). It also has continuous indication of the wear of brake pads.

Among the equipment of all versions take control of stability "DSC" off with traction control "DTC", assistance in emergency braking, a feature which brings the pads to the discs when the system interprets the driver intends brake force, drying-and-off the "fading". Also, in versions with active steering, stability control can also act on the direction in situations of loss of adhesion.

In the list of options will be things like active steering and active developer of speed (ACC).

Convertibles four other places like the 3 Series convertible are Audi convertible, the Mercedes-Benz CLK, the Saab 9-3 convertible, the Volkswagen Eos and Volvo C70. Of these, only the Eos and C70 are like the 3 Series - a rigid folding roof. When the 6 Series convertible, which has canvas hood, BMW said that this solution was preferable to a sport because it was lighter and less affected at the height of the center of gravity.

The BMW 3 Series convertible will be produced in Regensburg (Germany) on the same assembly line as other models of Series 1 and Series 3.