2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
The beauty in the convertible segment has a name: The 3 Series Convertible from BMW. After more than 20 years of fabric cap, the hard top doesn't change the sporty genes of the 330i either.
Marc Leimann
BMW dares something. After three successful generations with a fabric roof, the new 3 Series Convertible exudes a completely new charm. Thanks to the fully retractable hardtop, the C-pillar ends in a classic angle and, for the first time in a BMW convertible, forms the so-called typical “Hofmeister kink”. Also for the end customer, a change that aroused desires and increased interest in other road users, as we were able to determine during our test drives.
Space, feeling of space and visibility improved
With the help of the new roof construction, it has been possible to provide the rear passengers with more space, especially in the shoulder area. Overall, the interior gains just under seven centimeters, so the days of gentle rubbing against each other on the back seat of the 3-series convertible are over.
The legroom, however, has gained little compared to its predecessor. It is still tight in the rear, especially for tall occupants. These places fall victim to long topless trips anyway, at least when the wind deflector is used. Then the 3 series convertible is transformed into a simple two-seater, but with an amazing side effect. The use of the wind deflector makes it easy to talk to the passenger up to 180 km / h.
When closed, it is noticeable that visibility in the 3 Series convertible has improved significantly. This not only applies to the view through the rear window, which is now made of glass and has increased both in width and height. The all-round view is also clearly optimized thanks to the narrow A and C pillars and the virtually non-existent B pillar.
Optimized consumption and emissions
The 272 hp petrol engine can be described as the ideal companion for the 3 series convertible. The High Precision Injection, together with the double variable valve control, offers very sporty driving performance. The 330i Cabrio accelerates to 100 km / h in 6.5 seconds, and at a top speed of 250 km / h the unit is electronically limited.
In city traffic, however, you don't feel the car's sporty genes. Although the maximum torque of 320 Newton meters is already at 2,750 rpm. is applied, a more powerful response to pressing the accelerator pedal would be expected. The 330i takes a little time here, but then develops its power very homogeneously over all six gears.
Ten liters on average
At BMW, we have known that sportier performance does not automatically mean higher fuel consumption and emissions since the introduction of the new engines in the 1 Series. This also applies to the three-liter petrol engine. The manufacturer specifies the combined consumption of 8.1 liters per 100 kilometers. Unfortunately, we could not achieve these values, the consumption leveled off at an average of ten liters.
But with a moderate driving style, the on-board computer sometimes showed an average consumption of eight liters, and full load journeys it acknowledged with around 13 liters per 100 kilometers. And that with emission values that make you sit up and take notice. The 330i Cabriolet emits 194 grams of CO2 per kilometer - a good figure for this class.
Trunk too small
A look into the trunk shows that a retractable hardtop not only has advantages. 210 liters when the roof is open and 140 liters when the roof is closed do not allow for cheers, especially since the trunk variability is very limited due to the roof construction. A large number of warning stickers do not allow the use of small depressions in the jagged trunk. Not to mention luggage or soda boxes.
Only one thing helps here: Open the roof and load the back seat. And you will look in vain for small storage areas. Even the glove box is only partially suitable for accessories such as CDs due to its size.
Expensive surcharge list
If you want to enjoy the 330i convertible, you have to put at least 48,350 euros on the table. A six-speed automatic with Steptronic and adaptive transmission control (2,160 euros), metallic paintwork (770 euros), leather upholstery (at least 2,240 euros), automatic air conditioning (770 euros), Park Distance Control (720 euros), navigation system (at least 2,300 euros), CD Changers (430 euros) and speaker systems (at least 570 euros) as optional extras then push the price slightly into the 60,000 euros region.
But a look at the competition shows that here, too, you have to dig deep into your pocket in order to combine sporty driving performance and convertible. A comparably well-equipped Audi A4 Cabriolet “attracts” at prices around 56,000 euros, but has 40 hp less. Mercedes calls for the equally strong 350 CLK 55,000 euros as the base price. All in all, it is certainly a proud price for the BMW 330i Convertible. But in return, the customer also receives a convincing convertible that has few weaknesses. It has never been cheap to experience the joy of driving.
