2008 BMW 3-Series Convertible
BMW 3-Series Convertible - What the Auto Press Says
The drop-top edition of one of the world's most praised cars, the 2008 BMW 3-Series Convertible is a hardtop driver's car that has ample acceleration, a smooth automatic transmission and a good-looking exterior. It doesn't provide significant backseat space or cargo room, but most buyers wouldn't expect it to.
The 2008 BMW 3-Series Convertible is a sporty two-door hardtop. Redesigned as a hardtop last year, the 3 convertible is well-liked and much improved. The roof adds weight, but doesn't sacrifice the cars performance. It also secures tightly, providing a comfortable and quiet interior. The hardtop is attractive, functions without difficulty, and it doesn't hinder the 3's recognizable styling. The 3-Series Convertible is fun to drive, with a superb optional automatic transmission and BMW's signature stiff handling. Rear seat room may be tight and better suited for luggage, but cargo capacity is up to par with other convertibles in this class. Car and Driver sums up the opinion of the automotive press when it says, "Not surprisingly, BMW's first hardtop convertible cruised easily to victory over its front-drive rivals, hard- and softtop alike."
The 3-Series comes as a coupe, convertible, sedan or wagon. The 3-Series Convertible comes with two performance options, the 328i and the 335i. The 328i's 3.0-liter inline-6 cylinder engine generates 230 horsepower. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six of the 335i puts out 300 horsepower, and was voted 2008 International Engine of the Year by a jury of automotive journalists from 32 countries.
Despite its performance heritage, the 3-Series Convertible boasts respectable fuel economy. It is one of the most efficient luxury four-seat convertibles -- an important consideration for many as gas prices reach record highs in 2008.
- "Delivers precisely what we've been conditioned to expect of the 3-series: the grace of a ballerina and the reflexes of a duelist, albeit tempered to some degree by mass." -- Car and Driver
- "With so many great ingredients, this 3 Series cab should age well and be remembered as one of the great vintages -- even though it comes with a metal cap." -- Motor Trend
- "While a retractable hard top may be a surprising choice for BMW, it's not without benefits. The solid roof makes for a very quiet closed car. Its slim C-pillars provide far better visibility than you get with a soft top. And it creates a sleek profile." -- Automobile Magazine
- "On the road, the 328i convertible is nimble and very solid, regardless of whether the top is up or down." -- Orlando Sentinel
- "Fun to drive and great to pose in around town, this redesigned car has the potential to breathe new life into the dormant yuppie movement. Dust off those green pants and Izod shirts -- the Ultimate Status Machine has returned with more sophistication and precision than ever before." -- Detroit News
3-Series-Convertible Performance - NA
The 2008 BMW 3-Series Convertible is built on the same platform as the 3-Series sedan and coupe, which many in the automotive press consider to be the finest performing cars in their classes. Despite the added weight of the mechanical hardtop, Automobile Magazine reports: "This is still a car that's all about the driver. The stellar twin-turbo six, the razor-sharp automatic, and the suspension's athleticism clearly make this the BMW of hardtop convertibles." Our full BMW 3-Series Convertible Performance Review gives specifics on the differences between the 328i and 335i. continue
3-Series-Convertible Exterior - NA
Reviews consistently find the 3-Series convertible a handsome car, resembling its acclaimed coupe cousin. The automatic hardtop of this convertible is a first for BMW, but the consensus among auto writers is that the German engineers got it right. Automobile Magazine says that the "solid roof makes for a very quiet closed car ... And it creates a sleek profile, although it's marred somewhat by the cutlines created by the roof panels and the wrap-over trunk lid. See for yourself in our BMW 3-Series Convertible Photo Gallery, or read our full Exterior Review for commentary. continue
3-Series-Convertible Interior - NA
The 2008 BMW 3-Series Convertible features a typical BMW cabin -- luxurious materials, solid build quality and high technology abound. However, many reviews note that BMW engineers sacrificed a lot of space in the back seat and trunk in order to build the 3's automatic hardtop. Motor Trend says that the back seat "will elicit grimaces from rear-seat riders over five-foot-six." See the cabin up close in our 3-Series Convertible Photo Gallery, or continue to our full Interior Review to see the equipment list for each model. continue
3-Series-Convertible Safety - NA
The 2008 3-Series Convertible has not been crash tested by the federal government. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the convertible received the highest possible rating of "Good" for frontal-impact tests, and a "Marginal" rating for side-impact crash tests. Continue with our full Safety Review to read about the list of safety features, including some unique active safety systems. continue
3-Series-Convertible Reliability - NA
BMW provides basic warranty coverage for four years or 50,000 miles. continue
