2007 BMW 335i Convertible

   TOP
   • 300 hp Twin Turbo-charged Inline-6
   • Stylish retractable hard-top
   • Handling and control

   BOTTOM
   • The cup holders
   • Nav option requires I-drive
   • Ride is a bit rough

   The new 2007 BMW 335i Convertible is slightly longer, wider, lower to the ground, and more rakish than the previous model that it replaces. The 335i also has a brand new twin-turbo charged inline 6 engine that represents 45 more horsepower and an increase of 80 lb ft. of torque than the naturally aspirated 3.0 liter V-6 that it replaces in the 330.  After a week with the 2007 BMW 335i Convertible I’ve compiled a brass tacks list of highly technical scientific data based upon observations, experimentation, tabulations, inspections and so forth. Here we go:

   Stylistically… the BWM 335i Convertible is bigger, wider and if you can believe it sexier than ever before… egotistically it channels the inner Leona Helmsley
in everyone. 
   I love convertibles. Personally I think a purchase of one is something everyone should do at least once in their lifetime. There’s nothing like speeding down the interstate on a sunny day with your favorite music playing and the wind blowing through your hair. More importantly though, I love expensive convertibles, because there’s nothing like speeding down the freeway with the seat heaters on and air-conditioning blowing in your face to keep the forehead from getting shinny.
   The 2007 BMW 335i Convertible comes with an all new twin turbo charge inline-6 that provides an impressive 300 horsepower and a neck snapping 300 lb. ft. of torque.  The 335i has a 0-60 mph rating of 5.5 seconds, and with the optional sport package (which I had) is electronically limited to 150 mpg. I can’t say that I had the opportunity to drive it at 150 mph, but getting on the freeway one morning I did have a tailgater right on me. I punched the accelerated a little bit and looked at the speedometer and this horrible feeling of fear came over me in that I could be arrested at any moment. The braking system is excellent. The speed sensitive variable-assist power steering is also excellent. There’s very little effort needed when parking, and at freeway speeds it is extremely precise and crisp. The test car came equipped with the optional automatic transmission. Which was more than fine, but if I were purchasing it I think I would opt for the standard six-speed manual. There’s just something about the sensation of downshifting through turns and revving up the engine at will that an auto-stick just
doesn’t replicate.
   The 3-series convertible comes with a retractable hard-top that manages to store itself in the trunk in about 23 seconds. The trunk space with the top up is about 12.3b cubic feet. With the top down it’s about 7.7 cubic feet. Still enough room for an overnight bag and some groceries. The convertible has the same sleek look as the coupe with the top up, and with the top down everything fits together nice and tight with no annoying rattling sounds that can be found in other convertibles.
   The interior is German sheik with sleek expensive looking and feeling finishes and all the controls put exactly where they should be found. The model that I tested did not come with navigation, but did come with the optional cold weather and sport package with upgraded sport seats that were also heated. The 7-logic surround sound system with AM/FM/CD player sounded flawless top up or down, it also comes with an MP3 player port. There’s also more than ample head and legroom up front for those over 6 foot, although I don’t recommend putting friends you want to keep in the back.  Unless you drink pop from a 12 once can, the cup holders are really a joke. I don’t encourage anyone in putting any sort of hot venti size beverage in the passenger side cup holder unless you want to find it all over your guests lap and center consul.

   OK, for a before tax price of $57,225 what do you get?
   The 2007 BMW 335i Convertible has a base list of $49,100 nicely equipped, but as BMW goes the popular options are extra and do add considerably to the price. A quick look at the favorites includes:

   Performance
   • 3.0 liter DOHC 24-valve inline
      six-cylinder engine, aluminum engine
      block, direct fuel injection with piezo
      injectors, twin-turbo chargers, and
      double VANOS steplessly
      variable timing
   • Five-link rear suspension
   • Dynamic stability control including
      dynamic brake, brake fade
      compensation, brake stand-by,
      brake drying and start off assist
   • 6-speed automatic transmission

   Safety
   • Driver and front passenger front airbags,
      and side impact seat mounted airbags
   • Anti-lock brakes, electronic
      stability control
   • Active front head restraints
   • Side impact door beams
   • Flat tire monitor
   • Xenon HID headlights
   • Fog lamps

   Comfort and Convenience
   • Leather upholstery with
      Sun-Reflective technology
   •10-way power seats
   • AM/FM.CD/MP3 system with
      7-logic surround sound
   • On-board computer

   Additional Charges
   • Platinum Bronze Metallic paint ($475)
   • Could weather package with heated
      front seats, headlight washer, and
      ski bag ($750)
   • Premium Package with integrated
      garage door opener, auto-dimming
      mirrors, auto-folding outside mirrors,
      and bluetooth ($1,550)
   • Sport package with 18” wheels,
      front sport seats, and
      sport suspension ($1,300)
   • Paddle Shifters ($100)
   • Automatic Transmission ($1,275)
   • Active Steering ($1,400)
   • Comfort access with
      comfort load ($500)
         • Destination charge ($775)