BMW 3 Series Convertible 335i Sport Plus Auto 2dr Car Review - March 2012

REVIEW
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List Price: £46,770
Tax Band: K
Insurance Group: 42
MPG: 32.1
CO2: 205
0-62 Mph: 5.7 secs
BHP: 306 BHP
Range: 445 miles
CarSite Verdict:  4/5
The 335i Sport Plus is a sporty, powerful convertible that is loads of fun to drive and has great handling. The engine is efficient and emissions are not as high as they could be for an engine this size. The Sport Plus trim has loads of features including satellite navigation and Bluetooth as standard, although the suspension can be a bit uncomfortable.

PROS:  A massive engine with loads of power and great handling, the 335i is a sporty, sleek convertible with loads of equipment and sports suspension. On top of that, it also has an efficient engine making running costs lower than you might think.

CONS:  Very expensive to buy and the lesser diesel engines are high-performing and much cheaper and more fuel efficient. The suspension can often be uncomfortable.

Behind the Wheel

The 335i Sport Plus has a 306 bhp engine delivering 295 lb-ft of torque. This gives it an impressive top speed of 155 mph with acceleration from 0-62 mph taking 5.7 seconds.

The convertible’s suspension is much softer than the coupe’s, but this doesn't compromise the driving experience. The sports suspension of the Sport Plus is, however, much firmer than other trims and can be uncomfortable, although it can be switched to the regular type if preferred.

The 3 Series convertible handles extremely well thanks to a finely balanced chassis. The metal roof also makes for better rear visibility than a standard soft top.

Looks & Equipment

The iDrive system has been improved and now benefits from a more logical layout of buttons, making it easier to operate.

BMW’s metal convertible roof insulates noise from outside the cabin extremely effectively. There is plenty of kit offered as standard and the Sport Plus convertible comes with leather seats, metallic paint, power steering, stability control, cruise control, climate control, 19 inch alloy wheels, stereo, MP3 connectivity, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth and satellite navigation.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

Both safety and practicality are fairly high in this model, with standard safety equipment including six airbags, dynamic stability control inclusive of anti-lock braking system (ABS), cornering brake control, dynamic brake control and dynamic traction control. This helped the car to achieve a five star rating in the NCAP crash tests.

The convertible has loads of room in the front but the rear seat room does suffer thanks to the roof. The boot is smaller than other 3 Series models but there is a through-hatch to fit skis or golf bags and the rear backrests fold down to provide extra space.

Value for Money

The 335i Sport Plus model costs £46,750 and has a combined economy of 32.1 mpg and CO2 emissions of 205g/km.

This convertible is very expensive, but worth it with an incredibly powerful engine that also has great fuel economy for the size of the motor and fairly low CO2 emissions too. The lesser diesel engines are more economical options if efficiency is important but if power and performance are priorities then the 335i is a fantastic car.

BMW 3 Series Convertible 335i Sport Plus Auto 2dr Car Review - by 
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