Insurance Group: 31
MPG: 55.4
CO2: 135
0-62 Mph: 8.3 secs
BHP: 184 BHP
Range: 743 miles
PROS: Roof up or roof down, there’s hardly any draft or noise. The 3-Series Convertible offers practicality, excitement and elegance. This convertible has beautiful lines and though the 320d engine is not exactly big, it offers sufficient performance. It is well equipped and offers excellent value.
CONS: With the roof down the diesel engine is audible. The boot and rear seat areas are also small. Rivals such as the Audi TT and Mazda MX-5 are less expensive and have more inclusive standard equipment.
The 3-Series 320d is a prestige convertible. Its style and looks are complemented by its powerful 1995cc engine. It is a 6-speed manual open car with a 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine that reaches 62mph in 8.3 seconds. The engine develops 184 bhp at 4000 rpm and 280lb-ft at 1900 rpm. This model is competent for city and country driving with an average mpg of 55.4 and a top speed of 142mph.
The 3-Series is more than 200 kilos heavier than a coupe. In spite of its weight, this convertible is a pleasure to drive. It is well-balanced and grips well in corners but with a little body roll. The steering is weighted, accurate and sharp. The ride is firm and sporty but the ride is generally comfortable for long trips. The metal-roof convertible offers high level of refinement. Road, suspension and engine noise are barely perceptible. Visibility is not a problem even when the roof is up.
The 3-Series convertible is not really a 4-seater as the rear seats are cramped and uncomfortable for adults. The folding metal roof means that the rear seats and boot space are decreased but two small children will enjoy sitting in the back. The lack of space though is compensated by its capability to delight the driver. The dashboard is intuitive as the buttons and controls are where they are supposed to be.
The SE trim includes the standard alloy wheels with run-flat tires system, climate control, heated electrically-adjustable wing mirrors, electric folding hardtop, electrically-adjustable front seats, start/stop button, height and reach-adjustable steering wheel, cruise control, multi-function steering wheel controls and more. Metallic paint will cost you an extra £610.
The 2-door 3-Series 320d SE Convertible has plenty of legroom and headroom for the driver and the front passenger. Marketed as a 4-seater the rear seats are not for tall people unless on very short rides. The boot’s capacity is only 210 litres which is expandable to 350 litres if the seats are down.
The 3-Series convertible has not been tested for its Euro NCAP rating. However the 3-Series Touring and Coupe have 5/5 and 4/5 NCAP Occupant rating. Surely the Convertible is not far behind as BMW considers car safety a prime consideration. Standard safety kits include six air bags for driver and passengers, seatbelt pre-tensioners, anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control and more.
The convertible’s metal folding roof affords protection. BMW fitted the 3-Series with anti-theft measures such as an immobilizer and remote central locking system.
The 3-Series Convertible 320d SE is currently priced at £35,945, more expensive than the equivalent Audi. Its returns 55.4mpg and emits 135g/km of CO2, putting it in VED Road Tax band E.
Discount is not usually offered by dealers. However, this car is not greatly affected by depreciation. Resale value is high. The running costs are competitive when compared with rival cars. The diesel engine is powerful yet frugal. Insurance group is 31 and a three year unlimited mileage warranty is included.
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