The Summer

Zack & Mac
take BMW’s first ever 3 Series
retractable hardtop convertible
for a test drive...
“I felt taller, slimmer and blonder already.”
In the midst of packing for an extended overseas trip to Asia, I got the
call. "Do you have time to pen an auto review before departing? The
new Cabriolet has arrived."
Truth be told, I barely had time for a haircut, but how could I pass up the
opportunity to take the 3 Series hardtop convertible for a spin – top
down – when summer had finally made a guest appearance in
Vancouver. "How's Saturday", I responded.
The 2007 BMW 3 Series Cabriolet is a four-seat convertible with the
choice of two different engines. My Saturday date was with a bright,
Alpine White 328i with a naturally aspirated inline 3.0-litre six-cylinder
engine producing 230 horsepower and 200 lb.-ft of torque. For the
power-hungry, there's another version: the 335i Cab boasting a twinturbocharged
engine providing 300 hp and an impressive 300 lb.-ft
torque.
After collecting the key fob and a few pointers from friendly BMW Sales
Master Cary Lau, I faced the first order of business: getting the top
down. At the simple press of a button located between the front seats,
the solid looking three-piece roof folds smoothly and quietly, with what
can only be described as mechanical genius, into the trunk. I would
not care to wager a guess on how many hours of overtime the
engineers at BMW must have clocked working on their new baby. It's
impressive to watch.
If Barbie was thinking of trading in her red Corvette for a BMW, the
white 3 Series Carbriolet I was sitting in could be it. I felt taller, slimmer
and blonder already.
Inside the spacious cabin, real poplar grey wood inlays looked like a
polished grand piano. The black leather interior of my test unit was a real
standout against the car's white exterior. Fit and finish were excellent,
most notably when the roof is stored. The top fits so seamlessly into the
trunk, it's as though it was built without a roof at all. Locking cabin
storage compartments mean your stuff is safe if you park the car with
the top down. Tilting rearview mirrors, backup sensors, heated seats,
Bluetooth, iPod jack and rear passenger climate controls are all here.
A remote control key fob is an available option in the event you want to
admire the roof going up and down from your front door.
With the roof up, the trunk capacity stands at 12.4 cubic feet. With the
roof stored, the cargo hold shrinks to 7.4. Although, it's on the tight
side, there is still room to accommodate a couple of weekender bags
By Lisa MacFarlane
SHE SAID
for a cruise to wine country, if you're so inclined. Cleverly, BMW thought
to not only include rear folding seats, but also a pass-through large
enough for multiple snowboards, skis or a set of golf clubs. Another
smart feature – grocery hooks, are conveniently built into the back seats
for top down days when the roof is stored in the trunk and you're
hosting a barbeque for 20.
Off the line, BMW promises a 0-100 km time of 7.2 seconds. Not
lightning fast, but I certainly didn't have any trouble merging with
highway traffic as I made my way over to pick up friend and fellow auto
reviewer Zack Spencer, who would be my Ken for the day.
The first thing I noticed on the road was the lack of wind buffeting with
the top down. That's good news for all of you drivers out there who
have been resisting a convertible because of hair vanity issues. In
BMW's new cab, you'll arrive looking the same way as when you left.
Two thumbs up from Barbie.
In the unlikely event of a roll-over, BMW has included headrests that
popup to protect occupants and bear the weight of the car.
The 2007 3 Series Cabriolet's acceleration is incredibly smooth. With
good insulation from engine noise, the 230 hp moves the car along
effortlessly and never did I feel the drive underpowered. It's what I've
come to expect from BMW - a sporty ride with firm suspension and
tight handling. The cab's centre of gravity is low and will provide a sense
of confidence for the average driver zipping in and out of the corners on
the Sea To Sky Highway.
Zack and I cruised down to breezy English Bay to run some errands
while noting the comprehensive safety technology, which includes
adaptive headlights, dynamic stability control, traction control, multiple
airbags and run flat tires. We stopped in at a local eyewear shop where
I picked up a pair of white oversized Lacoste sunglasses to match the
car. "What a poser," Zack commented. My Barbie transformation was
really starting to take shape.
Hardtops tend to have more curb appeal than ragtops and the new 3
Series is no exception. A number of people walking by the car as it sat
parked on Denman, slowed to take a closer look. Top up, it's a sturdy
looking sports sedan. Top down, the body appears longer and more
elegant. So who is the new 3 Series Cabriolet right for? If you're looking
for a car with sports car performance, luxury ride, brand value and sense
of fun, happy cruising to you.
brianJESSEL SUMMER 2007 21