2012 BMW 335i Reviews

In one week we went straight from the entry level 3-Series model to the top of the line - from the 320d to the 335i Sport. The contrast was big but the elements for which BMW is famous shine through - sporty drive feel, high tech engines, quality fit and finish, arresting style. But the 335i Sport we had was something special, almost the M3 you'd have when you're not having an M3... or can't afford one. The 335i Sport isn't a V8 like the current M3 having much more in common with earlier six pot versions - potent six pots at that.Only this time, there's a twin-scroll turbo bolted to the exhaust to stir things up without giving the car a drinking problem. Infact, the petrol powered 335i Sport is a smidge away from qualifying for the Luxury Car Tax reduction, missing the 7.0-litres/100km cut off point by recording a depressingly close 7.2-litres. It would make a difference of a few thousand dollars to the price.Never mind, for the asking price of just under $100 grand, the 335i Sport delivers driver engagement in spades along with sporty dynmics and almost rude performance, rated at an impressive 5.5-seconds for the 0-100kmh sprint. And don't forget, this is an automatic executive sedan, albeit, with an eight speed auto driving the rear wheels.Is it too many cogs? No, you can barely feel or hear the changes up or down the scale and the paddle shift system is linked into the car's drive-mode select system giving a range of operation choices right through to full sport with throttle blip on the down change.The car gets an electronic diff lock for better traction and a sports suspension set-up, in this case with optional adaptive suspension. Needless to say it was a sharp piece of kit.That 3.0-litre turbo engine, with variable valve timing and lift is good for 225kW/400Nm output, the latter at barely above idle. It translates into super strong acceleration and quick response across the entire engine rev range. Even sounds pretty hot - a mad six cylinder wail not unlike those earlier M3s.But this car is tailored for executive suits who want luxury with their sporty sedan car and to that end, the 335i is crammed with goodies expected of this breed of buyer. Leather, voice control, high end satnav, bi-xenons, on board computer, premium Harman Kardon audio, full connectivity, dual zone climate, cruise with auto brake,electric seat adjustment. In line with BMW's green aspirations, the 335i also gains auto stop/start to save fuel in traffic, regenerative brake energy , eco pro systems optimisation to deliver the best economy and stuff like electric power steering.

Too late in life to buy a convertible? Rugrats already leaving footprints on the seat-backs? Don't despair... it's never really too late.You just need the disposable income (or appropriate company car package) to get into something like this BMW 335i M Sport Convertible.Four seats, something of a boot -- when the hard-topped folding roof is up -- and all the mod-cons, it's a mid-life crisis car that's almost versatile. It can get the endorphins pumping and yet still cart the kids.VALUEThe "v" word isn't one always associated with the Bavarian breed but if you consider the two-cars-in-one routine might soften the $126,900 blow a little - or look at the price of the not-much-quicker M3 Convertible, which is over $170,000.As tested, the 335i M Sport Convertible had the seven-speed twin-clutch automated manual transmission (for $3500) and a few other options like metallic paint ($1840) and internet accessibility for $200, although my phone didn't seem to want to help in that process.The features list is considerable - rain-sensing wipers, automatic bi-xenon headlights, sharp-looking 19in alloy wheels with low-profile runflat-tyres, remote central locking and keyless start, the broad-screened 3D satnav (although the topography has far more bumps in it for the Adelaide CBD than I remember) and infotainment screen, a first-rate sound system with hard drive and USB input.There's also dual-zone climate control, electrochromatic rearvision mirrors, trip computer, Bluetooth phone and audio link, fog lights and leather-trimmed seating with front pews power-adjustable and heated.TECHNOLOGYThe 335i droptop has lost a turbo and reduced its thirst, but maintained its considerable outputs. While there are still a few Beemers punching with two turbos, several models have changed over to a single turbocharger for the three-litre straight-six.The new intake system uses a twin-scroll unit that is pressurised by two exhaust feeds that (teamed with direct injection and variable valve timing) help it maintain the 225kW and 400Nm of the old engine but with a reduced thirst, down to 8.8 litres per 100km from 9.1.The standard drivetrain has a six-speed manual but the test car had the optional seven speed twin-clutch automated manual, which is not short of smarts and delivers super-quick gearshifts - Sports mode is aggressive without being ridiculous and can be changed via paddles on the wheel.Given that the sun floods in 23 seconds after you push the button, the leather trim has been treated with what the company calls SunReflective Technology to reduce the butt-frying effect that Australian sun can induce in convertibles. There's also the ability to use brake energy to charge the battery but no Stop-Start system.DESIGNAt first glance many may not even spot the roof seams that designate the metal roof can fold into the boot, and aside from the bootspace reductions the convertible offers the best of both worlds. Roof up it is a svelte machine and not much changes when the bootlid flips up to swallow the roof. It's still a looker.Within the four-seater cabin, occupants get by at normal speeds with minimal buffeting - only at highway speeds will longer-haired folks get grumpy with the airflow. The front seat occupants don't have to stretch back for their seatbelts, as the belts are integrated into the seatbacks (it reminded me of early Range Rovers) to allow easier access for the rear occupants.You'll want to travel light if the roof is to be removed - the 350-litre boot isn't cavernous to begin with and drops to 210 litres, so pack light.SAFETYThere's no shortage of safety gear in the elegant little Beemer - dual front and side airbags, stability and traction control and anti-lock brakes.There's also adaptive bi-xenon headlights with an auto-dipping high-beam, cruise control with braking function (great for maintaining speed down hills) and pop-up roll-bars behind the rear seats.DRIVINGAs packages go, there are few more amusing things to drive than a BMW convertible. When it's a turbo six, the pose can be quickly transformed into a swift exit, but without any fuss.Only the restricted bootspace takes the shine from the updated droptop, which is a surprisingly easy car to live with day-to-day.Despite sitting on lowered M Sport suspension and low-profile run-flat rubber that is wrapped around 19in wheels, the ride is not uncomfortably firm - it still doesn't like the nastier bits of broken bitumen but it's better than you'd expect looking at the wheel/tyre package.Crashing through the ruptured road surfaces with the roof off doesn't get the bodyshell shimmying either - at 1700-odd kg it's a no lightweight but the payoff is body strength that is palpable on a rough road.The rear leg and foot room isn't expansive but a family of four can slip, slop and slap their way to a day-trip destination in fine style.Put the driver in on their own and fire up the electronics into Sports modes and the M Sport side of the title is more than apparent - straightline speed is approaching the M3 and the chassis (while not quite to M3 levels) has enough competence to cover ground on a twisty back-road in short order.VERDICTIf you have any requirements for four seats but still feel the need to drive something that can blur the scenery, then this is a worthy contender.Cart the kids, do the shopping, perform most duties without complaint, but if you adjust the mirrors properly so you can't see the other seats, it'll stop, turn and go well enough to make you forget there's room for the boss and the little uns, at least until they call to be picked up ... sorry, the phone dropped out.BMW 335i M Sport ConvertiblePrice: from $126,900Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kmResale: 51%  Source: Glass's GuideService Interval: 25,000km or 12-monthsEconomy: 8.8 l/100km, on test 13.5; 205g/km CO2Saftey Equipment: Four airbags, ABS, EBD, stability control.Crash Rating: 5 starEngine: 225kW/400Nm 3-litre variable-valve direct-injection twin-scroll turbo in-line six-cylinderTransmission: seven-speed twin-clutch automated manualBody: 2-door, 4 seats Dimensions: 4612mm (L); 1782mm (W); 1384mm (H); 2760mm (WB)Weight: 1750kgTyre Size: 225/35 fr and 255/30 rr R19 run-flat safety tyres Spare TYRE run-flats

With this 3 Series we're quietly witnessing the demise of a BMW signature: its naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder petrol engine.TECHNOLOGYIt's been offered since 1977 but, hemmed in by emissions regulations, you cannot get one any more. The sole six-cylinder now is the turbocharged 3.0-litre unit in the 335i, which carries over from the previous model. It's the hero of the line-up and every bit as responsive and powerful as I remember. More economical now too, with BMW's excellent eight-speed transmission. The non-turbo sixes have been replaced by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder in two levels of output.The 320i arrives later but the 328i is here now and it was the car I was most eager to sample on the test drive in Victoria's Yarra Ranges this week. This 180kW unit will eventually become the mid-spec engine across all BMWs. So it shoulders quite a responsibility and the potential to disappoint. It doesn't.DRIVEWith more accessible torque from low revs than the engines it replaces, and a punchy and responsive mid-range, it propels the 328i with conviction. Zero to 100km/h takes 6.1 seconds, quicker than its rivals from Mercedes or Audi and enough to deliver on BMW's promise of driving pleasure. Most of the time it even sounds pleasing, especially when asked to deliver.Better than that, it feels like the sweet spot in the line-up. Dynamically it was the standout, lighter on its feet and better balanced than the heavier 335i. And while BMW makes good diesels, I'd pick the 328i ahead of the 320d every time.Despite being bigger all round, the 3 is still a handling champion among mid-size sedans. There's impressive agility while the level of directness between steering or throttle inputs and how it behaves on the road inspires confidence.But it would be folly to deny the differences. With electric steering instead of hydraulic, the wheel is more remote while the regular suspension seems softer than I remember, with scope for a bit more body roll and rebound over bumps. Perhaps this is to smooth out the ride. But I'd option-up to the sports or adaptive suspension.On other counts, BMW has made sure there are more reasons to buy. Few will find the cabin too cramped now, and the interior finishes are more varied and interesting. The driving position, as you would expect, is excellent.VERDICTThe new 3 Series loses a little but gains a lot, enough to move it into pole position in a segment it helped define.