BMW 3 Series 2007 Review

We've said it before (and the odds are short that we'll say it again), but nothing confirms the futility of owning a quick car in NSW than driving it during the times when you have the time to enjoy it.

We refer, of course, to the double-demerit-points weekend we're all currently fearing and loathing.

It's a time for that erratic Zafira steerer Morris Iemma and his chauffeured drones to rake in the windfall that comes with a lot of people failing to get where they're going within the boundaries of the most cynical traffic-enforcement regime outside Victoria.

And doing it on roads that are much worse than Victoria's.

Quixotically, BMW chose Thursday — the first day of the government's Great Easter Cash Grab (well, you voted for them) for the launch of the latest car powered by its sublime, three-litre, bi-turbo six.

This mighty mill, which can already be had in coupe and sedan form, graces the long-awaited 3 Series Convertible, the first generation of this auspicious line to come with a hard (not a rag) top.

The 335i Convertible — and the lesser 325i — complete a 3 Series range that arrived locally two years ago and immediately became class-leading. The E92 335i Coupe, which lobbed last October, also went straight to the head of its class.

On the basis of a necessarily constrained and cautious introduction to the folding metal'n'glass roof line, Bimmer could have another dux. Mercedes-Benz, though, will have a bit to say about that.

For, in the E93 Convertible, the edgier dynamics that inevitably distinguish 3 Series from C-Class won't be so starkly defined.

Weighing in from 1735kg, the 335i Convertible is two big adults and a couple of sets of golf clubs heavier than the similarly engined sedan.

Although it loses a mere few tenths on the sprint to 100km/h (5.8 seconds for manual, 6.0 for the auto is claimed), even BMW says the Convertible cannot be so sporty.

Nor is it so intended. The topless 3Series does what it says on the

folding tin lid, providing tolerably smart to decidedly rapid touring.

Certainly, the lard is obvious to anyone fortunate enough to have experienced the sedan or coupe, though not in a straight line with all 400 Sir Isaacs announcing themselves from 1300rpm.

Naturally, the atmo simply can't leap to with such alacrity, but it's going to be car enough for all except those who absolutely must have the full whack.

Indeed, while the 325i is the more obviously stifled, it is by no means disgraced on chicane-like roads, where the hero model's thumpingly superior acceleration and roaring power has less application.

These roads chosen for our introduction showed the standard run-flat tyres in the best light.

As to handling, BMW's hallmarks of crisp rear-wheel drive and razor-sharp turn-in are present and correct.

Bimmer's standard 50:50 axle load distribution should be affected when the 40kg of roof and attendant mechanisms are folded into the boot (most of the extra heft is due to underbody reinforcements that achieve new levels of open-top torsional rigidity).

But the feel will be negligible to all but the most discerning (and quite a few others who like to have themselves on about such things).

With a microscopic manual take up among buyers, only autos were available for sampling. As a militant manual owner, I could only take guilty pleasure in the six-speed ZF auto box.

Hooked up to the 335i, it's programmed to shift more rapidly than any Bimmer slusher to date, either left in Drive, Drive Sport or via the manual mode (steering-wheel gear levers are a cost option). It could almost talk you into converting ...

Deciding in the circs that discretion was the better part of valour, and the better part of valour was cowardice, we can't speak to the efficacy of the Dynamic Traction Control.

Pressing the dashboard button partially disables the attached stability control to allow for a bit of lateral slip. Held down for five seconds, all such nannies are said to go off for a nice cup of tea.

The item of chief concern — the roof — can be stowed a button's push in 22 seconds, reducing boot space from 350 litres to 210. Roofless is the most pleasant mode of travel, not least for any rear-seat passenger over 180cm.

Luggage space is enhanced by flat folding rear seats and a ski port. A cost optional keyfob function allows partial roof openings to better access the boot.

In either opened or closed modes, the E93 is striking to behold. From the long boot to the low, horizontal shoulder line and short overhangs, this convertible really couldn't be anything other than a Bimmer. Why, with the roof up, there's even a Hoffmeister Kink.

And, being Bimmers, they are, of course, auction-your-organs expensive. Before options, that is.

If you can afford the whole 10 metres, you won't care that the 325i is good enough almost all of the time — it will just have to be the blow-hard model.

Just remember where we live, though. And weep.