There's a remarkable similarity in BMW's 330D convertible between the two figures many drivers look at first: 0-100 km/h and fuel economy. The sleek, hard-top, diesel-powered Beemer will whisk you to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds. At the same time BMW claim it will return you frugal economy of 6.4 litres/100 km. So, in that sense, the 330D offers the best of both worlds: performance and economy.
When you throw in style, comfort, safety and individuality the 330D will tick most of the boxes buyers in this segment are looking for. Back to the state-of-the-art, 3.0 litre turbo diesel engine. BMW touts itself as a performance brand, meaning there's got to be a sporty edge to all Beemer product. Not so long ago the words `sporty' and `diesel' simply did not co-exist.
The massive improvements to diesel technology have changed all that. For starters you can barely tell this oil burner is just that. The much talked-about diesel rattle that petrol-engine fanatics like to lampoon, is only apparent at idle, and then only outside the car. In `normal' acceleration it does not exist, nor is it there when cruising. It is only just there during hard acceleration, and then in a tiny way, thanks to noise suppression due to improved injector systems and engine bay insulation.
We did not test the acceleration figure mentioned above, and have no reason to query it. This engine delivers more than most buyers will ever want, or need. Our economy figures did not match BMW's with our return a disappointing 8.4 litres/100 kms in combined cycle and we estimate in our week we spent half the time on the highway and the other half around town.
If you can afford the $107,700 entry fee to pay the 330D convertible game, then the extra distillate bill will hardly be a problem. And what a wonderful game it is. There is so much to like about the 330D convertible. Yet, it has some minor drawbacks. There's no reversing camera, but a visual and audio warning system that highlights objects close to the car. The front seat belts are a little difficult to round up – unlike another German brand that has an arm delivery system in it's larger coupe/convertibles.
Our pet dislike is the key system which requires the key to be put into a slot in the dash and then you push the start button. Most other systems only require you to have the key in your pocket to firstly open the car doors and secondly push the start button. Okay, it's annoying, but not the end of the world.
The three series convertible is one of the most elegant cars around – roof up, or down. Visually it is an impressive vehicle with timeless quality. Dropping the lid – or putting it back up again - is as simple as pressing a centre console button for 20 or so seconds. We like the security of these hardtop convertibles, plus the noise reduction compared to traditional rag tops. The trade-off, of course, is that the hardtops eat significantly into boot space, and the 330D convertible is no exception. Given these coupe/convertibles are not family-friendly cars, there's plenty of rear seat space for luggage on trips away.
The car's interior is an inviting place: sumptuous leather seats – the front pews are heated for winter driving with the top down – and a functional layout for the driver. The iDrive system is user-friendly. If you are carrying rear seat passengers their comfort level is okay with ample leg, shoulder and head room for two adults. Entry and exit from the two rear seats is not too bad with a simple handle to push the front seat upright forward and a power button to move the base forward and back to create the space to move through. The interior is finished in high-quality plastics, leather and splashes of woodgrain that come together in a finish that is both practical and easy on the eye.
Ultimately, this is a driver's car. This is where it excels. With 520 Nm of torque on tap between just 1750 – 3000 rpm, the engine is never found wanting with grunt delivered via a six speed Steptronic transmission. The driver has options of using the on-floor shifter or paddles on the steering wheel or simply leaving the gearbox to do it's own thing. As a traditional rear wheel drive understeer is not an issue and oversteer is controlled by the stability program as long as you are not defying the laws of physics. It sticks to the road like glue as you would expect from a sporty BMW.
Early this year BMW gave the 320D, 325i and 330D variants a facelift which freshened the models with re-designed front bumper and bonnet, wider BMW grille, air intake and modified Bi-Xenon headlights. Verdict: Apart from a couple of minor issues the 330D convertible is at the top of it's game.
MODEL RANGE AND PRICING BMW 3-Series Convertibles
BMW 320d $78,500
BMW 325i $98,700
BMW 330D $107,700
BMW 335i M Sport $129,900
BMW M3 $176,700
FEATURES
ABS Brakes: Standard
Air Conditioning: Standard
Automatic Transmission: Standard
CD Player: Standard
Central Locking: Standard
Cruise Control: Standard
Dual Front Airbags: Standard
Front Side Airbags: Standard
Stability Control: Standard
Traction Control: Standard
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE:
Capacity: 2.993 litres
Configuration: In line 6
Head Design: 4 valves per cylinder
Compression Ratio: 16.5:1
Bore/Stroke: 90 mm x 84 mm
Maximum Power: 180 kW @ 4000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 520 Nm @ 1750 – 3000 rpm
DRIVELINE:
Driven Wheels: Rear
Manual Transmission: N/A
Automatic Transmission: Six speed
Final Drive Ratio: 2.93
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4580 mm
Wheelbase: 2760 mm
Width: 1782 mm (With mirrors - 1985mm)
Height: 1384 mm
Turning Circle: metres
Kerb Mass: 1765 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 61 litres
Towing Ability: 1800 kg (kg with braked trailer)
SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:
Front Suspension: Double joint spring-strut
Rear Suspension: Five link
Front Brakes: Vented discs
Rear Brakes: Vented discs
PERFORMANCE:
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 6.5 seconds
FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Type: Diesel
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 6.4 L/100km
GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:
Greenhouse Rating: 7/10
Air Pollution Rating: 6/10
BMW STANDARD WARRANTY:
3 years/ unlimited km |
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