REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

A natural BMW

Very few convertibles have been idolized the way the BMW 3 Series has been. It ’ s even more attractive when you look under its hood.

Eager to please, BMW redesigned the four-seater convertible last year to be even more tempting. Inspired by the huge success attained by the sedan and coupe, the Convertible 325 Ci provide both affluent people and aficionados another excellent method of flaunting their wealth, if not their good taste. BMW significantly reinforced the convertible ’ s body and the company claims that the new model is much stronger than earlier versions.Speaking of options, the new convertible is swimming in them: attractive hard top ($3,400), automatic five-speed transmission with Steptronic gear changer ($1,200), luxury package — anti- reflective automatic rear-view mirror, myrtle trim, front central armrest and electric seats with memory — ($1,275), Sport package — sport suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels and sport seats — ($1,900), navigation system ($3,900) and electric soft-top ($1,980).

Standard equipment includes: traction control, sport tilt telescopic steering wheel decked in leather, manual soft-top, front and side air, air conditioning, dashboard computer and 16- inch wheels.

That ’ s to say nothing of a slew of small yet significant improvements, such as the seatbelt attached to the front seat for better security and accessibility, a two-speed button that advances the front seat more quickly to improve backseat access, and a highly sophisticated headlamp washer system.Driving along the bumpiest roads in rural Quebec, dashboard vibrations and body squeaks were not noticeable. This alone justifies the BMW convertible ’ s price.

As other BMW models, the 325 is not designed for winding roads in poor conditions - unlike, say, the Z3 - but it does extremely well on highways. It boasts excellent handling and a smooth drive thanks to looser spring adjustment.

Performance is also impressive. Less bulky, the convertible is powered by a marvelous 2.5 litre six-cylinder engine far more refined than all others in its category. The vibrations are so unnoticeable that it ’ s easy to forget to shift into fifth gear and suddenly find yourself at 5,000 rpm in fourth.

With its 184 hp and 175 lb-ft, however, the produced torque does not impress anyone. Let ’ s just say it is satisfactory. The gear ratios have been reduced, and as a result, the engine has to turn faster at a given speed, because the vehicle is heavier than the sedan and the coupe. Drivers who insist on disobeying the 11th commandment (thou shalt not exceed the speed limit) would do better to get the 330 model equipped with the 3-litre double overhead camshaft in-line six-cylinder engine.

The impressive package offers all the advantages of driving in the open air, and none of the inconveniences. Without a doubt, being the happy owner of a BMW convertible will make you more popular, if only during the summer months.

PROS
Fantastic handling
Security features
Choice of models
CONS
Numerous and expensive options
Wind noises
Access to rear difficult (convertible and coupe)