What is it?
The new BMW 4-series convertible, seen here in range-topping 435i form.
See one of these parked roof-down in the sun and it’s easy to conclude that this car has style, class and elegance in quiet abundance. What it doesn’t have is the power to surprise, though, as this car is a predictable if worthwhile advance on its predecessor.
A 40 per cent torsional rigidity increase, 20kgs-worth of weight-paring, a 50mm wheelbase stretch and a lightly fettled engine range are the key improvements over the outgoing 3-series convertible, and heightened connectivity, too. Modest gains then, but the 4-series ought to provide a strong base for this metamorphosis.
What's it like?
The good news first. This car is a comfortable, restful roof-down experience. With wind-blocker and side windows up, its straight-six engine propels you to cruising speed swiftly enough, even if its fizz seems flatter than the 302bhp on offer implies. Blame its heft and, more positively, excellent driveline refinement for that.
The bigger cockpit provides ample room up front and adequate but firmly upholstered, rather upright seats in the rear. Conveniences include behind-backrest stowage for the wind-blocker, and a pushbutton facility for lifting the folded roof on its faintly quaking frame, which (slightly) eases access to 220 litres of roof-down boot space. There are gusting neck-warmers too, and a very effective noise-quelling headliner.
Steering is the 435i’s big trouble, however. Roof up or down, this BMW always feels like it’s burdened with a mildly destabilising load. There’s a faint waywardness at work, and the BMW's steering remains vague until you’ve turned decisively into a bend. Between them, these flaws are frustrating to say the least.
Should I buy one?
BMW will have wanted to give the 4-series convertible just as much dynamic polish as the coupé. Unfortunately, the result falls wide of the mark. Steering and roof-down body shimmy flaws on their own might not be big problems, but together they add up to turn this into a slightly disappointing sports convertible, despite its stylish advantages.
BMW 435i Luxury Convertible automatic
Price £46,520; 0-62mph 5.5sec; Top speed 155mph; Economy 34.9mpg (combined); CO2 176g/km Kerb weight 1740kg ; Engine 6 cyls in line, 2929cc, turbo, petrol; Power 302bhp at 5800-6000rpm; Torque 295lb ft at 1200-5000rpm; Gearbox 8-spd automatic
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Saab 9-3 is better than BMW 3 Series. Much better.
I am contemplating the latest 9-5 as a replacement car and it has many of the traits of the 9-3, but builds on them, and compared to the latest 5 Series I tested, the Saab won hands down for the same reason i chose the 9-3 over the 3 Series. Only the BMW's engine felt better. The problem for the 9-5 is that even though it's out of production, prices are still sky high and match those of the BMW. Which says more about the excellence and desirability, and demand, of the Swedish product if prices can stay high for a defunct car.
Oh Dear.
Not in the same league as the Saab 9-3
Roadster wrote:This looks
I couldn't agree more. I own the most recent 9-3 convertible and I chose it after trying out some of its rivals, which included the then E93 BMW 3 Series convertible. I found the Saab to be more comfortable than the BMW, better riding, better and safer handling, better built, had an easier to use dashboard and I felt the plastics and leather were of better quality too (in fact these were more or less the same reasons I chose my preceding 9-3 saloon over the E90 3 Series to replace my X-Type!). And last, but not least, the 9-3 had those knockout looks, something which the BMW, and indeed the C209 Mercedes CLK and Audi A5 convertibles which I tried, and which came second to the Saab in the same areas as the BMW, couldn't touch. The 9-3 still puts a smile on my face when I see it, it looks a million dollars and it just looks so much more stylish, desirable and more expensive than the German trio. I do wonder that many people who buy German cars only do so for the badge. It seems they're quite happy to waste money on something that is average rather than buy a good and quality product. Don't get me wrong, there are a few great, and class leading, German cars out there but there are not as many as people think.