2011 BMW 3-Series Convertible Review
Price
RM439,800
Installment
RM4,194/mth
2011 BMW 3-Series Convertible at a glance
The 2011 BMW 3-Series Convertible cruises elegantly, and yet handles like a hot hatch. BMW's first-ever folding metal roof enhances the interior refinement to better complement the finely-built cabin.
2011 BMW 3-Series Convertible quick specs
| Body Style | Convertible |
| Class | Compact Luxury |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 2+2 |
2011 BMW 3-Series Convertible ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
After a cosmetic refreshing alongside the 2011 BMW 3-Series Sedan and Coupe, the 2011 BMW 3-Series Convertible looks sharper than before. Relatively speaking, the convertible is easily the prettiest of the three body styles. By having only two doors, the side profile looks sleek; drop the top, and the convertible exudes elegance not seen on the sedan. The interior design is clean, modern and functional.
Handling
Sharing the same underpinnings with the BMW 3-Series Sedan means the convertible is equipped with 50:50 weight distribution and rear-wheel drive as well, gifting it superb handling above all. To make up for the lack of a roof, the chassis was stiffened with 160 kg of reinforcement. Overall, the convertible lost little responsiveness, and the chassis still agile. Blending composed body control, endless grip, and sharp steering, there is little surprise how the convertible tackles corners and bends without drama. In short, fantastic to drive.
Comfort
Compared to the BMW 3-Series Coupe, the ride feels more supple with less firm suspensions, placing slightly more emphasis on comfort than handling for the convertible. Having a metal roof aids the interior refinement, with minimal road and wind noise when the roof is up. With the roof down, it is still perfectly fine to maintain a normal conversation. Engine note really is more music than noise to us. Another benefit of a metal roof over a cloth roof is the better visibility out the rear. Controls are straight-forward to operate.
Quality + Reliability
Similar to the BMW 3-Series Sedan, the convertible's cabin is classy and modern. The dashboard has a simple and clear layout with good ergonomics. Premium standards expected of a luxurious convertible can be seen in the first-rate materials used and excellent fit-and-finish. Solid construction with attention to details is apparent throughout the car. BMW models have a good reliability reputation, and the convertible should uphold it well.
Performance
Two engines are available: 2.0-litre with 156 bhp and 2.5-litre with 218 bhp. Both units are extremely smooth and refined, but the 2.0-litre needs to be pushed if you want any real thrust. The 2.5-litre comes with BMW's famed in-line six-cylinder technology, providing strong acceleration and effortless cruising. Pity the towering twin-turbo 3.0-litre is not available. Six-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic is paired with both engines.
Roominess
Interior room suffers to make space for the folding metal roof. To level the boot and not let it appear protruding, both rear legroom and boot space are much compromised relative to the BMW 3-Series Coupe's. The front two enjoy generous amounts of room, while the wide range of adjustments behind the wheel and for the seats easily allows passengers to find their ideal seating positions. The tight rear is best left for kids or bags. The small boot is at least bolstered by the through-loading system with 60:40 split backrest to maximise storage space.
Running Costs
Efficient Dynamics technology enables the 2011 BMW 3-Series Convertible to lead the class with its excellent fuel economy. Servicing and repairs are expensive, but typically long service intervals and good reliability should help. Road taxes cost RM 377.50 and RM 877, but insurance will be much more punishing to the wallet due to the high prices. Being a convertible may mean more depreciation as compared to the popular BMW 3-Series Sedan, which commands good residuals in the second-hand market.
Value for Money
Surprisingly, BMW's bitter rivals Mercedes-Benz and Audi do not have competing models in the compact luxury convertible segment. The Volvo C70, which costs upwards of RM 345K, is a viable alternative that emphasizes more on comfort than handling. Comparatively, the 2011 BMW 3-Series Convertible costs more, but offers even more as a package, especially with its brand prestige and on-road performance.
Equipment
17-inch alloy wheels, run-flat tyres, cruise control, Park Distance Control (PDC), foglights, rain sensors, xenon headlights, automatic climate control, sports leather steering wheel, wind deflector, and stereo with MP3 decoder are standard items. Comprehensive safety kit includes Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), which encompasses anti-lock braking system and traction control, and airbags for front and rear passengers.
Environment
In addition to improved fuel economy, Efficient Dynamics technology entails a series of energy-saving measures that limit environmental pollution. Any of the three engines will better comparable engines in terms of fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. BMW is providing more driving pleasure with less emissions, something other automakers should emulate.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Dynamic performance
Quality cabin
Lack of competitors
Limited rear-seat room and boot space
Colossal twin-turbo 3.0-litre not offered
Higher depreciation than for 3-Series Sedan
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