Review: BMW E93 3-Series Convertible (2007-13)

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• Refined and free-revving six-cylinder petrol engines
• Frugal turbo-diesel engines
• Impressive ride/handling balance
• Accurate steering feel has good feel

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• Run-flat tyres compromise ride quality
• Sports suspension for 335i lacks compliance
• For 2007-11 E92 320d, crankshaft sprocket teeth may damage the timing chain
• For the E92 335i with the N54 engine, reports of High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) failure

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Review: BMW E93.I 3-Series Convertible (2007-10)

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Overview

Released in March 2007, the BMW E93 Mk.I (E93.I) 3-Series convertible was a four-seat convertible with a three-piece metal roof. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive E93 3-Series convertible range initially consisted of the 325i and 335i models, but was expanded in November 2009 with the 320d and 330d. Please note that the E93 M3 Convertible has been reviewed separately.

Dimensions and body

Compared to the E46 3-Series convertible , the E93 3-Series convertible was 92 mm longer (at 4580 mm), 25 mm wider (1782 mm), 23 mm taller (1395 mm) and had a 35 mm longer wheelbase (2760 mm). The body of the E93 3-Series convertible achieved a 50 per cent increase in torsional stiffness, partly due to a new joint and crossbar design for the vehicle’s load-bearing structure.

The E93 3-Series Convertible’s metal roof could be lowered in 23 seconds and raised in 22 seconds via buttons on the dashboard and key fob.

Dimensions and body

The E93 3-Series convertible had double wishbone front suspension and independent, five-link rear suspension. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the E93 3-Series Convertible included dual front airbags, front side head/thorax airbags (which covered from the base of the backrest to the top of the headrests), ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, corner brake control, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front seat load limiters and automatically deploying roll bars.

Features

Standard features for the 320d included 17-inch alloy wheels with runflat tyres, a six speaker stereo with CD player, climate control air conditioning, heat-reflecting leather seats, power adjustable and heated front seats with driver’s seat memory settings, cruise control, bi-xenon headlights, front and rear fog lamps, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, an on-board computer with BMW’s iDrive controller, a 12 volt power outlet and an immobiliser.

The 325i was further equipped with a six-disc CD player and BMW’s ‘Business’ satellite navigation system. Beyond this, the 330d added an eight speaker stereo, front seat power lumbar adjustment, directional headlights, front parking sensors and voice recognition.

The 335i also featured 18-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension and larger brakes, high beam assist and BMW’s ‘Professional’ satellite navigation system with an 8.8-inch display and digital TV tuner.

M Sport

From February 2008, an ‘M Sport’ package was available for certain models; it included 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 R18 front and 255/35 R18 rear tyres with ‘M Sports’ suspension more supportive seats, an ‘M’ leather steering wheel and gearshift, aluminium interior highlights and M aerodynamics package (larger front air intakes, side skirts and modified rear bumper).

EfficientDynamics

From May 2009, the 335i was fitted with BMW’s ‘Brake Energy Regeneration’ which controlled alternator output to charge the battery when the vehicle was braking or coasting. When released in November 2009, the 330d and 320d were also equipped with this technology.

Review: BMW E93.II 3-Series convertible (2010-13)

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Overview

Released in June 2010, the E93 Mk.II (E93.II) 3-Series convertible range introduced mechanical and styling updates. Ride quality was also improved with the introduction of spring-disc damping valves (replacing coil spring valves) in all models except the 335i and M3. A six-speed manual transmission was introduced for the 320d and the 335i’s 3.0-litre six cylinder engine was fitted with a single twin-scroll turbocharger which provided improved fuel economy, though peak power and torque outputs remained unchanged.

Visually, the E93.II 3-Series convertible range could be identified by its bi-xenon headlights with four light rings which would glow during daytime driving, completely red L-shaped LED tail-lights, a new bonnet, front and rear bumpers, side skirts, more prominent grille and silver-finished lower air dam bars. Inside, there was a new three-spoke steering wheel and entertainment functions accessible from the BMW ‘ConnectedDrive’ menu.

EfficientDynamics

As part of the E93.II update, the 320d was fitted with ‘Auto Start-Stop’ which could shut down the engine when the vehicle was stationary; the 325i was also fitted with Brake Energy Regeneration. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Features

Compared to their E93.I predecessors, standard features for the E93.II 3-Series convertible were extended to include a USB stereo input; the 325i and 330d also received BMW’s ‘Comfort Access’ proximity key.

Beyond this, the 335i was solely available as an ‘M Sport’ variant, which featured 19-inch double-spoke alloy wheels with ‘M Sport’ suspension, an ‘M’ sports steering wheel, aluminium trim highlights, BMW Individual anthracite headlining, ‘M Sport’ door sills and an aerodynamic bodykit; the 335i was also fitted with LED daytime driving lights.

March 2012: BMW 3-Series Convertible update

From March 2012 production, all 3-Series Coupes and Convertibles were to be fitted with adaptive bi-xenon headlights with LED elements. Standard features were also revised as the 320d was fitted with BMW’s ‘Business’ satellite navigation system, proximity key (‘Comfort Access’), adaptive headlights and high beam assist. Beyond this, the 325i was further equipped with 18-inch light-alloy wheels, the ‘Professional’ satellite navigation system and electrochromatic door mirrors; the 330d and 335i models also gained a Harman Kardon sound system.

February 2013: 3-Series Convertible High-Line

From February 2013, all variants other than the M3 were offered as High-Line variants. As such, standard features were extended to include 18-inch Star Spoke alloy wheels, BMW’s ‘Professional’ navigation system, power adjustable front seats with memory settings, front parking sensors, and electrochromatic interior and exterior mirrors; for models with automatic and double clutch transmissions, steering wheel gearshift paddles were also fitted as standard. Beyond this, the 325i was fitted with 19-inch Star Spoke alloy wheels.

Related links

• Press Kit: BMW E93.II 3-Series Convertible (January 2010)
• Specifications: BMW E93.II 3-Series Converitble (February 2013)
• Wikipedia.org: BMW E90 3-Series