2007 BMW 335i Convertible Pictures, Specifications, Information

The fourth generation of BMW's 3 Series four-seat convertible, a new dimension in the world of motoring, comes with the introduction of a retractable hardtop for the first time in a BMW. Made of lightweight steel, the three-piece roof opens in just 22 seconds and folds smoothly into the rear compartment of BMW’s newest convertible. The new roof structure ensures a lower level of noise even at high speeds while the ultra-stiff platform provides extreme torsional strength for rigidity and incredible handling inherent to all BMWs.

The new BMW 3 Series Convertible retains all the elegance and unique style that is characteristic of the 3 Series with the top either open or closed. The long and sleek hood, low shoulder line and the broad-shouldered rear end make the new BMW 3 Series Convertible unmistakable from any angle. And with the new retracting hardtop, it offers performance, comfort, safety, and value unique in its segment.

Open or closed – unmistakable at all times

The new BMW 3 Series Convertible is characterized by well-balanced proportions with either the roof open or closed. It boasts an unmistakable silhouette that is readily recognizable thanks to its retractable hardtop. With the three roof elements folding conveniently into the luggage compartment, the new model continues the low shoulder-line so typical of a BMW 3 Series Convertible. Inside the new Convertible, the functional benefits of the hardtop are clear. The only way BMW engineers could exceed the proven qualities of the BMW soft top in terms of resistance to tough winter weather and superior noise control was to switch over to a steel plate structure. The closed roof, with its large windows and fully lined underside, offers the occupants optimum visibility as well as a bright and premium ambience. Compared to the previous generation 3 Series Convertible, the rear side windows are now 30 percent larger and visibility to the rear has been improved by a significant 38 percent.

With the top closed, the low roofline makes the shoulder line of the car the dominating feature from the side, again retaining the impression of sporting elegance at all times. Since there is no conventional “B” pillar, the feeling of open-air driving can still be achieved with just the side windows rolled down. Approaching the C-pillar, the “Hofmeister kink”, a traditional feature of BMW design, can be clearly seen. The rear window is fixed glass with an electric rear defroster for safety and convenience.

The 3 Series Convertible’s navigation and radio antennas are integrated within the car. Therefore, conventional rod-type aerials are not visible and do not detract from the clean lines of the bodywork. Radio reception with the roof open is ensured by aerials in the side panels, while aerials in the rear window are automatically activated as soon as the roof is closed. Vehicles equipped with SIRIUS satellite radio are equipped with a separate antenna mounted on the rear decklid.

Maximum comfort and uncompromising function are the key features of the new roof with its incredible electrohydraulic mechanism. The three-piece steel roof opens automatically in a flowing motion as each lid element rests above the other for a compact package. The rear lid of the Convertible opens rearward and once the roof has been completely opened or closed and the hardtop is locked, the driver is able to open the trunklid in the usual way. The roof opens in just 22 seconds and closes in 23 seconds. The rear lid also comes with a soft-close feature that draws the lid down gently and automatically.

To ensure optimum use of the car’s storage capacities in every situation, the roof and luggage compartments are separated from one another by a variable partition swivelling conveniently when the roof is closed in order to provide maximum luggage capacity. Another convenient feature is that the roof can open by remote control when equipped with Comfort Access. Like the roof control switch within the interior, the remote control button must be kept pressed down for safety during the entire opening process as movement of the roof elements will be interrupted whenever the button is released.

Design

The side view of the car is dominated by the horizontal shoulder line which gives the new 3 Series Convertible particular style and elegance. The large wheel arches add sporting and dynamic flair from every angle. The sleek and dynamic look of the new 3 Series Convertible is further accentuated by the contour line that runs level with the door handles. A sill-line at the lower edge of the doors continues all the way into the air dams at the front and rear.

This interaction of the car’s lines and carefully-modelled surfaces provides a striking three-dimensional effect guiding not only more light, but also the eye of the beholder to the area around the car’s rear axle. This effect is indeed intentional, with the optical impression created in this way reflecting the actual driving experience as the new 3 Series Convertible, like all BMWs, features rear wheel drive for outstanding performance on the road.

The rear view of the car is equally sporting and elegant: particularly with the roof down, the new BMW 3 Series Convertible also looks low and wide from behind. And while the contour line ends in the rear light clusters at each side, the shoulder line extends around the entire rear section. The rear tail lamp assemblies are split into two sections and extend all the way into the lid of the luggage compartment. Horizontal LED light rods ensure a striking look at night, while the third brake light is integrated into the aerodynamically-designed spoiler edge on the decklid.

Interior

Like the exterior, the interior of the new 3 Series Convertible features sleek and flowing lines, powerful and tense surfaces and a highly attractive combination of convex and concave design elements. The controls for air conditioning, the audio and navigation systems are within optimum visibility and within easy reach for the front passenger. Several controls and switches including the door handles and gearshift lever are finished in a sophisticated Pearl Gray metal to ensure a premium tactile feeling with elegant looks.

The side panels display a smooth and sweeping design flow that extends from the dashboard all the way to the backrests on the two rear seats. The center console also extends all the way to the rear, serving as a storage compartment between the rear seats. Ambience lighting, mounted on the door and rear side panels, projects a warm and indirect light effect.

Twin-Turbo Inline-6

The more sporting version of the new 3 Series Convertible, the 335i, is powered by the world’s first inline six-cylinder with Twin Turbo and High Precision Direct Injection technology and an all-aluminum crankcase. Rated at 300 hp at 5,800 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque at 1,400 – 5,000 rpm, this 3.0-liter engine offers cutting-edge performance thanks to the theories behind BMW’s Efficient Dynamics. Using high-tech materials allows the engine to be a lightweight performer, which helps BMW achieve near 50/50 weight distribution on this and all of its vehicles. Low inertia turbocharger internals and high precision direct fuel injection makes turbo lag nearly non-existent as peak torque starts at a mere 1,400 rpm. High precision direct injection is also ideal for lean burn operation. In the lean burn mode, various intercepting layers of the fuel and air form within the combustion chamber. The fuel/air mixture is therefore particularly rich and ignitable only in the direct vicinity of the spark plug and once ignite,the flame travels to the leaner layers further from the spark plug for a clean, smooth and consistent combustion process. Redline is still an impressive 7,000 rpm and compression ratio is 10.2:1. Typical of a BMW engine are incredible smoothness, fast-revving response and refined power at all engine speeds.

Performance

The BMW 335i Convertible accelerates to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds for the six-speed manual, and in 5.7 seconds for the six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. Top speed is electronically-controlled to 130 mph and on vehicles equipped with the Sport Package, top speed is governed at 150 mph.

Suspension/Wheels/Brakes

With power being transmitted to the rear wheels, the rack-and-pinion steering remains free of drive forces. Optional Active Steering varies steering ratio as a function of road speed for higher steering ratio at the same steering wheel angle at low speeds than at high speeds. This enables the driver to control the car even more smoothly and with minimal effort, while remaining precisely on course at high speeds in the interest of maximum safety.

Featuring a double-pivot McPherson strut-type aluminum suspension in front and a five-link independent rear suspension, the new BMW 3 Series Convertible boasts the most advanced underpinnings in its class. Further advantages are the low center of gravity, well-balanced axle load and special damper set-up helping to give this outstanding new convertible its impressive dynamic driving qualities.

The standard 17-inch alloy wheels run on 225/45R17 tires with runflat technology. Even with a complete loss of pressure in one tire, the vehicle can continue to be driven for up to 150 miles at 50 miles per hour to get to the nearest service station. BMW’s new Tire Pressure Monitor watches the pressures in each tire and will warn the driver as soon as the pressure drops more than 25 percent below the optimum level.

The highly effective brake system is further enhanced and upgraded by BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control with its many innovative new functions. This latest generation of DSC technology controls brake functions and vehicle stability on slippery roads by applying individual wheel brakes and reducing engine output.