Insurance Group: 35
MPG: 37.7
CO2: 176
0-62 Mph: 7.6 secs
BHP: 218 BHP
Range: 522 miles
PROS: This is a fantastic car to drive, with a powerful engine and great handling. The SE trim comes with loads of equipment for a reasonable price.
CONS: Diesel engines are better options for performance and economy, with lower running costs and emissions.
The convertible’s suspension is much softer than the coupe’s but it has little effect on the car's feel.
The handling in the 3 Series convertible is fantastic, offering controlled and stable driveability thanks to the balanced rear-wheel-drive chassis, which makes easy work of winding B-roads. The metal roof option also means visibility over the shoulder is much better than in a soft-top.
The 325i engine is really powerful, with a great exhaust sound. That said the engine itself is refined emitting hardly any noise and running smoothly. In terms of performance, the engine has a maximum power output of 218 bhp with 199 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 7.6 seconds with a top speed of 152 mph.
The SE convertible comes with leather seats, power steering, stability control, cruise control, climate control, alloy wheels, stereo, MP3 connectivity and rear parking sensors as standard, with optional extras including Bluetooth for £250 and satellite navigation for £1,550.
The iDrive system is much easier to get to grips with than before and this makes cabin comfort far greater. BMW’s metal convertible roof (rather than a soft-top) works nicely to keep the sound out when it is up and even when the roof is down the noise in the front seats is still considerably softened.
There is plenty of safety kit with six airbags, dynamic stability control inclusive of anti-lock braking system (ABS), cornering brake control, dynamic brake control and dynamic traction control all coming as standard. An Active Security Package which contains lane change and assist programmes can also be added. The metal coupe-cabriolet roof is much more secure than a soft-top would be and a fitted alarm helps to protect the car from theft further. It was awarded the top five star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests too, representing its safety.
The convertible has loads of room in the front but the rear seat room does suffer thanks to the roof. The boot is smaller than other 3 Series models but there is a through-hatch for the storage of skis and golf bags etc and the rear backrests fold down to provide extra space.
The 325i SE model costs £36,395 and has a combined economy of 37.7 mpg and CO2 emissions of 176 g/km.
This convertible offers great value for money, with a really powerful engine that also has great fuel economy and fairly low CO2 emissions. The diesel engine is a more economical option than the petrol, although it is pricier, because it offers better performance and has better efficiency.
The SE trim comes with all the equipment you could want and offers good value for money.
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