BMW 3 Series Convertible

Despite diesel-haters thinking that diesel technology hasn’t progressed since 1974, the 330d drop-top makes a whole load of sense – the extra torque goes some way to mitigate the added weight of the folding roof for a start.

• Comfort

  The same techniques used to make the convertible BMW feel less like a jelly actually improve the ride. The springing and damping feels more elastic, and there’s a sense that the harsher edges have been ironed out so that they don’t show up flaws when the roof is stowed. Still quite stiff in terms of large CC execs though. 

  

• Performance

  The 330d is still one of the world’s greatest diesels. Performance is even with the heavier convertible roof, with 0-62mph in 6.4s, 155mph top end and 245bhp. It’s the 384lb ft that really makes itself felt though – in-gear on a decent A-road big diesel BMWs are superb. The same 3-litre lump also crops up as the 325d (204bhp), and you get the best of BMW's big petrols, including the twin-turbo 3-litre six with 306bhp.

  

• Cool

  Less cool than the saloon or estate. Sorry. That's the price you pay for the wind in your follicles. Get over it.

  

• Quality

  As good as any 3-Series. Solid, functional and nicely put together. The roof is a brilliant example of engineering, though we wouldn’t want to fix it in five year’s time when one of the 7000 electric motors jams. 

  

• Handling

  It’s still a BMW 3-Series, so lovely, but the last ten per cent of precision has been worn away thanks to the folding roof and added weight. It still gives the impression that it’s got all the dynamicism of the normal car, but push and it shakes just a little, rolls just a little. That big six up front is well contained, thank goodness. One of the best handling drop-top four-seaters though. 

  

• Practicality

  The boot obviously succumbs to intrusion when the roof is folded, but otherwise the car is as per a normal three-series, seats four, less room in the back than the front. Blah.

  

• Running costs

  You should get 46.3mpg from the big diesel even in fatty convertible form and you’ll get robbed to the tune of 22-percent tax with a C02 figure of 162g/km – which isn’t bad considering the performance. BMW residuals are very strong, though insurance is a relatively high group 18.