A fabulous engine
Firing up the superb 6-cylinder inline engine is done by inserting the key in the slot and pushing the START button. It only takes a few seconds before you're reminded that BMW is first and foremost a motoring expert. This all-aluminium, 24-valve, DOHC 3.0L mill with Double VANOS steplessly variable valve timing is a true marvel. The icing on the cake comes from the two -- that's right, two -- turbochargers, which I found extremely efficient and refined. Buttery smooth, flexible, powerful and torquey, this engine undoubtedly represents la crème de la crème of modern engineering. And despite its 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, BMW's 6-cylinder masterpiece boasts an average fuel economy rating of under 12 L/100 km -- that is of course if you don't challenge the turbos.
Mated to a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, the engine delivers super sporty driving dynamics but, alas, all the fun rapidly comes to a stop thanks to the laws of physics and common sense. This car belongs on the autobahns -- the only place in the world where it can truly stretch its legs with no risk of getting impounded.
As it should, with a fabulous engine comes a fabulous chassis. Despite the lack of a fixed roof, the 335i Cabriolet impresses by the rigidity of its architecture and especially the quality of its suspension -- one of the brand's strengths. One major complaint, though: while the massive 19-inch wheels and ultra low-profile tires of my tester did allow tenacious handling, they also made the steering heavier at low speed. Plus, they are absolutely not suited for our roads -- for two reasons. First, Quebec's highways are marked by deep tire ruts caused by heavy trucks, a problem that makes the BMW go nuts. As for the many potholes of our third-world streets, they will gradually destroy the gorgeous alloys of the 335i and the thin rubber wrapped around them. Please note that these are run-flat tires and that there is a spare included.
Crushing performance
If you happen to like numbers, you will be thrilled to know that the new BMW 3-Series achieves performance figures that, only a few years ago, were exclusively associated with supercars. With the 335i Cabriolet, sprinting from 0 to 100 kph takes only 5.55 seconds with Dynamic Traction Control turned off and 5.73 seconds with DTC on. The 170-kg lighter coupe reaches the century mark in less than 5 seconds.
As for passing maneuvers (80-120 kph), which the twin-turbo inline-six excels at -- they are completed in 5.1 seconds in third gear! Even in sixth gear, accelerations will amaze you; the engine vigorously reacts to the slightest throttle inputs. Top speed is electronically limited at 250 kph (a little decency cannot hurt).
Firing up the superb 6-cylinder inline engine is done by inserting the key in the slot and pushing the START button. It only takes a few seconds before you're reminded that BMW is first and foremost a motoring expert. This all-aluminium, 24-valve, DOHC 3.0L mill with Double VANOS steplessly variable valve timing is a true marvel. The icing on the cake comes from the two -- that's right, two -- turbochargers, which I found extremely efficient and refined. Buttery smooth, flexible, powerful and torquey, this engine undoubtedly represents la crème de la crème of modern engineering. And despite its 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, BMW's 6-cylinder masterpiece boasts an average fuel economy rating of under 12 L/100 km -- that is of course if you don't challenge the turbos.
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| The exquisite sound of this powertrain is only rivaled by its performance. |
Mated to a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, the engine delivers super sporty driving dynamics but, alas, all the fun rapidly comes to a stop thanks to the laws of physics and common sense. This car belongs on the autobahns -- the only place in the world where it can truly stretch its legs with no risk of getting impounded.
As it should, with a fabulous engine comes a fabulous chassis. Despite the lack of a fixed roof, the 335i Cabriolet impresses by the rigidity of its architecture and especially the quality of its suspension -- one of the brand's strengths. One major complaint, though: while the massive 19-inch wheels and ultra low-profile tires of my tester did allow tenacious handling, they also made the steering heavier at low speed. Plus, they are absolutely not suited for our roads -- for two reasons. First, Quebec's highways are marked by deep tire ruts caused by heavy trucks, a problem that makes the BMW go nuts. As for the many potholes of our third-world streets, they will gradually destroy the gorgeous alloys of the 335i and the thin rubber wrapped around them. Please note that these are run-flat tires and that there is a spare included.
Crushing performance
If you happen to like numbers, you will be thrilled to know that the new BMW 3-Series achieves performance figures that, only a few years ago, were exclusively associated with supercars. With the 335i Cabriolet, sprinting from 0 to 100 kph takes only 5.55 seconds with Dynamic Traction Control turned off and 5.73 seconds with DTC on. The 170-kg lighter coupe reaches the century mark in less than 5 seconds.
As for passing maneuvers (80-120 kph), which the twin-turbo inline-six excels at -- they are completed in 5.1 seconds in third gear! Even in sixth gear, accelerations will amaze you; the engine vigorously reacts to the slightest throttle inputs. Top speed is electronically limited at 250 kph (a little decency cannot hurt).
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| Despite high-caliber performances, the 335i's fuel economy is reasonable. |