Blown Job: BMW 335i Convertible

The 335i Coupe was the first of the new breed of BMW cars to return to forced induction and the Convertible now has one of these beasts lurking under its bonnet as well.


Very little fazes the engine and even less can actually stand in its path under full-throttle runs. Apart from the addictive rasp, there's even the accompanying complement of wheezes, gurgles and gasps that accompany most turbocharged cars. mid- to high-end urge is strong and oddly enough, it feels quicker than its 6 seconds 100km/h sprint timing otherwise suggests. too bad the steering seems unnecessarily heavy at low speeds and the ride can be harsh over bad roads.

The engine is also nicely mated to a 6-speed steptronic transmission that includes steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters.


And it certainly has the butch, muscular looks to accompany the turbo'd engine's performance:


in action, the roof deployment is a complex, multi-piece affair that is best appreciated from the rear:


And all this lifestyle cachet neednt come at the price of versatility either, since the 335i Convertible will happily seat 4 in relative comfort, although considering my height, that's not saying much...even the rear seat of a kia picanto would seem roomy to me LOL