Volvo C70 and Saab 9-3 Safer than New BMW

"The 2007 BMW 3 Series and the 2007 Audi A4 Cabriolet, meanwhile, received the Institute's second-lowest score of marginal in side-impact tests. The BMW convertible starts at $43,200, while the A4 model starts at $39,100. Both received the highest ratings in frontal tests.

During its side test of the 3 Series, for example, the Institute recorded injury measures on the driver dummy that could indicate rib fractures and injuries to internal organs in a similar crash.

BMW AG spokesman Thomas Plucinsky said the automaker was disappointed with the side-impact results but said it engineers its vehicles to pass a wide range of crash tests around the globe.

"We're confident that in real world situations that BMW vehicles are among the safest in side-impact," he said." more.

2007 Convertible Crash Test Ratings Not Favorable

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ran the first crash tests on the new 2007 BMW 328i convertible. Unfortunately, the news wasn't good. It received a Poor rating for the torso side impact and rear head protection. Overall side impact test was a Marginal. The good news is the frontal offset crash was rated a Good, their highest rating. more.

German Afterparts Maker Hartge Features E93

Finally a decent looking mod from an aftermarket manufacturer. Checkout the wheels and front aerodynamic kit. more.

A ridiculous hip-hop review

This is a video review of the 2007 335i and 328i convertibles complete with really lame rhymes and laughable commentary, but there are some great pictures of the cars just turn off the sound.

Hardtop Convertible Comparison: 2006 Volvo C70 vs 2007 BMW 328i

"If we awarded points for a winner in the most improved category, the C70 might have had a chance. It's such a huge step up from the last car that it should be called the C80. From the tight structure to the slick new roof, it's a convertible worth owning if you think driving fast is a waste of gas.

Slipping behind the wheel of the 328i, however, reminds us just how much better a convertible can get. It has a flex-free body and an equally impressive roof, but it also adds nearly perfect steering, nimble handling and an interior that will impress the neighbors.

That is, unless you live in Malibu." more.

Comparison Test: 2007 BMW 335i vs. 2007 Lexus IS 350

"Once you get a sport sedan right, it shows a depth of engineering and design skill. Get it really right, and it will win widely publicized awards and bring enthusiasts to the showroom. The 2007 BMW 335i does both, and it's without a doubt the best-performing and yet most well-rounded 3 Series ever. The BMW 335i is still the best sport sedan money can buy, and you can quote us on that." more.

Daily Car Videos Reviews 2007 Convertible

Inside Line reviews 2007 BMW 335i Convertible. First bmw 3 cabrio with a hard top roof. Check it out!

Detroit News Reviews 2007 3-Series Convertible

2007 BMW 3 Series hardtop convertible is powerful redesign

"No one could have anticipated the pastel-colored monster BMW would help create 30 years ago when it introduced the 3 Series to North America.

A whole generation of young urban professionals spent the '80s equating prestige and repute with buying ugly clothes and owning a BMW. After all, they're exclusive, expensive and offer impeccable execution. Bimmers still do.

So it's no wonder why the new BMW 3 Series convertible worries me. This car is such a well-balanced machine, I fear people might start to think they look good in argyle again.
Fun to drive and great to pose in around town, this redesigned car has the potential to breathe new life into the dormant yuppie movement. Dust off those green pants and Izod shirts -- the Ultimate Status Machine has returned with more sophistication and precision than ever before." more

Truth About Cars Reviews 335i Convertible

BMW 335i Convertible Review

"When the BMW dealer handed me the plastic fob, he insisted I drive the 335i Convertible with the top down. Despite the cool, foggy San Francisco weather, I held the plipper’s unlock button down and watched the show. As the hardtop began its elaborate three part dance into the trunk, I felt that old familiar flutter. The feeling was born when I started driving lessons in my Dad’s 1963 Chevrolet Impala rag top, survived my first car (a 1962 VW Beetle convertible) and lead to my current stable of drop tops. Would the 335i live up to its predecessors?" more

Car and Driver Compares $40k Convertibles

2007 VW Eos v 2007 Audi A4 v 2007 BMW 328i v 2007 Volvo C70 v 2007 Saab 9-3 - Comparison Tests

"Forty-something? What’s up with that? Bucks, for one. These sun-optional rides roll in luxury territory, most with prices well above $40,000—40-something, in fact. And in that price class, it’s a good bet they attract 40-something buyers.

All five cars are rated for four passengers, as distinct from the two-plus-two designation (claustrophobes need not apply). Just what level of comfort those rear seats might actually provide—all day? tolerable for a quick cantina run? torture by the end of the driveway?—is something we set out to quantify.

One other something, of a linguistic nature. Ragtop, a uniquely American term that emerged in the early ’50s—probably from the world of hot rods, and predating Henry Gregor Felsen’s 1954 novel—is on its way to becoming anachronistic. Since the launch of Mazda’s folding-hardtop MX-5 Miata, which proved these devices needn’t diminish trunk space or cost a fortune, clothtops are going the way of the Klaxon and carburetor." more

Best of YouTube E93 Convertible Videos

Here are some of the better videos featuring the new 2007 3-series convertible available on YouTube:

Auto Spies reviews the new 335i convertible:




Roadfly's overview of the new convertible:



Auto Channel's Road Trip interviews Michael Brachvogel, BMW Deputy Product Manager for the E93:

Best of YouTube 335i Videos

Here are some of my favorite videos currently up on YouTube that feature the 335i E92 (coupe).

Fifth Gear's Review of the 335i coupe (UK):




Motorweek Reviews the 335i sedan:

MotorTrend Video Review

One of my favorite video reviews featuring a 2007 335i convertible can be viewed here:

http://www.motortrend.com/av/roadtests/112_0705_2007_bmw_335i_convertible_road_test

The video features a Crimson Red, black leather with aluminum trim combination which led to my personal preference and my eventual order with the same exterior/interior colors.