2008 BMW 3 Series Convertible

Double Your Pleasure

The BMW 3 Series Convertible's retractable hardtop gives owners the option of driving a fixed-roof coupe or open-air cruiser, as the weather warrants.

The BMW 3 Series Convertible is great for those who can't decide between a performance coupe and a performance convertible.

Like many of its luxury-brand competitors, the BMW 3 Series Convertible gets a retractable hardtop, which combines the open-air allure of a convertible with the protection from the elements, noise insulation and sleek styling of a coupe. Made of lightweight steel, the three-piece roof opens in 22 seconds at the touch of a button and folds completely into the rear compartment. If the vehicle is equipped with the keyless-start Comfort Access option, the top can be lowered remotely via the key fob.

Get a BMW 3 Series Convertible price quote

The two versions of the BMW 3 Series Convertible are called the BMW 328i Convertible and the BMW 335i Convertible.

The 328i has one of the most peppy and efficient six-cylinder engines in the industry. The 335i packs a new twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine, which produces faster 0-60 mph times. It is BMW’s first turbocharged engine in two decades.

Rear-wheel drive remains standard and provides excellent handling.

See BMW 3 Series Convertible specs

The standard transmission is now a six-speed manual. A six-speed “Steptronic” automatic transmission that can be taken through the gears like a manual is optional, as are steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The BMW 3 Series Convertible is a bit larger than the model it replaces, with a stiffer chassis, improved suspension and braking systems, and a 50/50 front-to-rear weight ratio, which is considered optimum for performance and handling. BMW says the redesigned 3 Series Convertible has the highest degree of torsional stiffness of any of the automaker’s convertibles. This means that despite the lack of a fixed roof, the BMW 3 Series Convertible resists twisting and flexing. That contributes to improved ride and handling qualities with reduced noise, vibration and harshness. Rollover sensors in the BMW 3 Series Convertible monitor vehicle movements and can deploy pop-up rollbars located behind the rear-seat headrests if the system determines the car is about to flip over. A reinforced windshield frame likewise acts as a supplemental rollbar.

BMW 3 Series Convertible Vehicle Summary

The front and rear suspension setup enables crisp, neutral handling for fun, spirited driving and a compliant ride. Active Steering is optional. The system offers more immediate steering response, but purists may favor the standard setup for its simplicity and unfiltered feedback.

The stability control system in the BMW 3 Series Convertible has been improved. It features traction control like before and an expanded range of brake functions that have been incorporated on all BMW models. Brake Standby reacts when the driver suddenly lifts his or her foot off the accelerator, anticipating hard braking, and moves the brake pads against the rotors. Start-Off Assistant automatically engages the brakes on an incline to prevent the car from rolling back when the driver lifts off the brake pedal to depress the accelerator.

Unlike the coupe, sedan and wagon versions, the 3 Series Convertible is not offered with all-wheel drive.

Exterior styling is identical to the coupe, except for the roof. Two-door 3 Series models include a sleeker profile and slightly different styling than the four-door variants.

See all BMW models in the BMW Showroom

Adaptive high-intensity Xenon headlamps are standard on the BMW 3 Series Convertible. They pivot to illuminate the road around curves at night. The interior is simple and tasteful. Instruments and switches are well positioned. The seats are among the most supportive and comfortable in the industry.

The rear seat accommodates two passengers, though larger occupants will feel cramped.

BMW covers all factory-recommended maintenance for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Is the BMW 3 Series Convertible for You?

Buy the 3 Series Convertible if
You want a sporty, stylish, fun-to-drive premium compact convertible that is better suited for four-season use than most conventional ragtops; you value the superior balance and driving dynamics of rear-wheel drive.

Keep Looking if
You need four doors, a more accommodating rear seat and a larger trunk; you want a larger, more powerful and/or more luxurious model.

Who Fits?
The front row is accommodating for a car this size; the seats and steering wheel offer ample adjustment for all sizes; most adults will find rear legroom and headroom in the BMW 3 Series Convertible lacking.

Closest Competitors
Audi A4 Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Convertible, Saab 9-3 Convertible, Volkswagen Eos, Volvo C70

Did You Know?
The 3 Series’ U.S. heritage dates back to 1977, when BMW began importing the two-door 320i as a replacement for the popular 2002 coupe. Over several generations of improvements and a model line that eventually expanded to sedans, convertibles, station wagons and the ultra-performing M3, the 3 Series remains the leader in its market segment. The automaker’s first 3 Series Convertible debuted for the 1987 model year.