There are four direct-injection petrol engines and one turbodiesel,
ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 litres and 170 to 306bhp. Headlining the range
is the twin-turbo straight-six cylinder 3.0-litre introduced in the
latest 3 Series Coupe. Its creamy power delivery, smooth nature,
cultured exhaust note and potentially impressive economy mark it out as
one of the best new engines of 2006.

Somehow, BMW has managed to fit a folding metal roof, add 160 kilos of
body stiffening and still maintain the responsiveness and feel expected
of a 3 Series. The suspension is a little softer than the coupe’s,
which marginally changes the ride-and-handling balance, but not in any
seriously detrimental way.

With the roof in place you can see why BMW wanted a metal-roof
coupe-cabriolet in place of a soft-top: the latest 3 Series convertible
is as hushed and weatherproof as a saloon. Even with the car fully open
(roof and windows down), it’s acceptably draught- and din-free for
anyone in the front seats, and road and engine noise never become
intrusive.

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