F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > 2012-2019 BMW 3 and 4-Series Forums > General F30 Sedan / F32 Coupe / F36 Gran Coupe Forum > Our BMW 435i Convertible Review
proTUNING Freaks
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      04-13-2014, 06:27 PM   #1
Jason
Administrator
Jason's Avatar
United_States
40107
Rep
21,227
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Post Our BMW 435i Convertible Review

BIMMERPOST NEWS
Meeting expectations: The BMW 435i Convertible
35
COMMENTS
Name:  P90142450.jpg
Views: 13346
Size:  182.7 KB

By Jens Meiners

We are no big fans of the changeover from the 3-series to the 4-series moniker, but at least BMW is making the transition as easy as possible. The proven concept remains unchanged, and the styling is so evolutionary that a casual observer might find it difficult to tell the difference.

The 4-series Convertible grows slightly in almost every dimension: At 182.6 inches, it is 0.7 inches longer than its predecessor; at 71.9 inches, it is 1.7 inches wider; and its wheelbase grows by 1.9 to 110.6 inches. At least it is lower - at 54.2 inches, which is 0.3 less than before. The 48 per cent front and 52 per cent rear weight distribution remains unchanged.

BMW says the open-top 4-series is "up to 44 lbs lighter" than its porky predecessor, but that isn't true of the 435i Convertible, which we drove: It comes in at a whopping 4,095 lbs, almost 100 lbs more than before - and 400 lbs more than the fixed-roof 4-series. The heavy and complex roof mechanism is a carryover unit from the 3-series and remains almost unchanged. BMW had considered switching to a fabric top, such as the Audi A5 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet have, but ultimately conservative forces prevailed. At least the roof can now be opened or closed while the car is driving - up to 11 mph. You won't block the intersection if you miscalculate the red-light phase.

BMW offers two engines: The turbocharged, 240-horsepower N20 four-banger in the 428i, and the turbocharged, 300-horsepower N55 straight-six in the 435i. The former 328i's suave, naturally aspirated 3.0-liter straight-six is history, and so is the six-speed manual transmission. The 4-series Cabriolet comes with an eight-speed automatic only, which replaces the formerly used six-speed slushbox.

The 435i's direct-injected, single-turbo N55 engine matches the responsiveness of the twin-turbocharged N54 which was used for a few years in the 335i, and it is a lot more efficient: In other BMW models, this writer has experienced real-life efficiency gains of 10 per cent and more. But it is hardly a match for the sound quality of the N54, not to mention BMW's now-defunct naturally aspirated sixes. There is a sharp edge to the engine note, and the sound does not quite put BMW in a category of its own anymore. Moreover, the 435i Convertible is so heavy that it does not feel particularly fast. In fairness, the actual numbers - zero to 60 in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 130 or 155 mph, depending on the tires - are impressive. But it just doesn't feel this fast, especially when compared to BMW's own four-door 335i. Thanks to abundant low-end torque and the busy-bee eight-speed slushbox, the 435i Convertible is reasonably quick around town and on the freeway, but this car certainly doesn't encourage racing a Boxster, or just a well-driven 3-series.

It is most comfortable on the boulevard, especially when fitted with the Luxury package - like our test car. There is noticeably more body flex than in the fixed-roof 435i Coupe, and this couldn't be any different, given its open-top design. The steering is reasonably precise, but it still lacks the wonderfully balanced weight and feedback of the old hydraulic system. So it is best to keep a reasonable pace, lower the top, and enjoy the comfortable seats and the well-equipped interior. We especially liked the ash grain wood trim with metal inlays and the functional instrumentation. The front seats are firm and comfortable, and the rear seats offer enough room for extended outings.

But there is shadow as well: This writer is not keen on certain BMW peculiarities such as the cumbersome gear selector, or the need to acknowledge input errors through the tap of the iDrive controller. Few situations are more irritating than pushing the wrong button on the gear selector when making a three-point turn, only to see an idiot screen pop up, which hides the rearview camera at the moment when it is most sorely needed. It would also be great if there were a way to keep the transmission from brutally slamming into "Park" when reversing with an open door and unbuckled seat belt. And while the materials look generally rich, the cost-cutting is a bit too obvious in the hard plastic part below the heating and air conditioning controls.

The 435i Convertible is offered from $54,900, although we suspect that few customers will stick to the somewhat stark basic trim. An additional $1,400 will get them a Luxury or a Sport Package; $2,600 buy the M Sport package. There is strong competition in the form of the Audi A5 and the Mercedes-Benz E-class Cabriolet, each with a distinct personality. But if you prefer a folding hard top, the new 4-series is by far the most appealing choice against the poorly aging Infiniti Q60 and Lexus IS Convertible. With enhanced looks and significantly improved efficiency, BMW's latest Convertible will keep its customers happy.

Name:  IMG_7582.jpg
Views: 10759
Size:  228.7 KB

Name:  P90142449.jpg
Views: 10529
Size:  168.5 KB

Name:  P90142450.jpg
Views: 13346
Size:  182.7 KB

Name:  P90142458.jpg
Views: 10813
Size:  160.9 KB

Name:  P90142490.jpg
Views: 11124
Size:  185.2 KB

Name:  P90142501.jpg
Views: 10415
Size:  144.9 KB

Name:  P90142543.jpg
Views: 10306
Size:  174.7 KB

Name:  P90142545.jpg
Views: 10678
Size:  208.6 KB

Name:  P90142546.jpg
Views: 10401
Size:  366.6 KB

Appreciate 0
      04-13-2014, 06:43 PM   #2
Taipei-TT
Captain
24
Rep
642
Posts

Drives: 2014 X3 2.0D
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Canadian in Taipei

iTrader: (0)

Not especially auspicious....cost cutting on plastics on a BMW that is a boulevard cruiser
Appreciate 0
      04-13-2014, 06:43 PM   #3
Maz335i
BMW 4 Life...
Maz335i's Avatar
Canada
148
Rep
3,360
Posts

Drives: 2015 SO M3 (on order)
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Mississauga, Ontario

iTrader: (0)

Nice!
__________________
MODS: *** / M Sport + Performance / Meisterschaft / Challenge / MORR / more to come! ***
Appreciate 0
      04-13-2014, 06:44 PM   #4
Black Flagged
Captain
Black Flagged's Avatar
United_States
470
Rep
778
Posts

Drives: M2C
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: 91739

iTrader: (0)

Appreciate 0
      04-13-2014, 06:45 PM   #5
Bimmer-Mac
Private First Class
Bimmer-Mac's Avatar
United_States
27
Rep
148
Posts

Drives: 2016 340xi M-Sport
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Connecticut

iTrader: (0)

I know that for the first time BMW is offering xDrive on the 3/4 series convertible, however only with the 28i engine. Does anyone know when/if BMW NA will offer it with the 35i engine?
__________________
2023 Audi A6 Allroad
2022 Porsche Boxster 25 Years
2014 Porsche 911 50
Past: 2019 540i xDrive, 2016 340i xDrive, 2013 BMW 335i xDrive, 2014 428xi 'vert, 2010 VW CC 2.0T, 2008 Audi Q7 4.2 Premium
Appreciate 0
      04-13-2014, 07:12 PM   #6
Falafel Combo
Banned
United_States
3767
Rep
6,673
Posts

Drives: X5 xDrive50i
Join Date: May 2011
Location: New England

iTrader: (3)

Mercedes vert >> Audi >>>>>> BMW


Pretty much the only advantage BMW has at this point is the hard top.
Appreciate 0
      04-13-2014, 07:13 PM   #7
Falafel Combo
Banned
United_States
3767
Rep
6,673
Posts

Drives: X5 xDrive50i
Join Date: May 2011
Location: New England

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bimmer-Mac View Post
I know that for the first time BMW is offering xDrive on the 3/4 series convertible, however only with the 28i engine. Does anyone know when/if BMW NA will offer it with the 35i engine?

I would guess so. Perhaps closer to fall/winter.
Appreciate 0
      04-13-2014, 07:19 PM   #8
pflau
Private
United_States
1
Rep
82
Posts

Drives: 328i xDrive
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Westchester, NY

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Taipei-TT View Post
Not especially auspicious....cost cutting on plastics on a BMW that is a boulevard cruiser
I don't agree that it has anything to do with the material, but rather the design and fit of the panels and pieces. I've looked at an Audi A4 and found that the Audi has an interior that feels more luxurious because it is built like, shall I say, an iPhone. The materials are the same hard plastic with the same surface texture. But the way the pieces are designed and put together makes the Audi look more expensive.
Appreciate 0
      04-13-2014, 07:32 PM   #9
Brooklyn Mark
Banned
United_States
67
Rep
507
Posts

Drives: 2013 M3 MR E92 DCT
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Brooklyn, NY

iTrader: (1)

Can't wait for m4!
Appreciate 0
      04-13-2014, 08:47 PM   #10
ORIGIN M.
Banned
3160
Rep
9,134
Posts

Drives: ///M
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Northern Hemisphere

iTrader: (0)

BMW should have gone w/ the Cloth Top ! ! ! !
Appreciate 0
      04-13-2014, 09:19 PM   #11
mlai
Colonel
mlai's Avatar
Hong Kong
165
Rep
2,340
Posts

Drives: 650GC/E93M3/Lexus LS600HL
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by red-sauerkraut View Post
BMW should have gone w/ the Cloth Top ! ! ! !
I disagree.... I would not have bot the M3 vert and now an M4 vert on order if they have soft tops.....
__________________
F06 650i Gran Coupe Ruby Black/Dakota Cinamon- 2012-10-12 Adaptive Drive/IAS/Surround View/Adaptive LED/Comfort Seats/BMW 356 Liquid Black/Michelin PSS 245/35R20-285/30R20
E93 M3 Cabriolet Satin Pearl White/CR - 2012/03/12 Bilstein PSS10/ Michelin PSS 245/35R19-265/35R19 Brembo GT
2011 F10 550i M Sport - Retired
Appreciate 0
      04-13-2014, 09:31 PM   #12
M5007
Major
M5007's Avatar
United_States
71
Rep
1,410
Posts

Drives: 2014 M5 Competition Package
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (0)

Soft top is still missed by some. But I have grown to like the hardtop convertibles.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      04-13-2014, 10:21 PM   #13
Alpine F31
Colonel
Alpine F31's Avatar
United_States
918
Rep
2,711
Posts

Drives: MB E350 4MATIC Estate
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Sherman Oaks, CA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Another nail in the coffin of the manual transmission.
Appreciate 0
      04-13-2014, 10:53 PM   #14
ORIGIN M.
Banned
3160
Rep
9,134
Posts

Drives: ///M
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Northern Hemisphere

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by silentassasin
Soft top is still missed by some. But I have grown to like the hardtop convertibles.
It's all good.

It's just that the car is a porker and looks to much like the 3er it replaces so it doesn't look like a new car. Does look better but they should have used aluminum or the in house CFRP on the top to keep the weight down.
Appreciate 0
      04-13-2014, 10:55 PM   #15
325rider
Captain
United_States
35
Rep
826
Posts

Drives: '11 e90 M3 6mt
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Miami, Fl

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Alpine F31 View Post
Another nail in the coffin of the manual transmission.
This. But come on… I would feel burdened driving a 4100lb manual convertible car. Give me that in auto for DD in traffic and ill have a manual for the weekends
__________________

Check out my YouTube Fitness Channel if your into that
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoz...XQVuG0se8cTpUQ
Appreciate 0
      04-13-2014, 11:06 PM   #16
Teutonic
Colonel
Teutonic's Avatar
No_Country
2706
Rep
2,350
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by red-sauerkraut View Post
BMW should have gone w/ the Cloth Top ! ! ! !
I disagree. BMW did a very good choice, they address to a wider niche of customers, the car can be even the single car for many, a nice Cabrio in the summer, a practical coupe in the winter that will be able to keep the inside warm without compromising the trunk and force you to buy a separate hardtop, cozy and sealed properly, not noisy, not to mention no soft top will ever contribute to the stiffness of the body like a hard top.
I don't like convertibles but if I will buy one, it will be a hardtop. Cloth can die forever.
Appreciate 0
      04-13-2014, 11:23 PM   #17
TheBingoBalls
Brigadier General
TheBingoBalls's Avatar
Canada
3799
Rep
4,653
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Toronto, Ontario

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Yeah, never liked a soft top. Other than saving weight, which i doubt is a priority with convertibles anyway, the look of one makes me cringe. To my eyes, it ruins the design of the car. Hardtop all the way.
Appreciate 0
      04-13-2014, 11:29 PM   #18
fbm3cab
Second Lieutenant
fbm3cab's Avatar
Canada
35
Rep
221
Posts

Drives: M3
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: B.C. Canada

iTrader: (0)

Ouch!

I hope this isn't a sign of what's to come with the M4 vert.
Appreciate 0
      04-13-2014, 11:40 PM   #19
vertebra
Lieutenant
vertebra's Avatar
United_States
21
Rep
493
Posts

Drives: 2010 135i vert
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Atlanta, GA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I don't like convertibles but if I will buy one, it will be a hardtop. Cloth can die forever.[/QUOTE]
Yeah...I have to disagree. I have a "lowly" 1 vert and the top is really insulated well from both the elements and road noise. The hard vert top kills this cars fun factor.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      04-14-2014, 12:00 AM   #20
EzequielR
Major
EzequielR's Avatar
Dominican Republic
257
Rep
1,347
Posts

Drives: E92 08 328xi
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: NYC

iTrader: (2)

Idk but I've never liked a vert anyways... 4 series vert... Not impressed. Too boxy, but if I ever had to choose a very it DEFINITELY would be hard top.
__________________


Quote:
Originally Posted by okusa View Post
The lack of love won't come from the fact that it's not on a race track but rather that it is on the ground and, in fact, ruined.
my 2 feets are currently on the ground, are they ruined? haha
Appreciate 0
      04-14-2014, 12:27 AM   #21
ORIGIN M.
Banned
3160
Rep
9,134
Posts

Drives: ///M
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Northern Hemisphere

iTrader: (0)

The S5 Cabrio kills it!

Add xDrive and it weighs a grip...

AUDI understand the customer just like BMW does with the 6er Vert.

Add a remapped ECU to the twin-screwed S5 and it is over for the 4er. No contest.
Appreciate 0
      04-14-2014, 02:42 AM   #22
MikeRR
First Lieutenant
Switzerland
69
Rep
380
Posts

Drives: BMW M2
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Switzerland

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2016 BMW M2  [0.00]
I had mine (435i) out on a more spirited drive on our mountain roads with some friends this weekend, the car is clearly not a sports car, you feel that it is heavy, the standard M supsension is a bit to soft, it tends to understeer, but the car is very rigid for a 4 place convertible.
It just does not like beeing "trashed arround".

On the other hand I have been absolutely pleased for everyday driving with it, cruising home after work on a sunny day is just a real pleasure. And that what it has been made for.
I also drove the 428i for several weeks waiting for mine to arrive, It feels a bit lighter but I really can't stand the 4 cyl. engine in this car. Sounds terrible, feels terrible. Ok for a touring but not for driving top down. (just my 2c)
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:02 PM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST