The new BMW 2-Series Convertible and M235i Convertible - First drive impressions.

South Africa is a possibly one of the best countries to own a convertible in. Our scenery and weather lends itself to brilliant opportunities to experience motoring bliss. Driving a convertible sports car through some of our best mountain passes ranks right up there with watching your first born take its first steps. It’ll be engrained in your memory forever – no matter how many times you do it.

Sadly, South Africa is also a terrible country to own a convertible in. Let’s ignore the ever present threat of crime, vandalism and theft and let’s acknowledge the fact that most South Africans can only endure a few minutes in the blistering sun before we start to feel the effects.

That hasn’t stopped BMW from introducing a new model to the line-up in the form of the 2-series convertible. The new F23 is marginally larger than the existing F22 2-Series Coupe and offers up three choices of engine configuration. It starts with the 135kW 220i and then steps up to the 180kW 228i – both with eight-speed Steptronic gearbox options, as well as the usual six-speed manual.

The one that I drove is the one to lust after; the 240kW straight-six turbocharged M235i Convertible – available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed Sports Auto Steptronic. Having spent some time with the M235i Coupe, I was keen to see what removing the roof did to the chassis and experience.

I was once again reminded of the power from the N55 3.0-litre straight six – beautifully linear even if there is a little turbo lag and spongy throttle response when swapping cogs in a hurry. The 450Nm of torque gets the chassis up and running at speed in near no time at all. Subtle and sedate when need be, yet throaty and purposeful when you ask more from it. The 0-100 sprint is covered in a mere 4.5-seconds.

The engine note is one to behold. It’s not a full blown M scowl, but there are traces of E30 325iS in its tone. A straight six burble that sounds marvellous on the overrun, if somewhat muted.

The E30 influence extends past just that of the engine and taking a step back to look at the lines reveals am ethos that harks back to the classic E30 convertible. Sadly, very few E30 convertibles were seen on SA roads (as we were cursed with the luke-warm Baur) but the flat, straight flanks and wide rear end, with distinguishable horizontal elements harks back to the drop-top E30s of the 80s, and even further back to the BMW 02 models of the 60s.

The flat rear deck lid also gives one the impression of a boat deck, a great look for the 220i or 228i, but a little lost on the M235i.

In order to reduce flex in the chassis as a result of removing the roof, BMW had to reinforce the chassis. As a result, torsional flex has been reduced by as much as 20% with bending strength up by to 10%. This can be felt in the drive, which is slightly more rigid than in the coupe, but not uncomfortably so. The chassis offers great levels of grip and on public roads I was unable to recreate the understeering nature of the coupe. Track time will tell though.

Scuttle shake is virtually non-existent and wind noise only becomes an issue with the windows and roof down as the passing air buffets against the seatbelt mounting hoops. This can be compensated for by the Harman/Kardon audio system connected to the BMW connected Drive infotainment system.

The 2-Series convertible is a beautiful piece of design with graceful proportions and a comfortable size. It may slot in as the smallest convertible BMW on offer, but that doesn’t mean that it’s short on character.

The BMW 2-Series convertible is sold with BMWs 5 years/100 000km Motorplan and two years (24 months) and unlimited mileage warranty.

 

BMW 220i Convertible     from	R486 500 (Sport Line, Six-speed manual)
BMW 228i Convertible     from	R525 000 (Sport Line, Six-speed manual)
BMW M235i Convertible    from	R643 500 (M Sport, Six-speed manual)

(BMW 228i  convertible pictured)

 

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