It'll cost a fair whack more to buy and run than a 3 Series saloon, but it makes a lot more sense when you compare it to other posh-brand drop tops.
Prices are high and demand higher, so act quickly once you've found what you want – and don't think that you'll score a bargain by buying in the depths of winter, because prices dip little with the seasons. Its popularity, though, means that you'll see a good price come resale time.
Main dealer servicing is expensive, although prices drop for cars past their fourth birthday, and insurance is costly, too. The M3 will be the most expensive in this regard, while the 318 is cheapest.
The 320 diesel promises up to 45mpg and the 318i 36mpg, but the others will rarely touch 30mpg, while the M3 dips below 15mpg in town.
If you can, go for a model with a six-cylinder petrol engine, a 320i, 325i or 330i.
Which you buy will depend on your wallet, but we prefer the 320i because it has enough power to make for an enjoyable drive, is affordable and there are plenty for sale.
Other petrol engines include the high-performance M3 and the four-cylinder 318i; the first is a great car, if costly, the second not cheap enough to make it a value buy.
There are also 320 and 330 diesels, which can return 45mpg. Manual or auto gearboxes are available throughout.
Choose between SE and M Sport trim. All have alloy wheels, climate control, powered driver's seat adjusters, electric windows and a CD player. M Sport lowers and hardens the suspension, but we prefer the softer ride of the SE. Buy from main dealers for best choice and aftercare.
What do owners think of the BMW 3 Series Convertible [2007 – 2012]? Check out our Owners' Reviews from people who live with the car day in, day out.
Car seat chooser
Child seats that fit a BMW 3 Series Convertible [2007 – 2012]
Our unique Car Seat Chooser shows you which child car seats will fit this car and which seat positions that they will fit, so that you don't have to check every car seat manufacturer's website for compatibility.
Which car seat will suit you?
Real MPG average for a BMW 3 Series Convertible [2007 – 2012]
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel [or even an electric model if it's available], then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.
Satisfaction Index
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Reviews for BMW 3 Series Convertible [2007 – 2012]'s top 3 rivals
Ask Honest John
What's the best 2000s BMW Convertible to buy?
"I'm looking to buy a BMW 3 Series convertible, looking from late 1990's to late 2000's, Looking to see what would be the best model, engine, [no diesels], and colour. Also what should I expect to pay for the right model? Also, what would be the best model to use everyday as I'm fed up with modern cars!"
We'd recommend an E93 generation BMW 3 Series Convertible [launched in 2007]. It strikes a good balance between old and new, with plenty available on the used market and a clever electric hard-top roof [ideal for daily driving]. A budget of around £6000 will get you a 330i, or closer to £9000 for a desirable 335i. You could also look at the older E46 but look out for rust - many are starting to look quite rough.
Answered by Andrew Brady
Can you recommend a convertible with space for three children?
"I have a very good condition 2010 Mazda MX-5 Mk3.5 1.8 petrol folding tin top. I would like to trade it in for a Renault Megane folding tin top petrol with say a £2,000- £3,000 payment. I love the MX-5 but I can't get more than one grandchild in it at a time and I have three grandchildren. I have previously enjoyed the ownership of a Megane convertible and would be happy to go back to it. Any comments please?"
I can't imagine a Renault Megane being anything but disappointing after your MX-5, even if it is more practical for carrying the grandkids. A Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet would be a better option or a bigger BMW 3 Series Convertible.
Answered by Andrew Brady
What soft roader could offer good ride comfort?
"I'm 81 and about to change from my BMW 3 Series convertible for something easier to enter and exit. It would be helpful to know if any "soft roader" matches the ride comfort of its maker's market niche-equivalent saloon. Overall ride comfort to include road noise, mechanical noise, seating, driving position and suspension compliance as determinants please. No longer bothered so much about performance and general handling sharpness."
The new Toyota C-HR is fabulous. Rides beautifully and handles brilliantly: //www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/toyota/toyota-c-hr-2016-road-test/
Are there any all-weather tyres available for my BMW convertible?
"I have a 2012 BMW 330d convertible. The wheels are 255/30/19 at rear and 225/35/19 at front. If I move to 17-inch wheels [ 225/45/17 tyres], are there any all-weather tyres available or would I need to buy winter and summer tyres separately?"
Michelin does Cross Climates in 225/45 R 17 94 W XL and in my experience over 10,000 miles these are the best all weather tyres. However, they are not runflats, and they are directional so tyre swaps to even out wear have to be front to back the same side. You can run the car on non runflats, but you would then either need to rely on the AA that carries universal space saver spare wheels to get you to a tyre depot, or carry a space saver spare. Tyre repair kit glop fails to repair around 95% of punctures.
Is buying a used BMW 3 Series a good idea?
The BMW 3 Series is still one of the best used executive cars out there, and a superb all-rounder. Engines: The engine line-up included a range of petrols and a couple of hybrids, but the vast majority of used 3 Series you come across will be diesels.
Are used BMW convertibles reliable?
I've also found that BMWs, when properly maintained, tend to be just as reliable as other brands. If you have the money and you want to waste it on fun [convertible is not reasonable in any other way than only fun] then go for it. Take straight engine.
Which year of 3 series BMW is most reliable?
Ah, the BMW 3 Series – the poster child for blending sportiness with luxury. Over the years, this iconic lineup has seen many iterations, but when it comes to reliability, the E90 generation [2006-2011] often steals the limelight.
When did they stop making BMW 3 Series convertible?
For the F30/F31/F34 series, the coupe and convertible models were produced from the 2013 year until 2014 when they were split from the 3 Series, redesigned, and sold as the BMW 4 Series. A new body style was introduced into the 3 Series range: the 3 Series Gran Turismo, a long-wheelbase hatchback.