BMW 228i Convertible 2015 Review

There's a lot to like about the BMW 2 Series Coupe. From the frugal-but-fun 220d diesel and 220i entry-level petrol variants to the manic M235i, via the perfectly-poised 228i mid-point, the smallest BMW coupe is as entertaining to steer as any other two-door on the Bavarian manufacturer's current roster.

Now in autumnal Melbourne, we've been given the keys to a couple of 2 Series Convertible variants.

Priced from $54,990 (plus on-road costs) the 220i Sport Line is the cheapest way into a new open-air 2 Series. That represents a premium of $3900 over the 220i Coupe, for the opportunity to drop the fabric roof in 20sec, at speeds of up to 50km/h, with the touch of a button.

The tested Sport variant looks smart in Midnight Blue metallic paint (a $1142 option) with its 17-inch 'star-spoke' alloy wheels and dark fabric soft top. The inside also stands out, though perhaps for less positive reasons.

Although the adoption of creamy-coloured leather seats (Dakota leather, with sun reflective tech; optional for $1692) is a welcome lift compared to the resolute dark grey or black trim found in the majority of leather-clad interiors today, it's the 'Fineline Pure fine-wood' trim that grates. Again optional ($385) it looks and feels like plastic and is devoid of the character expected from a 'wood' finish.

The matte-finish silver accents around the wood finish are more in keeping with the quality you might expect from a BMW product...

Other options fitted here include BMW's Visibility Package ($2500), a wind deflector ($438), seat heating ($577 and well worth it, for reasons we'll come to later), front park distance control ($269), parking assistant ($462) and ConnectedDrive Freedom ($923). This brings the total package to a not-inconsiderable $63,288 (plus on-road costs).

Standard equipment 220i (and 228i) includes multiple drive modes (to alter steering/engine/transmission/stability control responses), cruise control with braking function, rear-view camera, satellite navigation and parking distance control for the rear.

Beyond the obvious the 220i Convertible is similar to its Coupe sibling, producing 135kW/270Nm from a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine coupled to an eight-speed automatic with rear-wheel drive. In the 1530kg Convertible application, the fuel consumption is a claimed 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle; 0.4 thirstier than the sleeker, lighter (1365kg) Coupe.

If you want more wind through your hair, you can opt for the 228i Convertible. Available from $68,900 (plus ORCs) in tested Sport Line form, it winds the 2.0-litre turbo up to 180kW/350Nm while retaining the eight-speed auto.

Fuel consumption for the 1555kg 228i Convertible is up to 6.6L/100km; 0.3 above the 1405kg coupe. You also gain 18-inch alloys, variable sport steering, bi-xenon headlights, park distance control to front and rear and leather upholstery.

If you thought the $3900 hike to remove the 220i's roof was high, then you may be concerned by the $4500 premium the convertible takes over the 228i Coupe.

Options fitted to the 228i Sport line include Melbourne Red metallic paint ($1142), ConnectedDrive Freedom ($923), wind deflector ($438), interior with fine brushed aluminium trims and gloss black accents ($288), and parking assistant ($462). This brings the total as-tested price to $72,153.

Either variant can also be covered under BMW's Service Inclusive product. This offers two levels of cover, the first ('Basic') offering an advance, one-off payment for scheduled servicing, while 'Plus' adds selected maintenance items on top. Cover starts at three years or 60,000km, though owners can specify additional years/kilometres if they wish.

Slipping into the 220i first, it's quickly evident that the sport-style bucket seats are tight-fitting, especially around your sides. There's also a lack of under-thigh support. Rear-seats are for children only, though a single adult could squeeze in for short trips, and roof-up rear visibility through the smaller (though still glass) window is at a premium, especially when you consider how thick the fabric roof is where the C-pillar would normally reside.

Said to be 20 per cent torsionally stiffer than the old 1 Series Convertible the 220i effectively replaces, in practice the 220i never really shrugs off that overarching feeling that the Coupe has it comfortably licked dynamically. There's a noticeable delay between steering input and response, and though the structure doesn't grow too upset over train-tracks, you can feel the Convertible is duller in its response to inputs.

BMW also claims the updated roof reduces cabin noise by 5db(A) in the front seats and 7db(A) in the rear. In practice it's a marked improvement over its predecessor and the overall ride is quiet and refined enough, though it cannot match the Coupe's tied-down, whisper-quiet highway experience. But there is a positive here; the induction growl of the little four-pot comes through into the cabin in a not-unpleasant way. Roof-down, it's almost as nice a sound as the straight-sixes of yore.

On the 220i engine tune, it is smooth and reasonably responsive, with progressive torque the main name of the game. There's no point revving it towards 7000rpm; indeed, even in the sportiest drive mode the transmission would shift well before redline. As ever, the eight-speeder is smooth to use though can be a bit slow to react when in comfort drive mode, which is where the majority of driving will be done.

Moving into the 228i the extra power is immediately evident, and welcome; overtaking becomes a simpler process, and at 7.3L/100km recorded (versus 7.1 for the 220i) the real-world effect is minimal in comparison.

As a result the transmission feels more positive, too, able to lug a higher gear where appropriate but also kicking down with more vigour.

Where perhaps the 228i falls short is with the variable steering, which adds a degree of unwelcome inconsistency. As a result the loss of rigidity and extra weight of the Convertible felt in the 220i is also exacerbated, the 228i less assured as a result.

Without an Audi TT competitor to speak of (yet), the 2 Series Convertible should be considered against the Audi A3 Ambition. The Audi is cheaper (priced from $52,500), comparably powerful (132kW/250Nm) and more fuel efficient, but loses out in terms of driving enjoyment. The MINI Cooper S Cabrio (from $51,150) is another option.

All in all, the 2 Series Convertibles are nicely-designed and reasonably well equipped. However, even with its multiple configurations, the price premium and dynamic drop-offs cannot be overcome.

The Coupe remains the preference within the 2 Series range.

2015 BMW 220i and 228i Convertible pricing and specifications:
Price: $54,900 (plus on-road costs); $68,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol
Output: 135kW/270Nm; 180kW/350Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.4L/100km; 6.6L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 149g/km; 154g/km (ADR combined);
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> Audi A3 Ambition (from $52,200)
>> MINI Cooper S Cabrio (from $51,150)
>> Renault Megane GT-Line Convertible (from $43,990)
>> Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet (from $43,990)