The 325 Models: Sedan, Coupe & Convertible With New Options
The "regular" 6-cylinder line consists of the 4-door 325i Sedan, 2-door 325is Coupe and 2-door, 4-seat 325i Convertible. All are powered by a 2.5-liter inline 6-cylinder engine with variable valve timing, whose silky yet spirited delivery of 189 hp continues to inspire enthusiasts and critics alike; all come standard with the 5-speed manual transmission; Car and Driver reported that the available 4-speed automatic "knows just what to do - it never hunts, never picks a tall gear for passing."
At the top of the 325 line is the 325i Convertible, whose fully lined power top glides up or down with impressive ease and silence and provides exemplary quiet and weather protection when raised. Here too, leather and the adjustable steering wheel are standard, and the alloy wheels' design is the same as that of the Coupe. The Premium Package includes wood trim and the Onboard Computer; the Sports Package is like that of the Sedan and Coupe, but without the sports suspension calibration (which is not compatible with the convertible's open body structure).
A unique option for the convertible is the Rollover Protection System, which provides additional rollover protection. This system consists of two modules behind the rear seats, each consisting of a head restraint and a pop-up bar. A highly sophisticated sensing system automatically detects the possibility of a rollover and deploys the bars. Two other special items of convertible equipment are available from BMW dealers: an aluminum hardtop for even greater weather protection, and a wind deflector that fits over the back seats to reduce drafts around the driver's and front passenger's heads.
All 325 models are available optionally with BMW's technically sophisticated, very reasonably priced All Season Traction system, which upon detecting wheelspin at either of the two drive wheels intervenes to reduce power and apply the rear brakes selectively. This action helps the driver take best advantage of available traction and, in tests conducted and certified by the United States Auto Club (USAC), gave the 325i the best all-around traction of a group of seven models in its class (four with front-wheel drive, of which three also had traction control).
To learn more about the BMW 3-Series Convertible, choose from the following:
BMW 3-Series Convertible Features
BMW 3-Series Convertible Safety and Technology
BMW 3-Series Standard Features
BMW 3-Series Safety & Technology
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