Introduction
Unlike the BMW 3 Series sedan, the BMW 3 Series coupe and 3 Series hardtop convertible models did not undergo a redesign in 2012. For 2013, there is again no change in the status quo, as these 2-door variants continue to share a design with the previous-generation 3 Series sedan.
Exterior Features
Aside from one obvious difference--the coupe has a fixed roof and the convertible features a retractable hardtop--the 2-door 3 Series models share exterior styling. In 328i form, that includes 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in run-flat tires, auto-leveling automatic HID headlights, rain-sensing wipers, fog lights, heated power-adjustable outside mirrors, and heated windshield washer nozzles.
The 335i adds unique 18-inch alloy wheels and a power tilt/slide moonroof, while the 335is is distinguished by black-chrome exhaust tips, black and chrome grille, body kit, and yet another style of 18-inch alloy wheels.
Interior Features
Designers of the 2013 BMW 3 Series have equipped the 328i coupe with manual front seats with 8-way adjustment, leatherette upholstery, split-folding rear seats, tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity, intelligent cruise control, push-button start, dual-zone climate control, and an audio system including a USB port, HD Radio, and an auxiliary input. From there, the 335i coupe moves a bit further up the luxury ladder with power front seats with 8-way adjustment, and the 335is adds power front seats with 10-way adjustment, driver memory settings, aluminum trim, and a sport steering wheel.
The 328i convertible is fitted with most of the same amenities as its coupe counterpart, though it is upgraded with standard power front seats with 10-way adjustment. Leather upholstery is standard in the 335i convertible, while power front seats with 12-way adjustment are included with the 335is convertible.
Optional Features
There are five factory options available for the 2013 BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible. These include a Convenience package with front and rear park-assist sensors and a proximity keyless entry system, Cold Weather package offering heated seats and a heated steering wheel, Premium Sound package delivering 420 watts (340 in the convertible) through 11 speakers, and a Premium package consisting of amenities such as leather upholstery and auto-dimming rearview mirrors. Last is an M Sport package that, depending on which body style and trim level are selected, provides upgraded power seats and alloy wheels, performance-tuned suspension, body kit, and unique exterior trim.
Under the Hood
BMW equips the 2013 328i coupe and convertible models with a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine that generates 230 horsepower and 200 lb.-ft. of torque, all managed by a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The 328i convertible is strictly RWD, whereas the coupe can be ordered with AWD capability.
For 335i models, BMW utilizes a turbocharged version of the 3.0-liter engine, one that boasts 300 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque. The transmission choices mirror those of the 328i and, again, the coupe is offered with BMW's xDrive AWD system.
That leaves the RWD-only 335is coupe and convertible models, which feature a variation of the turbocharged, 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine that delivers 320 horsepower and 332 lb.-ft. of torque. A sport-tuned exhaust system and 6-speed manual gearbox are standard, while a 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters is optional.
Each of the RWD variants features more responsive suspension settings, and AWD models offer hill-hold control.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible are:
- 328i coupe with manual transmission: 19/28/22 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- 328i coupe with automatic transmission: 18/28/22 mpg
- 328i xDrive coupe with manual transmission: 16/25/19 mpg
- 328i xDrive coupe with automatic transmission: 17/25/20 mpg
- 335i coupe with manual transmission: 19/28/22 mpg
- 335i coupe with automatic transmission: 18/27/21 mpg
- 335i xDrive coupe with manual transmission: 20/28/23 mpg
- 335i xDrive coupe with automatic transmission: 18/27/21 mpg
- 335is coupe with manual transmission: 18/26/21 mpg
- 335is coupe with automatic transmission: 17/24/19 mpg
- 328i convertible with manual transmission: 17/26/20 mpg
- 328i convertible with automatic transmission: 18/27/21 mpg
- 335i convertible with manual transmission: 19/28/22 mpg
- 335i convertible with automatic transmission: 18/27/21 mpg
- 335is convertible with manual transmission: 18/26/21 mpg
- 335is convertible with automatic transmission: 17/24/19 mpg
Safety
The 2013 BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible's standard safety features include 6 air bags (4 air bags and rear pop-up roll bars for the convertible), adaptive brake lights, active head restraints, hill-start assist, traction control, and 4-wheel anti-lock ventilated disc brakes featuring dynamic brake control, brake drying, brake stand-by, and brake-fade compensation systems. Four years of BMW Assist with emergency response services is optional.
In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2013 BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible received a "Good" rating--the Institute's highest--for moderate frontal-offset crash protection; the 3 Series coupe also received a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the Institute. As this preview is written, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not rated the crashworthiness of the 2013 BMW 3 Series coupe or convertible.
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