With some added zoom to its powerplant, the 2001 BMW 330ci Convertible retains its competitive edge in the entry-level luxury market. The new 3.0-liter inline six will zip you to 60 in 6.4 seconds and it wide torque range will get you out of trouble (or get you into trouble) at all legal speeds. We were really impressed with its feathery light yet fully responsive steering and handling.

The power top, standard on the 330, greatly assists your enjoyment of topless driving by relieving you of any latching, pushing, and pulling - and needless to say the glass rear window and rollover protection is a plus. As far as safety goes, you are well covered by a large bunch of three-letter systems: All-Season Traction (AST), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Head Protection System (HPS) and the new Dynamic Brake Control, which reinforces the driver's effort during emergency braking.

The 330ci shares a rather esoteric genetic trait with its big sister M & Z sportscars: enthusiasm. Not only will you the driver feels this energy from behind the wheel, but at the risk of sounding like Harry Potter, you'll begin to think that the car itself feels that way too.

- Editor

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