I’ve been a BMW fan for a lot of years; they are always unique and handle great, from the 228i to the 7-series. Now comes the 2014 BMW 435i, the replacement car for the 335i. It is a little longer, a little wider, and has some slight styling changes that make this a real head-turner, especially in Mineral White like my test vehicle.
2014 BMW 435i Convertible
My tester is the hardtop convertible, and the top works great. It will go up or down in about 20 seconds and it splits into 3 parts, which fit nicely into the trunk. You can operate it while the car is moving up to 11 miles per hour. You can even operate the top from the key remote. One cool feature is you can hit a button with the trunk open, and it raises the entire folded top for easy access to cargo underneath.
Under The Hood
Let’s talk about what is under the hood. The 435i comes with the 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder, matched to an 8-speed automatic, and it is rear-wheel drive. Together they produce 300-horses and 300 pound-feet of torque. The 435i has exceptional acceleration from a dead stop, and good power when cruising. The 428i comes with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder for those less power oriented.
This BMW comes in three models, the Luxury Line, M Sport Line, and the Sport Line. The one I have is the Luxury Line, and in fact it will tell you that on each front fender badge, which I could live without. They just look a little out of place to me.
Extensive Standard Equipment List
The standard equipment list, like most BMWs, is extensive. You get Driving Dynamics Control that moderately changes the ride, drive, and power of the car. Choose from Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport + modes. The latter disengages the traction control. You get power seats, a 3-spoke leather steering wheel with controls, Dynamic cruise control, and the IDrive system, which is a 6.5” color flat screen monitor that operates just about everything.
Also at no charge are the automatic transmission, Xenon headlights, convertible wind deflector, and automatic climate control. The 435i comes nicely equipped, but you can add a lot more to it through different packages that are available.
Luxury Line
Again, this is the Luxury Line, which is a $1400 charge, 19” luxury wheels will set you back $900, but they look awesome. The Cold Weather package is $1050 and gets you a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and something pretty cool…neck warmers. Separate buttons on the center console will blow warm air on the neck of driver and passenger.
Driver's Assistance Package
Next is the Driver Assistance package, which includes a rearview camera, and park distance control for $1050. Dynamic Handling package runs $1000 and gets you adaptive suspension and sport steering. Blind spot monitoring should come in this package, but does not. The next package is the Premium Package, it will cost you $950, and includes keyless entry, lumbar support seats, and a year of satellite radio.
Technology Package
The last and most expensive package is the Technology Package. You get navigation, heads-up display, BMW apps that will give you real-time traffic and other info, and Bluetooth connectivity that will operate two phones at the same time, and you get voice recognition that will allow you to send emails. This package comes at a cost of $3150.
The interior of the 435i is nice, if anything it is understated. The seats are comfortable and easy to adjust, and walnut wood adorns the dash. The back seat, for a convertible, is more spacious than most, and would actually hold two average sized adults.
The 435i drives great and is quiet with the top up. In Sport mode, it handles like a champ, in Comfort mode you get more of a luxury ride and drive. It has electric power steering that I like a lot.
BMW 435i Vs Audi S5
So why am I not completely wowed? It is impossible not to compare this car to the Audi S5 convertible that has 30 more horses, and for me, a much nicer interior. I love the top on the 435i and how it operates, and this car looks great with the top up or top down. I think the thing I can’t get past is the price. I feel like BMW packaged this car to death, and the company charges for some items I think should be standard equipment.
I would not discourage anyone from buying this car at all, but as you know, part of the rating I give a car takes into consideration the price and value. I just find this car to be too expensive for what you get.
- What I liked most: Exterior looks and the operation of the retractable roof.
- What I would change: The price.
- MSRP: Base price $54,900 as equipped $65,775.
- Fuel Economy: Stated at 20 in town/30 highway/24 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 5170 miles.
- Weight: 4095 Pounds.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.8 gallons
- 2014 BMW 435i in a few words: Good looks, great handling, BMW all the way.
- Warranty: 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance, and free maintenance for 4 years/50,000 miles.
- Manufacturer's website: http://www.bmwusa.com/standard/content/vehicles/2014/4/435iconvertible/default.aspx
- Dealers: We have BMW dealers in DFW, Houston, Lubbock, and Los Angeles. https://www.carprousa.com/car-pro-approved-dealers/
