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2015 BMW 220d Convertible Tested: Does a Diesel Convertible Work?

In theory, the question in the title has one simple answer, which would be “no”. As we found out during the few days we spent inside a 2015 BMW 220d Convertible though, driving under the open sky and burning oil do make sense in this form.
2015 BMW 220d Cabriolet drifting 1 photo
Photo: Catalin Garmacea
It all starts with the chassis, which is refined enough to offer a premium experience. In fact, BMW engineers have pulled out a superb trick with the 2-Series Convertible. Despite weighing considerably more than the Coupe, the car feels very light on its feet.

In fact, thanks to the casual driving experience, we’ve decided to give the 2 Series Convertible a name - the ultimate bruschetta.

As for the roof, this is perhaps the greatest advance compared to the 1 Series Convertible. The canvas top offers proper sound and thermal insulation, while it can also be operated up to 50 km/h (21 mph). Still, while BMW’s 20s time for stowing or unpacking the roof does stand, this amount of time feels like a bit too much in real life.

The engine

Then there’s the engine. This is a new 2-liter disesel family and it feels like it. The output hasn’t grown by too much, whit the unit jumping from 184 hp and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) to 190 hp and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). Still, the turbo lag has been seriously reduced, while the refinement has increased quite a lot.

The 220d is one of the lightest forms in which you can have this car. In such a configuration, the output isn’t enough to upset the balance of the chassis through the bends, so, in the dry, you can push it as hard as you like.

You can even pull little slides if that’s what you’re aiming for, but you’ll have to turn to the handbrake for that. Still, the mechanical setup does help with that.

Inside or outside the city?

Out on the open road, the 2 Series has what it takes to cater to your long trip needs, providing that the story includes no more than a pair of adults and one or two children.

Nonetheless, it’s inside the city where the 2 Series Convertible truly shines. There are many questions to be answered though. For one thing, you can choose between no less than four suspension setups when configuring the car. Or three soft top colors.

We’ll talk about that and much more in our 2015 BMW 220d Convertible review.
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About the author: Andrei Tutu
Andrei Tutu profile photo

In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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