Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2013 Volkswagen Eos VS 2013 BMW 3 Near Scottsdale, AZ

The Eos has standard tall side airbags which act as a forgiving barrier between the driver and front passenger's upper bodies and the window and pillars. Combined with high-strength steel door beams and lower side airbags this system increases head protection in broadside collisions. The 3 Series Convertible doesn't offer side airbag protection for the head.

Both the Eos and the 3 Series Convertible have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

In a 31 MPH side-impact test, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crashes a 3300 pound sled into the side of new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Volkswagen Eos is safer than the 3 Series Convertible:

Volkswagen’s powertrain warranty covers the Eos 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than BMW covers the 3 Series Convertible. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the 3 Series Convertible ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 73 percent more Volkswagen dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Eos’ warranty.

The Volkswagen Eos’ engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the 3 Series Convertible’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Eos has a standard 640 amp battery. The 3 Series Convertible’s 570 amp battery isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Eos second among compact sporty cars in their 2012 Initial Quality Study. The 3 Series Convertible isn’t in the top three in its category.

The Eos’ 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. produces 7 lbs.-ft. more torque (207 vs. 200) than the 328i Convertible’s standard 3.0 DOHC 6 cyl.

As tested in Car and Driver the Volkswagen Eos is faster than the 328i Convertible (automatics tested):

On the EPA test cycle the Eos Auto gets better fuel mileage than the 328i Convertible Auto (22 city/30 hwy vs. 18 city/27 hwy).

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Eos uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The 3 Series Convertible requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

For better traction, the Eos has larger tires than the 3 Series Convertible (235/45R17 vs. 225/45R17). The Eos Komfort/Lux’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 3 Series Convertible (235/45R17 vs. 225/40R18).

The Eos has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the 3 Series Convertible, it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Eos is 1.7 inches wider in the front and 1.3 inches wider in the rear than on the 3 Series Convertible.

The Volkswagen Eos may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 550 pounds less than the BMW 3 Series Convertible.

The Eos is 7.8 inches shorter than the 3 Series Convertible, making the Eos easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Eos Lux is quieter than the 328i Convertible:

The Eos has .9 inches more front headroom and .6 inches more rear legroom than the 3 Series Convertible.

With its convertible body style, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the Eos offers cargo security. The 3 Series Convertible’s non-lockable folding seat defeats cargo security.

The 3 Series Convertible’s standard power locks don’t automatically lock the doors. The Eos’ standard doors lock when a certain speed is reached. This is an important feature for occupant safety. Locked doors are proven to open less often in collisions, and they are also effective in preventing crime at traffic lights. (The power lock’s automatic feature may have to be activated by your dealer.)

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Eos has standard extendable sun visors. The 3 Series Convertible doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Insurance will cost less for the Eos owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Eos will cost $3070 to $4800 less than the 3 Series Convertible over a five-year period.

The Eos will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The Intellichoice estimates that the Eos will retain 48.37% to 49.86% of its original price after five years, while the 3 Series Convertible only retains 46.15% to 47.58%.

Intellichoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Volkswagen Eos will be $15098 to $15873 less than for the BMW 3 Series Convertible.