It got the exact same score as the A4 cabrio... So it didn't get worse.

In respect to the 9-3, the torso is the only score where the 3 series did worse... Its a sad trend that now most car manufacturers release a car, then tweak the safety just to pass these tests... BMW will be doing this as someone said for 9/07 production... By then it should have flying scores... Which doesn't necessarily make it more safe, just shows that car manufacturers can manipulate safety testing...

In terms of frontal impact it did score high... Truth be told, in a side impact with a convertible you're royally f***** either way... If you really want to be safe, you shouldn't be in a convertible, period.

Interestingly enough, I think the new 3 cab would shine above its competitors when faced with a side impact with its roof raised. The structural integrity of a metal top should be somewhat higher than a softop, no?