westcoast550

............you're right Cabs are heavier due to all the reinforcements and stiffening VS sedans......... but they are so seductive to drive ..............write the cheque !!

tuco

I know this will be a minority opinion, but you couldn't interest me in a convertible at all. I have had several, but not BMWs and I find the hassle outweighs the odd evening ride that is "just right". Up here, it is either too hot in the summer, too windy or too cool to be fun in an open top - regardless of whether it is a soft top or a metal top. Besides, they are heavier (as already noted), are often more prone to squeaks and rattles, and the soft tops get eaten up by the sun.

Guess I just not a sun-on-the-head person (thin hair may also be part of the equation).

Blackonblackonblack

Hey HotLap,

This is my first vert and I love it! The only thing I regret is not having 4 doors or the rear leg space. But my two kids' car seats fit comfortably and the kids LOVE to go alfresco day or night, hot or cold...heated seats help though I've never had to use them at the triple heat setting.

I thought I'd miss the V8 of my previous 545 but the TT on the E93 is pretty sweet! The car slaloms through traffic like crazy. It definitely feels more nimble than my E60 was - even with their similar weight. What was a nice surprise was hearing the slight burble of the exhaust when the top is down and hearing it rev up through the gears. With the top up, it is as quiet as a true hardtop...no squeeking.

I got the Dinan remap...done in less than an hour! The car is much quicker especially when passing...I would describe it as "hurtling" through the gears. It's a total blast. I can only imagine how quick the coupeis...but the convertible was the way to go for me. It looks great with the top up or down, has the cool "transformer-action" factor, and the twin-turbo is much easier to tweak if you're into that.

I can't put it any better than my four-year-old daughter who is always yelling out to onlookers: "Stop looking at me!"

I hope this mini car review helps!


Still Blackonblackonblack

JetBlack5OC

$58k

For that money you can pick up a new M3.

xexyus

+1

HotLap

I don't think so...been hard to find pricing for the M3vert - but what I seem to see is the M3 vert is in the $65 - $68K range....

HotLap

tripleb - thanks I appreciate you insights into the 335i vert. Have any pics you can post? I'm thinking about just going all the way and gettng the M3 vert. I think the 3 series verts are georgeous cars and with no kids the rear seat or smaller trunk isn't a factor for me. Living in SoCal is a great place for a convertible and I have had convertibles for years. I'm thinking I may free up some garage space by selling the Shelby GT 500 vert and the 535i and replacing them with the M3 vert...great handling/balance of a BMW, with power and convertible of the Shelby (not as much power but close).

HotLap

Went and test drove a fully optioned 335i convertible yesterday (preimum, Sport, Nav, etc.). It is an amazing looking car and feels as if it is "sportier" than the 535i. I really liked the exhaust note and the auto tranny with paddle shifters was a nice surprise. The tt seemed more agressively tuned on the 335i than on the 535i - but it could be the sportier exhaust note and the fact that you hear a bit more engine noise than on the 535. The top action is amazing...BMW engineering is very apparent and it is "coupe quiet" when in the raised position. What I found surprising was the numbness of the road feel through the steering My 535i feels more responsive (crisper) and yet both had the 18" sport wheels/suspensions and same size tires. I can only think it may be due to the 335i's extra weight as the weight comes in just shy of 4K lbs. (That is very surprising to me as well - would have thought it would be lighter than the 535. From a size perspective, the 335 cockpit is narrower and headroom more limited than the 5, also the seats are not as adjustable and there are certain options that just aren't offered on the 335i. Very sharp looking interior, but things like the shifter know and steering wheel are not as "preimum" as those on the 5 series. I think if I wasn't already in a 5 series, these are things that I wouldn't notice.

0-60 times are a bit behind the 535i's as well. Still considering the 335i vert and really want to check out the M3 convertible as well - they are not due in dealerships until late May or early June '08. Based on the M3 coupe/sedan pricing I saw yesteday, I'm guessing the M3 vert is going to come in around mid $70's. Was very surprised to see an M3 Sedan at a local BMW dealer for $70K (and that was the price on the factory sticker - not an ADM added sticker). Another thing I noticed is that not a single 335i I looked at yesterday was ordered with HD radio..I must be the only one - but I think HD is great! I like the clarity, the substations you get and the fact that's it's easy to use (FM dial) and FREE. With HD and IPod now, I have cancelled both my Sirius and XM subscriptions.

Tacklebury

Shit! $58K!!!

You guys get some discount and the bloody thing is made closer to the Uk!!!

I think a 335i in the Uk comes in at around the ?38K mark, or $70k for you chaps!!

How about a M5? Uk they are around ?65k, anyone know the price in the US?

I want to move over the pond!

Tacklebury

Make that ?40,875 for the 335I vert!!! Stock with NO options!!!