Thoughts on the 335i cabriolet?

[epbrown]

As Thoreau said, "Simplify."

I'd been planning to upgrade my Z4 later this year to a more powerful model, but while at the dealership picking up some parts I swung by the showroom to check out the blue Z4 coupe in the window. Next to it was a rather sharp-looking black 335i cab. Now, I own a Z4 because I love top-down driving and my 325i because occasionally I need something with the security and practicality of a sedan. This car would seem to offer an excellent compromise, and I'd avoid the occasional hassles that come with being single and owning 2 cars: the extra insurance, twice the car washing, twice the annual city and state fees.

Sure, the 335i is a bit pricey (I've already used the website to configure a Sapphire Black/black/gray poplar car with Sport, Premium, and Cold Weather packages - $54k) but if I sold both my cars and chipped in what I'd been saving up for the upgrade and have set aside for a hardtop, I'd be paying under $300/month for 36 months - pretty cheap for a new BMW coupe.

So has anyone tried it, ridden in one or had similar thoughts?

[GP20]

IMO, 335 vert is one of those unfortunate cars that look bad both with top up and top down. With the top up, the roof lines just don't flow right like the 335 coupe. With the top down, well, it's simply not a 2-seat roadster - I don't think I've seen any good looking convertible 4-seater. I'm probably being harsh but it's just my honest opinion.

[epbrown]

Originally Posted by GP20

With the top down, well, it's simply not a 2-seat roadster - I don't think I've seen any good looking convertible 4-seater. I'm probably being harsh but it's just my honest opinion.

Actually, that opinion is why I bought a Z4 Roadster and 325i in the first place. The E46 cabrio never looked right to me, and I've never been a big fan of 4-seat convertibles, even the Porsche 911s where the rear seats are really not seats. The E93 looks better, imo, and I think a dark color would hide all the cut-lines somewhat.

This is all late-night spit-balling, probably brought on by shelling out for two new Chicago city stickers, when the 325i has barely budged since it got warm.

[flyinggonzo]

I personally like the 335 coupe, but not the vert. I also don't like the lines the hardtop leaves in the car with the roof up.

[e93]

Originally Posted by flyinggonzo

I personally like the 335 coupe, but not the vert. I also don't like the lines the hardtop leaves in the car with the roof up.

Get black - no lines!

[Afif]

Really is personal preference. I think its awesome with the roof down. I could see myself getting used to it with the roof up. Especially in black.

[inTgr8r]

Looks like a fun car, but just not my cup of tea....
Too much added weight & loss of trunk space with top down.

[ward]

the hardtop looks odd when it's up, and light colored cars don't hide all the extra cut lines in the body that look bad with the top up or down

it's just too much money for a product that looks odd in my book

[zednik]

As much as I love the look of the 335i coupe the cabrio is disappointing to me. I want to like it but it just doesn't look quite right top up or down.

[ZEEFOUR]

For the reasons your describing, no more 2 cars, double insurance, more power, more practical, its the wise choice.

I'd say its right in the middle, its not quite a Z4 as far as a fun to drive sports car, but its more sexy than a regular 3 series sedan. Its tough to find a single car that can replace 2 cars exactly, but i think your pretty close with your choice. Good luck with your decision.

[Rick Hunter]

I think it's definitely an upgrade, since you're going from 2.5 litre cars to the 3.0 litre twin turbo engine. For most applications, the E93 will not disappoint. Once you get passed the "I no longer have a backup car," I think you won't regret the decision.

I'd definitely consider a darker coloured E93, because of the aesthetic reasons listed above.

[Godspeed]

Originally Posted by epbrown

Sure, the 335i is a bit pricey (I've already used the website to configure a Sapphire Black/black/gray poplar car with Sport, Premium, and Cold Weather packages - $54k) but if I sold both my cars and chipped in what I'd been saving up for the upgrade and have set aside for a hardtop, I'd be paying under $300/month for 36 months - pretty cheap for a new BMW coupe.

Wait for CPO 2008's (you don't want a first-year production run anyway) to come available and get one then. If you don't want to wait, look for a used E46 M3 vert. $54k, IMO, is an insane amount of money to have tied up in rolling stock. Take away your down payments any your real lease cost would be in the $1000 range... and you'll have nothing left at the end of the lease. Conversely, save the $1k/mo for the next three years and you could have a pretty nice ride and be debt free.

[epbrown]

Some good points, everyone, thanks. I never considered the "no backup car" issue. Neither of my BMWs has had any trouble - Perillo BMW has never needed them more than a couple of hours and they're a 10 minute cab ride away.

InTgr8r, the weight was a big shock - 4023 lbs, I read somewhere. That is insane.

If I did go this route, I'd order a 2008 this winter (same time I'd get the M Roadster if I go that route). Demand will be lower and there might be some deals. I wouldn't be leasing, 'speed - I'd be financing it with about $40k down and odds are I'd pay it off early using bonus money from work. And the 2008s will likely have some incremental changes to fix the bugs that have cropped up.

I was talking to my younger brother today and his "solution" is to buy an E46 M3 coupe and an Z4M Roadster. "That doesn't address any of the issues I mentioned." "Who cares? You won't, once you have them."

[FloridaBoy]

I like it, posted this link on Z4um a long time ago.

[GP20]

How about the 2008 E92 M3 coupe? Perhaps the V8 and 420HP are enough to make up for not being a vert?

[155MPH]

I like it. I have both a Z4M and an e90 328i. My wife likes the e92 and is thinking of buying one in the fall when the summer is over and the demand slows down. She will trade her Passat. Then we will be a 3 bimmer family!

[Dammmittt]

Just make sure you PROcede it...that way you get 700 hp and you can kill z06 vettes and ferraris

[epbrown]

Originally Posted by Dammmittt

Just make sure you PROcede it...that way you get 700 hp and you can kill z06 vettes and ferraris

Well, that goes without saying...until you said something.

[takedown8]

If you're just looking for a fast convertible, I guess it would be a good choice. For most of us, we just love the look and feel of our Zeds. I couldn't even imagine going from my Zed to that plain-looking thing. I wouldn't even give it a second look when walking away.

There's a silver 335i vert in my parking garage, and every time I see it, there's just a neutral response. On the other hand, every single time I park my Zed, I can't help but look back at it and smile.

[Rick Hunter]

So you're an ass man too, eh?

[Caddyshk]

Hard to tell it's not an Audi from > 30 yards imo.

[takedown8]

Originally Posted by Caddyshk

Hard to tell it's not an Audi from > 30 yards imo.

Some of the Audi's are way nicer, IMO.