BMW M3 Convertible - Thoughts - E93 | FerrariChat
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BMW M3 Convertible - Thoughts - E93

Discussion in 'Other German' started by Robb, Apr 19, 2011.

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  1. Robb

    Robb Moderator
    Moderator Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Feb 28, 2004
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    Robb
    #1 Robb, Apr 19, 2011
    Last edited: Apr 19, 2011
    I was hoping to get some thoughts from the group on the latest M3 convertible to use as a daily driver. I just sold my Audi A4. I understand the trade-offs on ultimate performance based on the added 400 pounds for the top and mechanism. The coupe is already at 3600-3700 pounds which some wish was much lighter.

    It seems that with the DCT transmission that the convertible is still a very quick machine at 4.9 seconds to 60.

    I wouldn't expect to be taking it to the track so the spirited drive within the US speed limits really dictates how much you can "pull" out of the car.

    Is the convertible that much less fun than the coupe? I would think that the top down would enhance the fun with the wind in the air and hearing the engine and exhaust better. How would you categorize the handling and grip compared to the coupe? That much different? I like the lines of the convertible better than the coupe. I have the F-car for a more fun go so this is the car that can be quiet, comfortable, and sporting on longer trips.

    Euro delivery on a new one could be fun. Why isn't there a german section on F-chat besides Porsche by the way?

    Robb
     
  2. parkerfe

    parkerfe F1 World Champ

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    #2 parkerfe, Apr 19, 2011
    Last edited: Apr 19, 2011
    When I was looking for a four seat convertible back in Jan 2010, I test drove the M3, S5, G37, ISC, E350 and Granturismo and went with the S5. I ordered mine in quartz gray with a red top and interior. I get more comments on how good it looks than any other car I have ever owned. The S5 has great performance with its supercharged V6, a usable back seat and trunk and the best interior out of them all IMHO. Only the Granturismo came close. Plus, a soft top looks better than a retractable hard top to me. It now has 20k+ miles with no problems whatsoever.
     
  3. tblountman

    tblountman Rookie

    Mar 6, 2009
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    Brentwood,tn
    #3 tblountman, Apr 19, 2011
    I currently have an E93 which has been in the garage about a year. While it is not my daily driver I would have no problems driving it full time. I didn't think twice about getting the drop top. I think the top down driving far out weighs the somewhat overweight feel it sometimes has. I haven't had it on the track but am doing a road course in two weeks to see how it does. I just picked this because I wanted a a hard top vert and I really didn't want an sl merc. Drive one and see what you think. The car has been problem free so far.
     
  4. kosmo

    kosmo Formula 3

    Oct 19, 2008
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    #4 kosmo, Apr 20, 2011
    i luv the current m3. In fact if BMW brings the lightweight version of the Sedan into the states, i will buy one. I've driven the convert and in the end didnt like the hard top.
    As a side note, my service advisor says that the hard top and its mechanism are expensive to fix, even in minor accidents.
     
  5. S Brake

    S Brake F1 World Champ

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    #5 S Brake, Apr 20, 2011
    I don't know if I have ever seen a convertible in that body style. There are plenty of coupes and sedans around though.
     
  6. Auraraptor

    Auraraptor F1 World Champ
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    #6 Auraraptor, Apr 21, 2011
    Last edited: Apr 21, 2011
    I just that car's little brother....a 2010 Z4 (35i twin turbo). While the interior space is a bit small, overall it is a great DD.

    The BMW hardtops make great all weather cars.

    Make sure to get the DCT transmission, makes it a perfect DD, IMHO. That transmission is what auto transmissions should have been.

    Only thing to note:

    I would loose the runflats as soon as possible. I swapped mine to normal tires and the ride is incredible now. While still firm, its lost is 'jarring' feeling.
     
  7. Ferrarista3

    Ferrarista3 F1 Rookie

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    #7 Ferrarista3, Apr 21, 2011
    Last edited: Apr 21, 2011
    The current gen M3 is fun car. I've driven the coupe several times both on road and track. It's main issue, IMO, is that it lacks some low-end torque.
    As a DD, for driving on public roads, IMO the C63 is a lot more entertaining than the M3. The M3 only feels special to me when pushed hard...whereas the C63 feel's very special even when driven at a normal pace.
    Of course, if you want a convertible, it's not an alternative for you...
     

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