Bavarian-Board.co.uk - BMW Owners Discussion Forum Homepage
Forum Home Forum Home > Regional & Specific Forums > Irish Forum
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Coupe vs. Cabrio?
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Register Register  Login Login

Forum LockedCoupe vs. Cabrio?

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
bingus666 View Drop Down
Senior Member I
Senior Member I
Avatar

Joined: 28-September-2006
Location: Galway City, Ireland
Status: Offline
Points: 106
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bingus666 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Coupe vs. Cabrio?
    Posted: 02-May-2007 at 17:27

Hi lads, I have a dilemma... I can't decide on whether to change car or not. Please advise!

I have: BLACK 95 BMW 318 is 1.8 Coupe M-TEC (loadsa xtras)

I'm looking at: 98 BLACK BMW 318 i 1.8 Convertible M-TEC with 44k on the clock (loadsa xtras)

Do I sell, sell, sell my coupe & buy, buy, buy the convert? or am I being silly... also, how hard is it to get a 2nd hand hardtop for the convert?

ta, bingus666

 

318IS Coupe mtec
Ford Thunderbird Coupe V6

((oo==oo))
they mostly come out at night, mostly...
Back to Top
Sponsored Links


Back to Top
Kin Mak View Drop Down
Bavarian-Board Contributor
Bavarian-Board Contributor
Avatar

Joined: 09-April-2005
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Status: Offline
Points: 1691
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kin Mak Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02-May-2007 at 18:39

It is only a question only you can answer. As for the hardtop they are easy enough to come by, you might have to paint it to your colour though.

Back to Top
Bigian View Drop Down
Really Senior Member II
Really Senior Member II
Avatar

Joined: 25-May-2005
Location: Stonehaven
Status: Offline
Points: 2167
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bigian Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02-May-2007 at 18:49
Go for the vert
If you can't be good don't get caught
--------------------------
Back to Top
flyingalexf68 View Drop Down
Really Senior Member II
Really Senior Member II
Avatar

Joined: 01-April-2006
Location: 53°19’59,6°14’56
Status: Offline
Points: 2581
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote flyingalexf68 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02-May-2007 at 18:49
I'd go for it if you WANT a convertible. (Lots of people like the idea of a
convertible but don't like driving with the roof down because they're too shy
or don't like the wind messing up their hair, which makes owning one
pointless). Plus you're coming up the years. You will be paying a premium
this time of year though. I bought my old Z3 this time last year and loved it.
Really missing it now. (Had to sell it because SWMBO wanted to keep her
stupid stupid stupid money pit of a horse). I'd look around as well though.
Are you happy with the little engine? There should be a good few 323i
convertibles around in '98 and '99. And even if you buy a stanard one there
is so much you can do cheaply to spice it up. No idea about the hardtops.
1995 e36 3.0 M3 Coupe, Daytona Violet, AP Racing BBK, CCFL Angel Eyes, M3 Spoiler, M-Tec 3 Steering Wheel.   
2000 530d Steptronic, Poverty Spec, 18" Alloys.
Back to Top
mar 320 View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie
Avatar

Joined: 16-April-2007
Location: dundalk
Status: Offline
Points: 12
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mar 320 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02-May-2007 at 19:53
hi ,go for the convert i got one 3 weeks ago you will have more fun not sure about a 1.8 tho.
Back to Top
larzyh View Drop Down
Really Senior Member II
Really Senior Member II
Avatar

Joined: 25-February-2007
Location: Limerick
Status: Offline
Points: 633
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote larzyh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02-May-2007 at 20:53

I entirely agree with flyingalexf68; far too many people driving around these days with their tops up, what is the point of paying a considerable premium for a convertible if you are not going to put the top down in weather like we're having at the moment  impressing the neighbours?

In my native Denmark ALL the convertibles have their tops down in this weather.

Convertibles have a number of inherent drawbacks over their coupe brothers and cousins, if you don't like driving with the top down buy a coupe.

I used to love driving my Mom's convertible BMW's in Virginia (US not Cavan) first red E30 325i and later a 6 cylinder (2.5 only sold in US, labelled as 2.3) silver Z3 (with the wide rear arches). That car hardly ever had the top up. Those were the days!

Larzyh.

Back to Top
635CSi View Drop Down
Really Senior Member II
Really Senior Member II
Avatar

Joined: 01-March-2007
Status: Offline
Points: 683
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 635CSi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02-May-2007 at 22:07
It depends if you want body rigidity with out the wind in your hair or the scuttle shake with the wind in your hair!
Back to Top
m3sport View Drop Down
Senior Member II
Senior Member II
Avatar

Joined: 27-February-2007
Location: Cork
Status: Offline
Points: 194
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote m3sport Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-May-2007 at 18:25
Just came in from work, had a 40min drive home, sleves rolled up, tie off, and roof back and what can i say.  I even had all the windows down,, it puts you in great form coming home.  Ide say go for the cabrio definatly.  I dont regret getting mine, all dough i was lucky enough to get a hard top included in the deal you shouldnt have any bother getting one.  They will be about 800 upwards, look out on ebay and go for it......But you must have hard top if you plan to use your car for everyday use in the winter.......
I miss my m3.......
Back to Top
m3sport View Drop Down
Senior Member II
Senior Member II
Avatar

Joined: 27-February-2007
Location: Cork
Status: Offline
Points: 194
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote m3sport Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-May-2007 at 18:27
Really Senior Member I
Avatar

Joined: 01-March-2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 263
Posted: 02-May-2007 at 22:07 | IP Logged Report Post Quote 635CSi

It depends if you want body rigidity with out the wind in your hair or the scuttle shake with the wind in your hair!

__________________
I'm not bothered to think of something to write here so...
I must say theres so so so little scuttle in my car.  On bad roads you can only briefly feel it, and its not enough to put someone off the e36 cabrio.  I drove a saab and thats a BIG no no
I miss my m3.......
Back to Top
flyingalexf68 View Drop Down
Really Senior Member II
Really Senior Member II
Avatar

Joined: 01-April-2006
Location: 53°19’59,6°14’56
Status: Offline
Points: 2581
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote flyingalexf68 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-May-2007 at 19:09
The M3 vert's have a cross brace under the front of the car to help hold it
together. Don't think the normal e36's do.
1995 e36 3.0 M3 Coupe, Daytona Violet, AP Racing BBK, CCFL Angel Eyes, M3 Spoiler, M-Tec 3 Steering Wheel.   
2000 530d Steptronic, Poverty Spec, 18" Alloys.
Back to Top
BM Fan View Drop Down
Bavarian-Board Contributor
Bavarian-Board Contributor
Avatar

Joined: 19-January-2004
Location: Ireland
Status: Offline
Points: 1054
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BM Fan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-May-2007 at 19:44
Go for it - get it out of the system. We had a 318i and its was fine, not one for rallying but great for cruising country roads with the top down.  The only place I didn't like it was on the M50, too many trucks belching smoke in on top of you.

Weather like this makes me wish it was still here. Just watch for the back window in them, they kink in the middle and  can crack after a few yearsparticularly if you put the top down when its cold.  If you are lucky you'll get one that has been replaced and not have to worry.
Martin
In BMW exile at the moment (Shame on me for lurking!!!)
Previous Models
2001 E39 520i Auto
1996 E36 M3 Evo Individual
1996 E36 328i Coupe
1997 E36 318i Conv
1992 E36 316i Sln

Back to Top
m3sport View Drop Down
Senior Member II
Senior Member II
Avatar

Joined: 27-February-2007
Location: Cork
Status: Offline
Points: 194
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote m3sport Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-May-2007 at 20:45

The M3 vert's have a cross brace under the front of the car to help hold it
together. Don't think the normal e36's do.

 

Yeah i know thats true, but its still a VERY small scuttle to its rivals

I miss my m3.......
Back to Top
635CSi View Drop Down
Really Senior Member II
Really Senior Member II
Avatar

Joined: 01-March-2007
Status: Offline
Points: 683
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 635CSi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-May-2007 at 21:45
I konow this is my first time dissing Volvo, but you should try a C70 Convertible! My god it's such a wobbly thing it's unreal, the windscreen felt like it was gonna fall out!!

Neven been in the SAAB but I heard it's worse, however the 3 Series has never known to be shakey but they are definitely not as involving as the coupe...


Edited by 635CSi
Back to Top
bingus666 View Drop Down
Senior Member I
Senior Member I
Avatar

Joined: 28-September-2006
Location: Galway City, Ireland
Status: Offline
Points: 106
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bingus666 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04-May-2007 at 14:20

Thanks all for the input!

have decided to keep my black beauty & get either a Classic Triumph Stag, Spitfire or MG... 2 mega cool cars for the same price as the convert... happy out & bring it on! anyone know of any of these cars in Eire/UK for sale (reasonable price!), giveus a shout!

peace out.



Edited by bingus666
318IS Coupe mtec
Ford Thunderbird Coupe V6

((oo==oo))
they mostly come out at night, mostly...
Back to Top
larzyh View Drop Down
Really Senior Member II
Really Senior Member II
Avatar

Joined: 25-February-2007
Location: Limerick
Status: Offline
Points: 633
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote larzyh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04-May-2007 at 18:18

There was a very nice looking Stag (Bordeaux in colour) in the UL staff car park this morning; I can leave a note on the windscreen expressing interest...

Larzyh.

Back to Top
flyingalexf68 View Drop Down
Really Senior Member II
Really Senior Member II
Avatar

Joined: 01-April-2006
Location: 53°19’59,6°14’56
Status: Offline
Points: 2581
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote flyingalexf68 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04-May-2007 at 19:24
Why oh why do people still buy those heaps? They were crap, slow and break
down all the time. And as for the hood.....Just do the right thing and buy an
MX-5. I've been seeing plenty of early examples around over the last few
weeks. I'd love one and might even get one if things work out over the next
few weeks.
1995 e36 3.0 M3 Coupe, Daytona Violet, AP Racing BBK, CCFL Angel Eyes, M3 Spoiler, M-Tec 3 Steering Wheel.   
2000 530d Steptronic, Poverty Spec, 18" Alloys.
Back to Top
larzyh View Drop Down
Really Senior Member II
Really Senior Member II
Avatar

Joined: 25-February-2007
Location: Limerick
Status: Offline
Points: 633
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote larzyh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04-May-2007 at 19:32

I didn't say I was interested! Has some style,though. The British Leyland 70's build quality is sure to be a headache!

Aren't MX-5's (especially those with pop-up lights) a little "girly"?

Larzyh.

Back to Top
IamSpartacus View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group
Avatar

Joined: 21-November-2002
Location: Singapore
Status: Offline
Points: 3625
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote IamSpartacus Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04-May-2007 at 19:52
I've a '59 MG A 1600 getting under my feet if your up for it.... It's bright red and near Bordeaux...... buyer collects!
The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.
Back to Top
flyingalexf68 View Drop Down
Really Senior Member II
Really Senior Member II
Avatar

Joined: 01-April-2006
Location: 53°19’59,6°14’56
Status: Offline
Points: 2581
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote flyingalexf68 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04-May-2007 at 20:27
Originally posted by larzyh larzyh wrote:

I didn't say I was interested! Has some style,though.
The British Leyland 70's build quality is sure to be a headache!


Aren't MX-5's (especially those with pop-up lights) a little "girly"?


Larzyh.



They're all girlie, until you drive one. Beats anything for fun. Great car to
drive and cheap to run and they don't break down. And the hood folds down
in 1.07 seconds and back up in 3.11 and doesn't leak. There are plenty of
tasteful mods that you can do to butch them up a bit.
1995 e36 3.0 M3 Coupe, Daytona Violet, AP Racing BBK, CCFL Angel Eyes, M3 Spoiler, M-Tec 3 Steering Wheel.   
2000 530d Steptronic, Poverty Spec, 18" Alloys.
Back to Top
635CSi View Drop Down
Really Senior Member II
Really Senior Member II
Avatar

Joined: 01-March-2007
Status: Offline
Points: 683
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 635CSi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04-May-2007 at 21:09
Originally posted by flyingalexf68 flyingalexf68 wrote:

Why oh why do people still buy those heaps? They were crap, slow and break
down all the time. And as for the hood.....Just do the right thing and buy an
MX-5. I've been seeing plenty of early examples around over the last few
weeks. I'd love one and might even get one if things work out over the next
few weeks.


Totally agree, you should look at an MX-5. They are a cracking little roadster and they have a good image.
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down



This page was generated in 0.211 seconds.