135 convertible regrets??

Obioban · 08-05-2012, 05:42 AM

Amusing post on M3forum this morning.

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3Bonus

Good afternoon fellow M3Forum members and non-members. I am a 23 year old owner of a beautiful m3 convertible and thought I'd share some thoughts which have been running thru my mind for some time.
This may seem more like a rant, but these are true feelings of a car enthusiast who has looked up to this car since it's garage-wall posterboy glory days.

To begin with I'd like to reminisce my earlier days.

I'm sure the biggest day of any 15 year old who loves cars is earning his/her driving license. Up to this age we would spend countless hours on youtube watchig car videos, top gear, pics, anything and everything that has to do with cars. We would try to expand our knowledge as much possible.

As the day approached for my license test, I began looking at cars which I would love to have as my first. By this time i had enough info about cars to know how out of my league the m3 was, and in turn did not even want to see the car on my list. I liked the 350z, beautiful new curves for its time, and really a great performer, surely plenty for any 16 yr old. First car - 2002 honda accord sedan, 4 cyl.

As time went by one of my close friends purchased an m3 (parents). This made me HATE the e46 m3 as its reputation from the pedastool just flunked. My friend, who did not work for it, had an m3. WOW! how cool! But he took out the entire fun of working hard to EARN this car! Thats what threw me off, and yet again the great e46 m3 was out of my sight.

Over time I slowly began to fall in love again. I would not only glance, double-take, but would STARE non-stop when i would see an m3. It was perfect. Beautiful, fast...thats all a 16-19 year old would see in these cars(me anyway). I had no understanding of how well this car can perform on a track. This was stuck in my mind approaching the time of when i would actually purchase this glorified piece of machinery.

Fast forward to January 2011. I was driving a 2010 C300 and seemed well-suited for a 21 yr old. I was content. Then my cousin made the suggestion, "I dont get why you dont own an m3 right now." That was all i needed to begin my drool over the idea, owning the car that was SO great a few years back that i wouldnt dare even consider it.

And so my search began. Here is where i made the biggest mistake of my life. Quote, me to my cousin, "But im definitley getting a convertible. I dont like how the coupe looks, kinda outdated. I think the vert will be more fun". Ok, that wasnt a exact quote, but you get the idea. WHY oh WHY did I think this way? Could have been the bling factor, owning a top-of-the line m3 (now i know its not). The coupe seemed outdated so i justified my judgement by owning the drop-top m3.

I knew it was heavier, but who cares? how much slower can it be? handling? i did not even sit to think why or how the vert can be worse in the handling dept. i looked at a vert that weekend, could not settle on a price and left dissapointed. Id like to state that i have no patience with purchases. I looked at another vert the next weekend, not in good condition so i passed. At this point i still would ONLY consider a vert if i were buying an m3. I kept on searching and found a vert in santa barbara. Went to look and on Jan. 29 2011 I had me an m3 convertible! One of the happiest days ive had, had a blast driving top down along the beach, basically a car enthusiast nirvana.

I enjoyed the crap out of this car for the first year and had the top down every chance i could. To this day, I let the top down when i have a drive over 5 miles and if weather permits. After my purchase i had questions and therefore opened an account here at m3forum.net

I learned SO much about this car, more in the past year than all my life about all cars in general. Learned about all the faults of the car, what an Inspection I and II were. Vanos, coilovers, bushings, oil leaks (CPV), proper maintenance. This forum has been a treasure chest of information and I am greatful for stumbling upon it.

However i also leared things i did not want to know. Coupe 3415 ; vert 3781. that sunk my heart only a little bit, and as time went on, raced a couple cars, and had actual facts that my car is slower than what i had imagined and believed it to be before the purchase (when i bought this car i believed it had VERY MINIMAL differeces in performance). Then i learned that the roof gone meant loss of structural rigidity, body roll. I began to bite my nails at this point. Even though i was negligent to not cosider this, my mind was stuck all over a vert.

My friend still has his coupe m3. Now that i know what i do after 1.5 years of owership i drastically REGRET buying the vert and not the coupe. The idea that i now own THE m3, the car i loved so much growing up and expected SO much from, all went down the drain. My vert is slower, heavier and not track worthy. As a car enthusiast, Finding this out first-handed is kind of learing your child has an abnormality (god forbid, i know its not that bad.)

I feel sick to my stomach. After believeing for a year that I owned that piece of machinery that is oh-so hailed among enthusiasts and generalists was not true. Dropping my top to a sky full of titties could not replace what i have lost. I now feel like i do not own a real m3. its fast and has the bumpers, thats all. Everytime i see a coupe, or take a turn, or sprint with a g37 im reminded that i do not own the m3.

At this point it is not worth losing 2-4k to get a coupe, i have not even modded my car because i feel like its just not worth it on a vert. Everytime i ride in my friends coupe it still feels like 4 years ago when i was hoping i could one day own the m3.

Ive searched these forums all over to feel some sort of confinement and solidify my purchase of the m3, but it just cant be done. I almost hate my vert when i think about it, and kinda wish i took my time and did research before purchasing the car.

The dreams of a young kid who wants to own an m3 has yet been crushed once again. For anyone who reads this and feels they need to see the sky while ur driving, just open the damn moon roof. If you want a performance car, let alone the m3, spare urself the pain and get a coupe. I hope to end all comparisons of the coupe vs. vert with this write-up. There is no competition, if you are a vert guy and want to enjoy your sunny sunday, then a vert will not hurt, but maybe a 650i vert would be more suitable. My feeligns are also harsh towards BMW for even sticking an M badge on the vert, or even making it in the first place (who would buy a GTR vert?:screwy

I did think of adding power and coilovers, but its like a band-aid. it will never have the rigidity which is lost in the soft-top. Its not as sharp, not as quick. I fill up half tank to feel lighter.

i apologize for this extended read. This has been on my mind and needed to get it off my chest.

In conclusion, I want an m3 coupe (tear)

shodanusmc · 08-05-2012, 09:03 AM

Poor kid, only had a Mercedes C300 at 21 and a M3 Vert at 23. Too damn funny.

135Pats · 08-05-2012, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shodanusmc

Poor kid, only had a Mercedes C300 at 21 and a M3 Vert at 23. Too damn funny.

what a sad life he must live, having to deal with a convertible M3 at that age...the horror.

1speedbike · 08-05-2012, 09:45 AM

^The very definition of a "first world problem"

I will gladly take his M3 convertible that he hates oh so much.

Section147 · 08-05-2012, 12:29 PM

Yet another trust fund indulgence.
Awesome.

TheSt|G · 08-05-2012, 05:08 PM

You guys realize a E46 M3 vert is roughly the same price as a 128i, and less than a 135i?

135Pats · 08-05-2012, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

You guys realize a E46 M3 vert is roughly the same price as a 128i, and less than a 135i?

Sure, I don't begrudge him for a second, i'm merely saying it's not the end of the world to have that car in a miserable vert at age 23. Saying it's not a "real" m3 is a bit dramatic.

Obioban · 08-05-2012, 07:10 PM

Seemed relevant to a thread on very regrets.

JimD · 08-05-2012, 07:48 PM

Seems retarded to me to think of a e46 M3 vert as that different from a coupe in performance. On anything less than a racetrack, the acceleration and cornering differences will be non-existant or at least not apparent. You can't really use the acceleration potential of even the vert so why cry that it isn't the coupe? Handling is the same story. Seems like another immature guy who is trying to compete with his peers instead of deciding what he likes and driving it.

Our controller bought a mustard yellow e46 convertible a year or so ago. A guy in the local BMW CCA club has a red convertible. If I wanted a used BMW I would have definitely looked at a e46 but only a convertible. You can drive topless a LOT more than you can use maximum acceleration and handling. The e46 is apparently the last of the NA 6 M3s. I don't love the idea of the gearing - would be nice to have a crusing gear - but the cars are nice.

Jim

eaglemike · 08-06-2012, 12:00 AM

Thread seemed to be about regrets of the 135 vert vs. the 335 vert.

Hmmmmmmm, glad I learned how to read.

I had a e46 vert. Beautiful car. Don't regret owning it vs a coupe. Never even considered a 335 vert. Had a 2K M roadster. It was a fun car too. Socal is a great place to own a convertible.

ejm3 · 08-06-2012, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimD

. You can drive topless a LOT more than you can use maximum acceleration and handling.
Jim

What he said.

BrokenVert · 08-06-2012, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Obioban

Amusing post on M3forum this morning.

Youre right that was amusing.

Kid doesnt know how good his life is.

Ohh wait, that makes it kinda sad...

Obioban · 08-06-2012, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimD

Seems retarded to me to think of a e46 M3 vert as that different from a coupe in performance. On anything less than a racetrack, the acceleration and cornering differences will be non-existant or at least not apparent. You can't really use the acceleration potential of even the vert so why cry that it isn't the coupe? Handling is the same story. Seems like another immature guy who is trying to compete with his peers instead of deciding what he likes and driving it.

Our controller bought a mustard yellow e46 convertible a year or so ago. A guy in the local BMW CCA club has a red convertible. If I wanted a used BMW I would have definitely looked at a e46 but only a convertible. You can drive topless a LOT more than you can use maximum acceleration and handling. The e46 is apparently the last of the NA 6 M3s. I don't love the idea of the gearing - would be nice to have a crusing gear - but the cars are nice.

Jim

Three thoughts:

1) I have considerable and extended seat time in e46 M3 verts. It is significantly and noticeably worse than the coupe in every type of driving. The e46 vert is closer in every performance stat to a 330i than it is to an M3 coupe. If you can't feel that difference... well, you made the right choice in getting a vert.

2) 6th gear is an overdrive gear in the e46 M3. 5th is 1:1.

3) the e46 M3 gets better fuel economy than the 128 which gets better fuel economy than the 135. Based on driving places with my brother, same drive, him in his 128, me in my M3. Same drive, same day.

BrokenVert · 08-06-2012, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Obioban

Three thoughts:

1) I have considerable and extended seat time in e46 M3 verts. It is significantly and noticeably worse than the coupe in every type of driving. The e46 vert is closer in every performance stat to a 330i than it is to an M3 coupe. If you can't feel that difference... well, you made the right choice in getting a vert.

2) 6th gear is an overdrive gear in the e46 M3. 5th is 1:1.

3) the e46 M3 gets better fuel economy than the 128 which gets better fuel economy than the 135. Based on driving places with my brother, same drive, him in his 128, me in my M3. Same drive, same day.

1) Yes - you like the word worse, we get it. Also cut the insults.

2) your point? Thats how most 6 speeds are geared.

3) I get mid thirties in my 135 vert. Do you have numbers for this, or will you just keep using your favorite word?

smw356 · 08-06-2012, 12:15 PM

experiencing the s54 scream with no roof seems like a pretty appealing proposition though. I won't lie.

3VOM · 08-06-2012, 12:53 PM

I've added more weight to my 135i vert from all the extra popcorn I've been eating reading this thread! Haha. I think it's been stated quite well here...the vert will give up some to a coupe if all things are equal...weight, rigidity. I think what a lot of people have been trying to say is that on THIS car the vert vs the coupe...the difference in performance is not so bad and the ones who own the vert appreciate some of the things you just can't with a closed top coupe. I have said before...I was NEVER a convertible guy...never liked them because 1. Didn't care for how most looked with the top up or down. 2. Performance. When I decided however I would buy a 1er, I wanted the vert because 1. It's one of the best looking Verts out there with top up or down. The proportions work better than the 335 top up or down. I also (personal opinion) feel the vert looks better than the 1er coupe. 2. The performance vs the coupe for me was negligible and the top down experience is pretty awesome. Not gonna track it, not gonna drag it. For my spirited and sometime occasional Friday release hard driving...the chassis is plenty stiff. 3. First BMW...first 2 door...why not makemit my first convertible!

Now will I buy another? Not sure. If I was gonna buy say a 997 or M3 etc...something hyper car like that, then I'd buy a closed top version.

All said...no, I do not regret buying the 135i in the convertible version.

Obioban · 08-06-2012, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

1) Yes - you like the word worse, we get it. Also cut the insults.

2) your point? Thats how most 6 speeds are geared.

3) I get mid thirties in my 135 vert. Do you have numbers for this, or will you just keep using your favorite word?

1) What insult are you referring to? Did you take me saying that you made the correct choice in buying a vert insulting? Seems like that should be what you're looking for, no?

2) Read what I was replying to. 6th gear being over drive was a response to:

Quote:

I don't love the idea of the gearing - would be nice to have a crusing gear - but the cars are nice.

Indeed the M3 is geared like other 6 speeds-- exactly my point.

3) At 85 mph I average ~34 mpg. Obviously that's higher if I slow down, but that's not a realistic situation

BrokenVert · 08-06-2012, 03:04 PM

I hate to tell you, but this is generally considered an insult...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Obioban

If you can't feel that difference... well, you made the right choice in getting a vert.

Is a 700 mile road trip real and practical enough for you?

RPM90 · 08-06-2012, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

I hate to tell you, but this is generally considered an insult...

Is a 700 mile road trip real and practical enough for you?

I clearly see the insinuation in his comment. I don't think he does.

It's amazing how people write certain things, yet fail to understand what they just wrote.
They take it for granted that what they write is truth and thus can not be insulting.

BrokenVert · 08-06-2012, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPM90

I clearly see the insinuation in his comment. I don't think he does.

It's amazing how people write certain things, yet fail to understand what they just wrote.
They take it for granted that what they write is truth and thus can not be insulting.

I hope he does, although it is sad that I had to spell it out for him, makes me wonder if he was trying to play coy with it or if he genuinely doesnt get it.

I hope his face to face interactions with people go better than that.

Hey man ive gotten points on this forum because people couldnt understand the difference between a general your and you your. This guy complained to the mods that I called him a jackass when it was clearly a hypothetical writing.

Reading comprehension is truly dead...

135Pats · 08-06-2012, 03:36 PM

Hopefully Dackel shuts this thread down as well, the last several pages have been almost entirely devoid of reasonable debate....

BrokenVert · 08-06-2012, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 135Pats

Hopefully Dackel shuts this thread down as well, the last several pages have been almost entirely devoid of reasonable debate....

yeah what was that about? He went crazy there!

#continuingevenmoreofftopic

#whydidijustuseatwitterhandle

#thishasgottenoutofhand

#whyarethesefaketwitterhandlessolong?

#okimdonenow

08-05-2012, 09:03 AM	#134
shodanusmc Captain 21 Rep 774 Posts Drives: 09 135 Vert Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago burb iTrader: (0)	Poor kid, only had a Mercedes C300 at 21 and a M3 Vert at 23. Too damn funny.
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08-05-2012, 09:45 AM	#136
1speedbike Brigadier General 732 Rep 3,274 Posts Drives: 2022 X4 M40i, 2008 135i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: MKE iTrader: (15)	^The very definition of a "first world problem" I will gladly take his M3 convertible that he hates oh so much. __________________ 2022 X4 M40i - 2008 135i - 2015 F700GS On Order - 2024 i4 M50 Scruffy's gonna die the way he lived... Mmhm.
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08-05-2012, 12:29 PM	#137
Section147 Good To Be Alive! 13 Rep 617 Posts Drives: Lotsa Stuff Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: The North Coast iTrader: (2) Garage List 2018 Corvette Grand ... [0.00] 2017 VW GTI [0.00] 2017 Mazda CX-3 [0.00]	Yet another trust fund indulgence. Awesome.
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08-05-2012, 05:08 PM	#138
TheSt\|G Resident Tamed Racing Driver 298 Rep 4,697 Posts Drives: 911, 130is, E39 M5, E36 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Outside Philly iTrader: (2)	You guys realize a E46 M3 vert is roughly the same price as a 128i, and less than a 135i? __________________ 2005 E46 M3 Interlagos/Cinnamon with Sunroof Delete
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08-05-2012, 07:10 PM	#140
Obioban Emperor 1614 Rep 2,753 Posts Drives: M3, M3, M5, M5 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: West Chester, PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M5 [0.00] 2017 BMW i3 [0.00] 2005 BMW M3 Coupe [0.00] 2001 BMW M5 [0.00]	Seemed relevant to a thread on very regrets. __________________ 2005 M3 Coupe, 2004 M3 Wagon, 2001 M5 Sedan, 2008 M5 6MT Sedan, 2012 128i M sport
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08-05-2012, 07:48 PM	#141
JimD Brigadier General 368 Rep 3,547 Posts Drives: 128i convertible Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lexington, SC iTrader: (0)	Seems retarded to me to think of a e46 M3 vert as that different from a coupe in performance. On anything less than a racetrack, the acceleration and cornering differences will be non-existant or at least not apparent. You can't really use the acceleration potential of even the vert so why cry that it isn't the coupe? Handling is the same story. Seems like another immature guy who is trying to compete with his peers instead of deciding what he likes and driving it. Our controller bought a mustard yellow e46 convertible a year or so ago. A guy in the local BMW CCA club has a red convertible. If I wanted a used BMW I would have definitely looked at a e46 but only a convertible. You can drive topless a LOT more than you can use maximum acceleration and handling. The e46 is apparently the last of the NA 6 M3s. I don't love the idea of the gearing - would be nice to have a crusing gear - but the cars are nice. Jim __________________ 128i Convertible, MT, Alpine White, Black Top, Taupe Leatherette, Walnut, Sport Ordered 5/22/09, Completed 6/4/09, At Port 6/9/09, On the Georgia Highway 6/13/09, Ship Arrived Charleston 6/24/09 at 10pm, PCD 7/21/09
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08-06-2012, 12:00 AM	#142
eaglemike Enlisted Member 0 Rep 47 Posts Drives: 2011 E88 N55 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	Thread seemed to be about regrets of the 135 vert vs. the 335 vert. Hmmmmmmm, glad I learned how to read. I had a e46 vert. Beautiful car. Don't regret owning it vs a coupe. Never even considered a 335 vert. Had a 2K M roadster. It was a fun car too. Socal is a great place to own a convertible.
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08-06-2012, 12:15 PM	#147
smw356 Private 2 Rep 79 Posts Drives: 2013 135i Join Date: May 2012 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0)	experiencing the s54 scream with no roof seems like a pretty appealing proposition though. I won't lie.
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08-06-2012, 12:53 PM	#148
3VOM Private 13 Rep 98 Posts Drives: 135i vert Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Arizona iTrader: (0)	I've added more weight to my 135i vert from all the extra popcorn I've been eating reading this thread! Haha. I think it's been stated quite well here...the vert will give up some to a coupe if all things are equal...weight, rigidity. I think what a lot of people have been trying to say is that on THIS car the vert vs the coupe...the difference in performance is not so bad and the ones who own the vert appreciate some of the things you just can't with a closed top coupe. I have said before...I was NEVER a convertible guy...never liked them because 1. Didn't care for how most looked with the top up or down. 2. Performance. When I decided however I would buy a 1er, I wanted the vert because 1. It's one of the best looking Verts out there with top up or down. The proportions work better than the 335 top up or down. I also (personal opinion) feel the vert looks better than the 1er coupe. 2. The performance vs the coupe for me was negligible and the top down experience is pretty awesome. Not gonna track it, not gonna drag it. For my spirited and sometime occasional Friday release hard driving...the chassis is plenty stiff. 3. First BMW...first 2 door...why not makemit my first convertible! Now will I buy another? Not sure. If I was gonna buy say a 997 or M3 etc...something hyper car like that, then I'd buy a closed top version. All said...no, I do not regret buying the 135i in the convertible version. __________________ I LOVE CARS!
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08-06-2012, 03:36 PM	#153
135Pats Major General 456 Rep 6,478 Posts Drives: A few BMWs Join Date: May 2012 Location: Maryland iTrader: (3)	Hopefully Dackel shuts this thread down as well, the last several pages have been almost entirely devoid of reasonable debate.... __________________ E88 N54 Alpinweiss/Coral Red/Motiv HTA 3586r Tial .82AR/Other stuff...652WHP F30 N55 XDrive EBII
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