Vert owners-opinion please

[fancyfl1ght]

Originally Posted by RPM90

I want a convertible for my next ride.
I tested a TT vert quattro 2.0T today with the dual clutch.
Very nice. Man, Audi interiors are beautiful. Our 1 doesn't compare, at least to me. But, it's all a matter of personal taste.
For a daily sporty driver, the TT is quite nice, and over bumps it's very impressive with almost no flex vibration or cowl shake.
The AWD is a bonus for the 7 months of winter around here.
Even though it uses a Haldex system, which is next gen now, you don't feel a front drive feel at all

So, I love my 135i and a 135i vert is at the top of the list.
I want to try the DCT this time around, and BMW seems to be pushing this trans cause they only charge like $450 for it.

I'm considering getting a "stripper" version for the vert with no sport pkg, meaning I don't get the M steering wheel or the seats.
Plus, the new non sport pkg wheels on the vert look great, nicer in my view to the "we've seen enough of these M wheels now, BMW."

How are the non sport seats in the vert?
If you've driven both, what are the pluses and minuses of either?
I like my sport seats, but at times I wish the side bolsters actually wrapped around the body better rather than just puffing up on the side.
They don't really "hug" so much as kinda pinch me when blowing them up.

Thoughts?

One more thing, it seems that power seats are standard on the 1 now?
The prem pkg is basically leather seats with dimming mirrors and a garage door opener for nearly $2400.
You get BT, but that's a stand alone option for about $700, which is BMW overpriced.

back seats equivalent to the 135i vert. In a pinch, I like to use the rear seats whereas the TT rear seats are unusable.

A vert of any kind will not be able to defy the laws of physics. Without a roof, there is by nature, less rigidity.

There is also less opportunities for modding the vert since there is extra bracing underneath the car and within the engine compartment.

But, there is no driving experience like driving a vert and there is a reason why it costs a premium to drive one.

I will never go back to car with a roof if I can help it.

Regards,
Fancyflight

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

I'm at 60K miles. I really need to pull the intake manifold and see what's going on in there.

And it's much worse on audis. I have friends with 3.2 models that have had engine fault lights come on in under 25K miles due to carbon clogging the valves.

In another post on here, we've been discussing the merits of driving our cars at 4K RPM in 4th gear for 20-30 minutes to fix some "hiccuping" at WOT. Theory is that there are carbon "hot spots" on the valves that contribute to detonation and a momentary loss of power due to the knock sensor. Two of us did the aforementioned "blowing out" drives and both of us have had really good results. I'd give that a try before pulling your intake manifold - after all, it'll only take 20-30 minutes.

[BrokenVert]

Originally Posted by roundel335

In another post on here, we've been discussing the merits of driving our cars at 4K RPM in 4th gear for 20-30 minutes to fix some "hiccuping" at WOT. Theory is that there are carbon "hot spots" on the valves that contribute to detonation and a momentary loss of power due to the knock sensor. Two of us did the aforementioned "blowing out" drives and both of us have had really good results. I'd give that a try before pulling your intake manifold - after all, it'll only take 20-30 minutes.

I do at least 1 WOT highway pull every time I start the car. So I know where youre coming from.

Its more just an idle curiosity really.

[x97Melbourne]

getting a stripper is fine -- but I'd reconsider getting the Sport Package. The seats are a must in my opinion. And the sport steerling wheel is what everyone comments on who drives my car -- its great. Makes the whole feel of driving different.
Premium package isn't really necessary, as is the auto trans. But sport package is a must.

Sport package is $1200 c'mon!!

[Prof T]

Yes, The sport str. wheel makes it worth while.

[RPM90]

Looks like my financial situation will be better starting 7/1.
That puts a 135i vert with prem and sport in the price range I'm willing to pay.

The main concern now is what BMW will offer for 2013 in the 1 series.
I've seen the new 1 series hatchback and I'm NOT a fan of how the front and sides look.
Hopefully BMW will fix the coupe/vert, but those headlights are just not growing on me at this point.
The TT looks MUCH better inside and out compared to what I've seen in the new 1 series hatch.

The new 4cyl 2 liter turbo looks to be a very nice power plant.
I wonder if that will be the only offering for the new 1 series, or if BMW will still offer the 3.0 TS with the new model?
If they do offer the 3.0 the price of a 2.0 TS would be very sweet as it's not far away in terms of power compared to the 3.0.
I can't see paying 3.0 prices for a 2.0TS.

[germ]

Before getting a 135i vert, I drove a TT Roadster for 10 years. It was one of the first to land in the US. I still like that car, although there's no comparison with a 135. I much prefer the original TT than the current restyled one. Yes, the Audi interior is MUCH better. But even as the TT was a bargain when it was introduced, it has now become a VERY EXPENSIVE proposition. The bang/buck is just not there anymore. If you can't afford a 135, there should be plenty of acceptable, cheaper and fun alternatives.

[x97Melbourne]

Originally Posted by germ

Before getting a 135i vert, I drove a TT Roadster for 10 years. It was one of the first to land in the US. I still like that car, although there's no comparison with a 135. I much prefer the original TT than the current restyled one. Yes, the Audi interior is MUCH better. But even as the TT was a bargain when it was introduced, it has now become a VERY EXPENSIVE proposition. The bang/buck is just not there anymore. If you can't afford a 135, there should be plenty of acceptable, cheaper and fun alternatives.

Well put. I agree. If a 135i convert is out of reach financially, I would not even consider the Audi TT. And yeah, the interior of an Audi is generally better than a BMW. It's always been that way.
Even though the price range is somewhat similar, I don't think the 135i and 2.0 TT are in the same car class.

[Gray67]

From an insurance standpoint, my 128 vert was much cheaper than an equivalent TT. No idea why. Agent couldn't explain it either.

I would highly highly recommend the sports package. worth the money, as is iDrive.

[Jayda]

No one mentioned that the sports seats have the pull out thigh/leg supports I believe. My husband was looking for a car and really liked this because he is tall with long legs. Something to consider maybe if you have long legs.

PS- I think my next car will be my mid-life crisis car and might be a TT! I really like that car and like the 1 series, I don't see a ton of them.

[RoundelM3]

Insurance-wise, 2-seaters seem to have higher premiums than 4-seaters, even when the rear seats are rather small.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by roundel335

Insurance-wise, 2-seaters seem to have higher premiums than 4-seaters, even when the rear seats are rather small.

In my case, the premium for my '08 128i 'vert was a full 25% less than the 5 year old '03 Z4 3.0 it replaced. And the 128i is rated at 5 more horsepower.

Tom

[slim_e90]

I picked up a CPO loaded 135. I think that's a great bang got the buck vs a new stripper. The seats are what everyone says they are. I'd get a 128 sport before a 135 base just for the seats. I know u said you lease but this might be an option

Good luck either way.