Opinions wanted: 128 convertible or E46 330 convertible

[JayM]

I am driving myself crazy thinking about what to do. I really want to wait for the 128 convertible, but am not sure how long of a wait that will be. There is no guarantee it will be released in March. Below are some pros and cons I have come up with:

128 convertible - Pros
- new car, will have 4 year warranty and maintenance
- newer engine, should have better mileage
- the newest technology/features
- newer style

128 convertible - Cons
- first model year, have been burned by this in the past
- possible small size, since I need usable back seats
- having to wait until who knows when
- price, since I am guessing the 128 convertible will be at least $33,000, more with options
- it sounds as if it will be fairly heavy, probably the same weight as the E46 330 (a little over 3600 pounds, which is around 400 pounds heavier than the E46 330 coupe)

330 convertible - Pros
- If I get a recent model, most of the problems should have been resolved
- the size is adequate for my needs
- now is the time to buy a convertible since it is the end of summer, so may be able to get a good deal. could get a 3 year old one for a little over $30K.
- I can have the car now (I do not need a car, just want it!)
- performance, guessing that the performance will be very close to the 128 convertible, based on the weight of the two most likely being the same along with similar power (the 330 has 5 less hp but 14 more ft lbs of torque I believe)

330 convertible - Cons
- little or no maintenance/warranty left (depending on the year). will not get a CPO'd one since it does not cover the convertible top/mechanicals. most likely will have to get a third party extended warranty.
- If I got it now I would be driving it through the winter. If I waited until March I would be driving my awd Subaru this winter. Years ago I had a turbo Supra (RWD, close to 50/50 weight distribution) that was great in the snow with winter tires, so this is not that big of an issue except for getting a convertible with not much warm weather left.
- classic style, but it has been around for a while (I still think it looks very good)

Anyway, I am just looking to get insight from others on this topic. Thanks in advance.

Jay

[Brookside]

This might seem like blasphemy here on 1addicts but as long as you're soliciting advice....
I'd go for immediate wish fulfilment- get the 330.
You can delay getting a 1-er and have a great car as ecquity if you should want to get a new one sometime down the line.


Whichever decision you make - it's a win-win.
:roundel:

[bimmerfile]

Personally, I'm waiting for the 1er ragtop.
That said, go for the 3301 vert.
1. Life's too short to wait another 18 months for the vert to show up (I have a Z4, so I ain't hurting:smile.
2. You need a backseat (forget about 1er rear seat legroom).
3. the only way you'll get a $33K 128i ragtop is waiting til 2010 to get a 1 yr old preowned.

[joelk]

id get a certified pre-owned 330 vert. doing that gets you the 2 additional years of warranty (although slightly less appears to be covered than the base 4 year one)

[inTgr8r]

+1 on a pre owned 330 vert, you can't go wrong.
When the 1er vert comes out you'll be able to test drive it before deciding.
& if you like the 1er, you'll be able to flip the 330 vert with very little depreciation.