ragtop = epitome of cool

[jhanna]

There is no doubting the practicality of a steel top retracting roof…no question at all. For years before I bought the 125I, I loved the thought of a maintenance free convertible.

Now that I have a ragtop, I notice so many other ragtop convertibles and there is no doubting the feeling of being in a very special club. Sure they are susceptible to vandalism, leaks, rear window seal peeling off, colder, noisier……..

But I am used to maintenance. I have a jet ski, which has to be flushed and cleaned after every use. I have a motorbike with a chain that needs asap cleaning and lubricating, after a ride in dusty or wet conditions. The cost for the upkeep for each of these toys is prohibitive, but once you get used to the pleasure they provide, it becomes worth it.

In time I may regret a rag top, like the few on here, but for now, its my first convertible, my first BMW……and what an introduction to the brand!!!

KNOCK OUT PUNCH.

[c1pher]

[xQx]

Originally Posted by JimD

I picked up a trolling motor, 54 inch shaft, box nearly 6 feet long, last night at UPS. I had to put the top down but it fit, barely, into the passengers footwell but extended too far to put the top up. No problem, it wasn't raining so I just drove home with the top down. Heated air out the vents kept me comfortable. Try that in a coupe...

Originally Posted by bmw125I convertible

Would I swap my series one ragtop, for a metal top 3 series? Not on your life now!!!

I'd swap my 135i convertible for a 4-door E90 M3 in a heartbeat.

... but I bet I'd regret it later.

[Gray_Panther]

My parent's E88 looks so cool with the top up or down! 1 series ages like fine wine damnit!

[bobdavisnpf]

Originally Posted by varoadking

I had a new 1969 Pontiac GTO convertible that I bought when I was 16 in 1968. I also had a new 1971 MG-B, and a new 1986 Dodge 600 turbo convertible.

I guess I'm a slow learner...but I eventually cured myself of whatever affinity I had for rag tops...

Rag-Top-Free since 1986!

I loved the look and feel of those MGB's, but the closest I ever got back in the day was getting picked up hitch hiking.

I bought 8 used, then 7 new, all hardtops before buying 3 convertibles used. It would have been cool to have this much fun on the road in my youth, but I mis-spent it in other ways

[varoadking]

Originally Posted by bobdavisnpf

It would have been cool to have this much fun on the road in my youth, but I mis-spent it in other ways

As long as you misspent it...that's all that matters...

[Tommm]

There has always been one or two convertibles in my stable since 1976. That was until last year. In Colorado one enjoys the top down before about 11am and after 5pm. Wearing a hat is not an option. The hair is starting to thin out , and I wasn't going to drive it as a commuter on an hour drive in traffic so I sold the M Roadster and settled for a Cayman S. Now if it will get above 40 deg and not have crap on the roads I will use it.

[Gangplank]

Originally Posted by JimVonBaden

Amazing to me how some feel the need to bash other people's choices.

Totally agree. Rather than appreciate differences, which is easier and more positive.

[olds350]

This was, I think, my 3rd convertible. So much regret in selling, but 2 kids entering collage meant something had to go. Would love to get this back...

[parnet17]

66 Mustang 289, 62 MGA 1600, 2000 Z3 3.0, 2008 135, 2011 135, and now a 2013 135is, all top downers.

[duder13]

Originally Posted by JimVonBaden

Amazing to me how some feel the need to bash other people's choices.

I don’t think there’s really been any bashing in this thread. Based on the title of the thread, I was under the impression that the OP wanted opinions on the matter, which is the only reason I gave mine. Saying “epitome of cool” implies cooler than other options, so I don’t think it’s inappropriate to post differing opinions on the matter. Had the title been, “I love ragtops,” I likely wouldn’t have contributed.

[JimVonBaden]

Originally Posted by duder13

I don’t think there’s really been any bashing in this thread. Based on the title of the thread, I was under the impression that the OP wanted opinions on the matter, which is the only reason I gave mine. Saying “epitome of cool” implies cooler than other options, so I don’t think it’s inappropriate to post differing opinions on the matter. Had the title been, “I love ragtops,” I likely wouldn’t have contributed.

Feeling guilty? If you disagree, instead of passing judgement, just pass and post nothing.

[Esteban]

Owned many different cars in my life, but never been interested in owning a convertible. Not bashing them at all, just not my cup of tea. Prefer a solid hard top.

Lots of people like verts though and that's their choice and I can appreciate the appeal, I just don't share it. To each their own, whatever floats your boat, and different strokes for different folks.

My 2 cents. And no guilt at all. lol

[duder13]

Originally Posted by JimVonBaden

Feeling guilty? If you disagree, instead of passing judgement, just pass and post nothing.

Not at all. When I see a thread saying that something is “cooler than other things,” I’ll contribute my opinion every time, and someone starting such a thread should expect differing opinions.

I’ll say it again. Assuming both a coupe and convertible option is available for the model being discussed, convertibles are not generally considered cooler than coupes. Used 911 prices are proof of that. That being said, I don’t hate convertibles. Convertibles are fun to drive and have a lot of good qualities. FWIW, I think the Z8 is amongst the most beautiful BMWs ever made.

[JimVonBaden]

Originally Posted by duder13

Not at all. When I see a thread saying that something is “cooler than other things,” I’ll contribute my opinion every time, and someone starting such a thread should expect differing opinions.

I’ll say it again. Assuming both a coupe and convertible option is available for the model being discussed, convertibles are not generally considered cooler than coupes. Used 911 prices are proof of that. That being said, I don’t hate convertibles. Convertibles are fun to drive and have a lot of good qualities. FWIW, I think the Z8 is amongst the most beautiful BMWs ever made.

This is what is known as opinion! From my experience, many people would prefer convertibles, but dislike either the added noise, complexity, maintenance or lack of security. But they still prefer convertibles even if they won't buy them. You are simply projecting your opinion as fact.

[blue135]

For 40+ years I thought convertibles were a waste of money because of the flex, noise and complexity. Then I got a hair to buy one (still have no idea what caused it) and I love it. rarely put top up. If it is cold, turn on heater and/or seat heaters. If it rains, I take the truck. Have never thought too much about cool. I have been married near 40 years so am not looking to attract new women and have reached stage where others' opinions mean less to me.

The point - it is how you view cool, not others. Opinions are what makes us think. Use those thoughts as you will, but not necessary we all think alike.

[Rmtt]

Never had a convertible....although I do enjoy pulling the top off my Corvette. Closest thing I've owned to a vert.

[duder13]

Originally Posted by JimVonBaden

This is what is known as opinion! From my experience, many people would prefer convertibles, but dislike either the added noise, complexity, maintenance or lack of security. But they still prefer convertibles even if they won't buy them. You are simply projecting your opinion as fact.

Yes, and I thought this was a forum where we state our opinion. I'm here to have a fun debate, not argue.

I guarantee that if I started a thread saying "Cashmere Silver Metallic is cooler than all other colors," there'd be some pushback, and rightfully so! It won't hurt my feelings.

[10"]

i've fixed this for you.

ragtop = epitome of UNcool.

shite handling. HATE driving cars with the roof down. heavier. slower, people driving convertibles always look UNcool....especially because they think they look so cool. LOL.

[jhanna]

a few healthy opinions out there and its good to see.

i think if you break it down to what you like out of motoring. forget the roof fixture for the time being. also bear in mind that i am not out to win traffic light drags, or burnouts etc, the basic element of motoring for an enthusiast...on the road and not a track.

1. reasonable performance. dont need to kick back 2 gears to get up a hill, and dont need to wring its neck to get up to highway speeds quickly

2. sound. i like the sound of a V8, but a BMW six...is no slouch for nice sound. having a convertible doubles the volume as well....

3 handling. my bmw is a weekend only car, so it will be doing corners, scenic hills countryside all the time. cornering is essential.

4. looks. why on earth buy and ugly car? in 37 years of driving, i only owned 2 ugly cars in that whole time. (only because of circumstances at the time) the rest i have admired and enjoyed the shape.

the coupe.....without doubt is one of the sexiest cars i ever seen. it is a timeless shape. of course the coupe will do all of the above, and satisfy the senses. the convertible comes only in ragtop in series one. for a person who never drove one before, just the feeling you get from it is amazing if you never experienced it before.

the coupe......is sensational, no doubt about that. the convertible takes the experience of driving, to another level, especially in the scenic Adelaide hills where i live. point to point.....the coupe will beat the convertible in a 'race', hands down, but i am not a racer.

in a perfect world.....i would have a coupe for winter, and the ragtop for summer, the roof would permanently be down.

[bobdavisnpf]

Originally Posted by blue135

For 40+ years I thought convertibles were a waste of money because of the flex, noise and complexity. Then I got a hair to buy one (still have no idea what caused it) and I love it. rarely put top up. If it is cold, turn on heater and/or seat heaters. If it rains, I take the truck. Have never thought too much about cool. I have been married near 40 years so am not looking to attract new women and have reached stage where others' opinions mean less to me.

The point - it is how you view cool, not others. Opinions are what makes us think. Use those thoughts as you will, but not necessary we all think alike.

I always dug the verts but it took a friend forcing one on me to actually start owning 'em. The chick magnet thing is totally a win for me - been married 32 yrs and it definitely fired up a new attraction for us... and yes the one she didn't like went back, and the one she does like is the one we have now, and the one she tired of is up for sale. I have my view of cool but I'll take hers too no prob

[olds350]

Wow, this thread sorta went off the rails. Don't see the need in it. As for me, owning the convertible is the closest thing I'll have to owning a motorcycle. Owned 4 bikes over the past years, but with stupid drivers being a reality in my area, it was time to say "bye" to the bike. I can still get a sense of smells, sun shining down on me and have the wind in what's left of my hair. The downside, this car is no where as nimble as the bike. The upside is, when the weather is threatening, I have a cover over my head when I need it.