Downsides of convertibles?

[andrewintraining]

I've been thinking of buying this clean vert, I know they're heavier, but are they alot slower or would it be hard to notice? Anything else performance wise that I should know?

And exactly how much heavier are they?

Thanks!

[s0urce]

The squeeks and rattles drove me crazy. Stock rear shock mounts will be blown. A blast in the twisties though.

[reelizmpro]

Noise, leaks, cost of top, the rear window clouds up over time, heavier...hmmm the interior wears faster.

[gearheadE30]

Electric roofs can be a pain and make sure you learn to alighn them properly. As previously metioned, there will be more rattles because of cowl shake and the structure will flex more in corners.

[Jordan325iC]

My convertible was not noticeably slower than my coupe w/ the same suspension. According to factory BMW manual, the convertible is 152lbs heaver than the coupe, so it's like having a passenger all the time, not the 400lb dead weight everyone always seems to assume. Though I'm sure there was more chassis flex, I haven't really noticed a difference on the autox course between my e30 and the old cabby.

It had all the downsides inherent to all soft-top's. More wind noise, plastic rear window that tends to fog up and more fragile roof. I loved mine though, and it got way more positive attention than my current e30.

[Mossman]

leaks, can't see out back window, death if you roll over, seats are always toast, any e30 front seats swap in but rear top seatbacks are ALWAYS shrunken and torn at the seams, and can't find a good used one anywhere.

[Garageaholic]

The squeeks and rattles drove me crazy. Stock rear shock mounts will be blown. A blast in the twisties though.

In terms of the shock mounts, what do you recommend to ameliorate that situation...? specifics of what to do/buy. Thanks



Convertibles definitely have alot more squeaks when the top is up, mainly from seals and such, but overall, I LOVE the convertible.

With the top down, isn't the center of gravity lower and it gets better handling? I know that there is more body flex, so that is a definite downside...

[Mastrcruse]

In terms of the shock mounts, what do you recommend to ameliorate that situation...? specifics of what to do/buy. Thanks

http://store.nexternal.com/shared/StoreFront/product_image_large.asp?RowID=470&SKUID=&GalleryID=

This is what I upgraded to..IE's great product and have had them on for about a year and a half and haven't shown wear

You buy a convertible because you like them, not because they are the best performers or the quitest car. They're nice and fun to drive with the top up and down.

[VacMan]

Downside is a bit more body flex and some cowl shake over bumps. Noisier on the freeway with the top up.

[chasiubao]

I miss mine

But since you asked for negatives...the leaks drove me crazy along with the funny squeaks "honey I swear it was the car and not the carne asada burrito I just had" Just depends on what you want it for. I opted to sell mine to be "safer"

[Mastrcruse]

Safer? Don't flip the car and you will be as safe as the coupes/sedans. I look at the vert as a cruiser...get in and relax. If you want something that could potentially be a "track" car then don't get a vert.

Also, someone on here had a friend that flipped a vert, I believe it was white and it held up just fine.

EDIT: I just found who posted them up...VacMan post those flipped cabrio pics up please

[VacMan]

Safer? Don't flip the car and you will be as safe as the coupes/sedans. I look at the vert as a cruiser...get in and relax. If you want something that could potentially be a "track" car then don't get a vert.

Also, someone on here had a friend that flipped a vert, I believe it was white and it held up just fine.

EDIT: I just found who posted them up...VacMan post those flipped cabrio pics up please

With pleasure. My friend Stuart rolled this car doing 80 on the way to Vegas. Walked away with bloody knuckles and enough cash from the settlement to buy an Audi TT cabrio.

[Jean]

Lucky guy! I am just curious though why would there be a settlement if he rolled the car or did someone else cause this accident ?

"With pleasure. My friend Stuart rolled this car doing 80 on the way to Vegas. Walked away with bloody knuckles and enough cash from the settlement to buy an Audi TT cabrio.
"

[CleanAzzE30z]

Looking like a yuppie 80's fag is a downside. Stripping lots of performance aspect from a supposed performance car is a downside.


Mariano

[MAXELHOFF]

Yes, yuppie 80's fag thing is a downside. Combat with ultra ratty, "I never wash my car or put the top up" flair. Get a manual top and transmichigan. If it's not a vert, it may not be a "sports" car.