Convertibles

[m3f_JustinF282]

I'm thinking of buying an M3 but may have to get a convertible to satisfy the wife-any feed back out there on the handling of the E36 M3 convertible? Does the car seem like an afterthought or did BMW put some effort into making it a handle like the coupe?

[m3f_ukm3evo]

I bought an M3 convertible and I have to say its handling is faultless. It apparently is about 100k or so heavier than a saloon but is still an awesome drive. As far as I can see BMW have put a lot of thought into the design of the convertible rather than just cut the roof of and strengthen the chassis.



The way the hood stows as neat although you pay the price in boot space. Hood is double lined for both sound and heat insulation, does NOT leak and if you can raise and lower the power hood without smiling then you are probably dead!



Incidently i also got a hard top with mine, basically you lower the roof and fix it on the car, bizarre thing is that one does leak!



Mines a 1999 M3 evolution, UK model, Velevt blue metallic, which is the only colour M3s should be in my opinion! Paid £15,000 for it 6 months or so ago ,including the roof, finance re-posession hence the low price!

[m3f_JustinF282]

Sounds like you got a good buy-Congratulations! Very good response to the question as well. I also plan to look at my old Car and Driver's to see if they tested the convertible. If any other thoughts come to mind, please post them...Rattles, etc.

[m3f_ukm3evo]

No rattles as such. As with the leaks the car has the occasional knock from the hard top when you go over un-even ground. Don't notice it at all with the Soft top up.

[m3f_tlvanden]

Join the club! Just got mine (er...ours) in cabrio form to satisfy the wife as well. Minimal rattles compared to other convertibles, handles incredibly (comes stock with x-bar), no leaks, no replacement for top-down driving in a car of this quality/engineering. You'll have a blast modding it.

[m3f_YStress]

I got my 1999 'vert last summer. It was a compromise with my wife. I wanted a Porsche, but my wife felt the ride was too stiff. We both love the M3. While the ride is more wife friendly, it still corners on rails for me. The acceleration is very satisfying particularly with the top down.



I am very happy with the ride and the mechanicals. The only rattle I have noticed is with the top down and the windows up. The windows can shake a little on the highway bumps. With the top up, the seal is excellent and I haven't noticed any problems.

[m3f_wsmc831_097c0cf94a]

no issues with mine either. It's quieter than I expected, no leaks....



best handling convert I could find that offers 4 seats!

[m3f_T2_58b439f67f]

Ditto to all that...



I have taken mine to the track and it was as fast as any coupe out there. I put a front strut tower brace on mine for good measure!

[m3f_JustinF282]

Here's to the "get what you want if you satisfy your wife club!!!"



What is this X-bar that comes stock on the convertible? For those who have compared to Boxters, Boxter S's and 911 Cab's, how do they compare to the M3 convertible? To Da Terminator, it handled alright on the track? Did it make you feel secure like a coupe or could you feel it giving way (twisting) like a convertible? Obviously you'll get some of that-just wondering how close to a coupe they got this thing?

[m3f_ukm3evo]

Never put mine round a track, but compared to a coupe I find mine is just as stiff

[m3f_JustinF282]

Can't wait to try one-none around my area at the moment. If I have a pre-purchase inspection done-any particular items to look for?

[m3f_T2_58b439f67f]

Track Impressions...



This was my first track day and though I have driven almost every sportscar under $100k and two M3 Coupes, I will pass on my instructor's impressions. He thought the car was stiff and seemed to be everything the coupe was...he told me my car was tooo fast not to have a fixed rollbar and better safety equipment and he loved the way the M responded...very little bending and no cowl shake with the top up and the windows down (on a semi rough track, no less!)



I thought it Kicked @$$ as I blew past an Acura NSX:beer:

[m3f_JustinF282]

Wow! I had an M Roadster with a Dinan Supercharger and I and my wife loved it. Do you think Dinan has a Supercharger for the M3/M3 convertible? Same engine as the Roadster and probably more space under the hood so I would think so...

[m3f_Angella_c036ec6b5f]

lots of places won't let you track a vert without a rollbar... some others won't let you track them at all