M3 Coupe Vs Convertible

[Si T]

I am looking for an M3 (around an 05 plate). I was originally planning to go for the coupe on the basis that there would be a lot of flex in the cabriolet. However, dealers keep telling me that the cabriolet is just as good to drive as the coupe (as it is stiffer than the stnadard 3 Series convertible). Is this right?

[GTRene]

what do dealers know about special sportcars?? most not that many is my experience just because they don't have very often such cars so their oppinion is often not that good...

let me say this, I have no experience with the E46 M3 carros but I have with the Z3 carros.

the Z3 M coupe is much stiffer then the Z3 roadster and I've owned both a long period, but the roadster is more lively euhm say when you think in the roadster 100mph feels good/safe that same feeling you get in the coupe variant but then you can drive about 20mph faster...so the cabriolet is best for your license
GTRene

[jellison]

Most dealer know SOD ALL About the cars they sell - have had this proved to me many time.

Likely you will know more than they do - converstible is just for Hairdressers - you are on the right track get the Coupe, and a modicum of respect.

[stuh]

Hi

I've had both and the Cabrio does suffer from scuttle shake and flex. No worse than any other soft-top in my experience, but can be irritating on poor surfaces.

Why not take one for a test drive on a few B roads and see what you think?

[proteas]

Si T - I had an E46 M3 Cab with all the toys (including hardtop) for nearly 2.5 year. I also had the pleasure of driving an E46 M3 Coupe for a whole month. My observations were:

1. The Cab in comparison does not handle as good as the Coupe in particular around corners. The Cab does not have the fluidity or the composure of the Coupe. Saying that though you have to push it hard to feel the difference.

2. The Coupe by default is more rigid. This translates to better handling but more important less noise. The Cab will flex, bounce and rattle over dodgy B roads. In general Cabs will come up with general cabin noises over time.

3. IMO the Cab is a better looker. Especially with the top down.

4. In terms of straight line power etc there is not much between the two cars, especially with the average Joe behind the wheel on public roads.

So to conclude, if you are after a more complete machine go for the Coupe. If on the other hand you can live with the occasional rattle and shakes go the Cab. Once summer arrives and the roof is down you will understand why you went for the Cab….!

Cheers

[Scott Parker]

I had to but a convertible because its mainly my mrs car and she to have a convertible.

I have'nt drove the coupe so don't really know what i'm missing and its probably better if it stays that way. The Cab is still a very capable car and like said above i think that you would really have to be pushing it to feel the difference. The worst thing about the cab is the squeaky windows with the roof up ( not as much with the hardtop) but i'm currently looking at getting something to stick in the sills to stop that. The good thing about the cab is for 8 months of the year you can drive with the roof down and exhaust in your ears

Here's some vids from bedford
First one is keeping a csl honest, with a bit of drifting and the other 3 are all drifting really

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AkHvjaMK4Y

www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsK_QQ4nVkg

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hob6QP7nbqU

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMnW6GTd_CI

[Si T]

Thanks for the advice. I have decided to go for a convertible because I think it will still look the business for longer than the coupe (now that lots of the new shape coupes are on the road).

I have put a deposit on a 1 year old SMG Convertible in Titanium Silver with all the toys. I pick it up a week tomorrow and am v excited!

[Newbie01]

You have made the right choice IMO. I have had both coupe and cab. The cab does suffer from rattling and isnt as good as the coupe round the corners due to the extra weight and less rigidity but in the summer, with the roof down, you will be happy with your choice. Driving to the capability of the coupe on the road would be bad for your license anyway.

Enjoy.

[proteas]

Si T said:

Thanks for the advice. I have decided to go for a convertible because I think it will still look the business for longer than the coupe (now that lots of the new shape coupes are on the road).

I have put a deposit on a 1 year old SMG Convertible in Titanium Silver with all the toys. I pick it up a week tomorrow and am v excited!

Good choice! Enjoy it.

[john_p]

Newbie01 said:

You have made the right choice IMO. I have had both coupe and cab. The cab does suffer from rattling and isnt as good as the coupe round the corners due to the extra weight and less rigidity but in the summer, with the roof down, you will be happy with your choice. Driving to the capability of the coupe on the road would be bad for your license anyway.

Enjoy.

I've owned a coupe for two years and a cab for two years, and could not agree with this more.

Buy the lubricant stuff from your dealer and 70% of the rattles go away. Put the roof down and they all go away