Feedback on stablemate - Z4M Coupe or Convertible?

[PPG4]

Ever since I got the M5, I've been looking at swapping out my S2000. Right now have the opportunity to purchase either a Z4 MCoupe or Z4 MConvertible... either at about 1500 below MSRP.

I think that the coupe is a better looking car and will end up being more rare than the convertible, but I've come to really like having a convertible. The choice is either Silvergray/Black Coupe or IB/Black Convertible...

Thoughts? Your opinions are appreciated!

--Ian

[SWP]

You live in San Diego . . . easy decision IMHO . . . A Z4 MConvertible. Wow! The Z4 Ms have barely hit the showrooms, and you are already getting deals below MSRP. Either you have an incredible good relationship with your salesman or demand for the Z4 Ms are proving to be much weaker than expected. Or maybe a bit of both.

Or how about a Lotus Elise or Exige?

[bernhtp]

Convertible, definitely.

[LI-M5]

i pretty much hate convertibles but in this case i'd make an exception.

convertible

[SWP]

Or maybe for a little more money, how about a Porsche Cayman?

[LI-M5]

cayman imho i think its a little feminine !!

[SWP]

It's a bit better than the Boxster. I wouldn't be caught dead in a Boxster. But women look pretty hot in them . . .

[PPG4]

Cayman/Boxster... after they're optioned out to match the standard equipment of the MCoupe/Roadster, they're like 10-12k more.

I've really come to love having a convertible... I was thinking of getting an M6 Convertible via European Delivery in 2008, ditching the M5 at that point and the headers and cats over to that (totally compatible).

I should also point out that I'm planning to autocross this car.

[SWP]

True. If you are planning to autocross the car, why not get a Lotus Elise, instead? You probably can't beat the driving experience of an Elise.

But as much as I like the Z4 MCoupe, I think the Z4 MConvertible will be a much better complement to your existing M5.

[rodman31]

My vote coupe! I like the lines more!


Robert

[SWP]

There is no question the MCoupe is more interesting. But given that PPG4already has an M5, why buy an MCoupe? On a stand alone basis, I would agree with rodman31 to get an MCoupe. But when you consider the fact that PPG4 already owns an M5, the MConvertible seems to be a better choice.

Most importantly, it would make absolutely no sense to own an M6 and an M5.

[m5-black]

I'd heard that most reviewers who had driven Coupe and Convertible , prefered the Coupe.

[PPG4]

Lotus... great cars, but not for me; at least as a car driven around town. Suspension is just too unforgiving on the roads where I live. If I ever get into racing enough to where I have a dedicated track car, then I'll start thinking about it.

It's funny, everyone here has said something that I've had going through my head all day today... actually, since they announced both cars. I put a deposit down on a build spot some time ago, but the dealer blew the paper work.

The big questions in my mind right now are about day-to-day driveability. My S2000 can't be driven with the top up... it just wasn't made for a 6'2" driver. If the MRoadster is drivable with the top up, that will be a big point in its favor. If the coupe has decent airflow (cabin gets enough fresh air) with the windows down, then that will work in its favor.

The point that the roadster is a better compliment to the Beast is something I've been considering at length. It seems to me that overall, the Coupe may be a better car, but the Roadster may make more sense for me.

Overall, I think that the MCoupe is going to be a better value in the long run... chassis will stay solid longer, there will be fewer of them and they're a tad less expensive (though not enough to really make a difference).

I'm actually going back to the dealer for a test drive in about ten minutes.

I'll post more later...