840 Ci Convertable - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

LaCe · 22nd April 2002, 01:51

I couldn't believe this when I saw it...

http://www.bimmers-benz.com/cfapps/cars.cfm?CarID=393

Lonman · 22nd April 2002, 02:46

That.........I like.

MikeC · 22nd April 2002, 10:25

It's not at all easy to do such a conversion. The 8 series' roof is a supporting element and removal will result in a weakened body. The car will start bending and squeaking and lose overall- and driving stability.

As far as I know there is only one company that does it properly: Koenig in Munich. They install body reinforcements so that the car can take the additional stress caused by the missing roof. It does cost, of course. They charge EUR 85000, that's over $80000 (plus VAT of 16% in Germany).

The important question when you see such a conversion therefore is: "Who did it?"

...Mike

CarlT · 23rd April 2002, 17:49

Quote:

Originally posted by MikeC

The important question when you see such a conversion therefore is: "Who did it?"

...Mike

I agree. There are several companies that do these conversions in the US, with varying results... Even if a car is done to BMW specs, they are never as good as a Coupe. Convertibles are always a trade off. You sacrifice rigidity for sunshine...

Maybe this is a car that BMW should have built? If one looks at the success of the SL, I guess BMW did forget a segment of the market. Not sure the current Z8 is making an impact, but it doesn't seem that way.

Carl