RE: BMW 4 Series Convertible: Review

[RoverP6B]

kambites said:

You didn't answer the question. Obviously there needs to be a balance but why is that balance 50:50?

In (non road-car based) racing cars in series where the weight distribution is unlimited but the cars can only be 2WD, what weight distribution do people go for? You can bet it's not 50:50.

Anything other than 50:50 is by definition unbalanced. What works on a racetrack is not the same as what works on the road. Race cars can be stiff enough to tune out some of the effects of unbalanced weight distribution, weight transfer and so on - not so with road cars.

[Maxus]

jdw1234 said:

Would you really notice on a sunny Sunday afternoon, roof down on your way for a pub lunch though?

This. If you want the last word in rigidity and balance don't buy a coupe with the top chopped off. Within reason I get more enjoyment from driving around with the roof down than I would from a cars rigidity and balance. Over some of our rutted roads my E46 does protest a little but on a sunny day with the roof down and the straight six howling you tend to overlook those little details.

[Grandfondo]

RoverP6B said:

Anything other than 50:50 is by definition unbalanced. What works on a racetrack is not the same as what works on the road. Race cars can be stiff enough to tune out some of the effects of unbalanced weight distribution, weight transfer and so on - not so with road cars.

What happens if you put suit cases and passengers in the back of your precious 50/50 car?

[HumbleJim]

Grandfondo said:

RoverP6B said:

Anything other than 50:50 is by definition unbalanced. What works on a racetrack is not the same as what works on the road. Race cars can be stiff enough to tune out some of the effects of unbalanced weight distribution, weight transfer and so on - not so with road cars.

What happens if you put suit cases and passengers in the back of your precious 50/50 car?

I think it's okay if you fold the back seats down.

[Grandfondo]

HumbleJim said:

Grandfondo said:

RoverP6B said:

Anything other than 50:50 is by definition unbalanced. What works on a racetrack is not the same as what works on the road. Race cars can be stiff enough to tune out some of the effects of unbalanced weight distribution, weight transfer and so on - not so with road cars.

What happens if you put suit cases and passengers in the back of your precious 50/50 car?

I think it's okay if you fold the back seats down.

Yes for top speed but of little relevance in an ultimate handling boulevard cruiser!

[g35x]

RoverP6B said:

I'm sorry, but nothing will EVER tempt me to buy something turbocharged or with questionable torsional rigidity. I enjoy a rigid bodyshell and natural aspiration (with the sharp throttle response that brings) too much.

The sharp throttle response that only a e39 520 can provide

To be honest I don't think BMW will be losing sleep over you putting yourself out of the buyer pool, in fact I don't think any manufacturer cares for that matter given your purchasing history.

For the record I have a E93 M3 ... sure I would have preferred the E92 but as with most things in life buying a car is ultimately a compromise (performance, utility, cost). The roof down allows you to experience the glorious engine note of the V8 and enjoy the car more in day to day driving conditions

[kambites]

RoverP6B said:

kambites said:

You didn't answer the question. Obviously there needs to be a balance but why is that balance 50:50?

In (non road-car based) racing cars in series where the weight distribution is unlimited but the cars can only be 2WD, what weight distribution do people go for? You can bet it's not 50:50.

Anything other than 50:50 is by definition unbalanced. What works on a racetrack is not the same as what works on the road. Race cars can be stiff enough to tune out some of the effects of unbalanced weight distribution, weight transfer and so on - not so with road cars.

That still isn't an answer to why 50:50 is somehow special and "best".

For me, it's somewhere between 45:60 and 40:60. Balance-wise things like the Cayman and F355 get it about perfect for my tastes.

Edited by kambites on Tuesday 18th February 18:26

[Stewiegriffin]

I currently drive a 420d m sport coupe and have just ordered a 428 m sport convertible. I will have the two cars for side by side comparison so will be interested to see if there is any less rigidity and change in composure. My 4 coupe is one of the best cars I've had the pleasure of driving with the best bits being the ride and body control so TBH some of the critique PH have leveled at the car they have use of surprises me.

[Munich]

RoverP6B said:

AudiWurst said:

Presume you're aware the E9x was a folding hardtop as well??

The E92 was a fixed-head coupe. The E93 was the wobbly poser's blancmange.

The F33 roof is identically to that of the E93.

[pagani1]

Another new generation lardy BMW blob. Where is the design genius of the late 80's and 90's.
They've got porsheitus-change not much evolve a little and keep sales, hopefully. The price is extortionate too!!

[LotusEspritTurbo]

About as interesting to look at a Patrick McLoughlin ar$e. Come on BMW, you are capable of so much more.

[oilit]

its interesting - ever since BMW did the origami hard top trick I have hardly seen any of these on the road (not that I am a BMW fan tbh) whereas the old rag top seemed to be everywhere !

Has the world moved on to something else (if so what?) or am I so oblivious towards BMW these days ?

[kambites]

oilit said:

its interesting - ever since BMW did the origami hard top trick I have hardly seen any of these on the road (not that I am a BMW fan tbh) whereas the old rag top seemed to be everywhere !

Has the world moved on to something else (if so what?) or am I so oblivious towards BMW these days ?

Are you sure it's not simply that they always have the roof up and look like the coupe from a distance?

[MyCC]

Why are BMW sacrificing so much of its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' identity recently? Once that identity is gone it's gone for good, they are getting more like VW every day, great solid cars but nothing to get excited about (M Cars, i8 excepted).

Regards,

MyCC.

[Matt99man]

ecs0set said:

+1

The E93 is an excellent compromise that meets my requirements. It's refined and secure with the roof up, seats 4 reasonable-sized people and you can waft about with the roof down and the kids in the back at the weekend. It's not as balanced as my previous E46 coupe, susceptible to a little understeer and yes the occasional wobble but that's part of the compromise that you accept for the folding roof.

The E93 M3 is a different matter. I personally don't see that the hardcore nature of the M3 engine and suspension fits well with the compromise of the folding hardtop. Hence why I have a 335i Auto... and a TVR if I need to go somewhere with my hair on fire.

Does the griff completely smash the 335 on performance?

[Matt99man]

ecs0set said:

+1

The E93 is an excellent compromise that meets my requirements. It's refined and secure with the roof up, seats 4 reasonable-sized people and you can waft about with the roof down and the kids in the back at the weekend. It's not as balanced as my previous E46 coupe, susceptible to a little understeer and yes the occasional wobble but that's part of the compromise that you accept for the folding roof.

The E93 M3 is a different matter. I personally don't see that the hardcore nature of the M3 engine and suspension fits well with the compromise of the folding hardtop. Hence why I have a 335i Auto... and a TVR if I need to go somewhere with my hair on fire.

Does the griff completely smash the 335 on performance?

[RichB]

g3org3y said:

Thanks Rich. My model collection/addiction increases!

Nothing 'special', standard AutoArt (Millennium) model. Obtained from eBay.

Ah ha, I wondered if it was done by the Dutch chap on the Scale Models thread who modifies production models to replicate one's personal car. If you've not seen it the thread is here and worth a look at his stuff. http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[RoverP6B]

HumbleJim said:

Grandfondo said:

What happens if you put suit cases and passengers in the back of your precious 50/50 car?

I think it's okay if you fold the back seats down.

Are two passengers and a bit of luggage really likely to weigh as much as that bloody great folding hardtop and its mechanisms?

[RoverP6B]

g35x said:

The sharp throttle response that only a e39 520 can provide

To be honest I don't think BMW will be losing sleep over you putting yourself out of the buyer pool, in fact I don't think any manufacturer cares for that matter given your purchasing history.

For the record I have a E93 M3 ... sure I would have preferred the E92 but as with most things in life buying a car is ultimately a compromise (performance, utility, cost). The roof down allows you to experience the glorious engine note of the V8 and enjoy the car more in day to day driving conditions

You'd be surprised about that 520. It's slow to 30 but it really does pull strongly - no lag, precious little inertia, it really likes to rev (and in fact it feels like it's still got plenty more to give when the limiter kicks in - I'm going to see about what would be required to lift the rev limit without nuking the engine). I've stuck with it for the simple reason that I LIKE IT. I've tried the newer BMWs and I just can't get on with them. Right now, there's nothing new that I want. I know I'm far from alone in feeling this way. My choice is as valid as yours and vice versa.

[Ozzie Osmond]

RoverP6B said:

An overweight folding-hardtop convertible..........

I'd be looking at the soft-top 1 series (2 series) or maybe a used 6 series if you want a bigger car.