Deals on new 435D Xdrive convertible
Discussion
Hi Guys,
In light of recent weather I have, unsurprisingly, been thinking of selling my M5 and getting a 435D xdrive convertible instead.
I see that Drive the Deal are doing 25% discounts on new ones at the moment, so I just wanted to see if anyone has any experience of getting these deals on new BMW's. I've always assumed that the summer is the worst time to buy a convertible, but 25% off new looks like a cracking deal - and I think it might be expiring by the end of June.
Do you think I should wait until the Autumn or go for it now? Do you think I would manage to go direct to a dealer and get the same level of discount (by quoting the Drive the Deal offer)?
Finally, what are people's experiences of the 435D xdrive convertible?
Any help/advice much appreciated!
Cheers,
NikM
In light of recent weather I have, unsurprisingly, been thinking of selling my M5 and getting a 435D xdrive convertible instead.
I see that Drive the Deal are doing 25% discounts on new ones at the moment, so I just wanted to see if anyone has any experience of getting these deals on new BMW's. I've always assumed that the summer is the worst time to buy a convertible, but 25% off new looks like a cracking deal - and I think it might be expiring by the end of June.
Do you think I should wait until the Autumn or go for it now? Do you think I would manage to go direct to a dealer and get the same level of discount (by quoting the Drive the Deal offer)?
Finally, what are people's experiences of the 435D xdrive convertible?
Any help/advice much appreciated!
Cheers,
NikM
Ha ha, yes probably.
Don't get me wrong, I love my M5 - it's one of the most highly specced ones I've ever seen and the F10 is amazingly well built. I will be heartbroken to see it go. However, all the roads near where I live have got speed cameras everywhere so I hardly ever get the chance to drive it like it deserves to be driven.
I have therefore come to realise that it's almost pointless to have a high performance car in London. Further developing my flawed logic, I have reached the conclusion that I might as well get a (reasonably) fast car with features (other than blistering acceleration) that I can use more often.
I have narrowed this down to either cars with loads of tech in them (self-driving, electric etc.), or convertibles (which I've never owned but the wife has). As our other car's already a Tesla, I figured I'd go down the convertible route.
Makes perfect sense?
Cheers.
Don't get me wrong, I love my M5 - it's one of the most highly specced ones I've ever seen and the F10 is amazingly well built. I will be heartbroken to see it go. However, all the roads near where I live have got speed cameras everywhere so I hardly ever get the chance to drive it like it deserves to be driven.
I have therefore come to realise that it's almost pointless to have a high performance car in London. Further developing my flawed logic, I have reached the conclusion that I might as well get a (reasonably) fast car with features (other than blistering acceleration) that I can use more often.
I have narrowed this down to either cars with loads of tech in them (self-driving, electric etc.), or convertibles (which I've never owned but the wife has). As our other car's already a Tesla, I figured I'd go down the convertible route.
Makes perfect sense?
Cheers.
If you're not going to get use of a fast car, is it really worth going for something(still) as fast as a 435D?
If not and you need diesel would a 430 be as good a deal , benefits of RWD for fun times?
Funnily enough I was driving behind a 435d vert the other day and I thought then what a strange choice of car. The rear looked bloated and it didn't sound that nice.
440i convertible ? Nicer sound those B58 engines.
I do get your point that with these tax collecting cameras , it can be frustrating have a high performance car
If not and you need diesel would a 430 be as good a deal , benefits of RWD for fun times?
Funnily enough I was driving behind a 435d vert the other day and I thought then what a strange choice of car. The rear looked bloated and it didn't sound that nice.
440i convertible ? Nicer sound those B58 engines.
I do get your point that with these tax collecting cameras , it can be frustrating have a high performance car
Thanks for the replies guys.
I'm no fan of diesels, but am looking at the 435 because it's 4WD and a folding hard top. I used to have an RS6 and R32 before switching to M cars, and I do miss that traction in the wet and ice.
I would much prefer to get a petrol convertible, and I was also looking at the Bentley GT (bit of an old man's car interior) or a GranCabrio (no gadgets or 4WD).
I have yet to find my ultimate convertible, which has all three options (hard top, AWD and petrol) so settled on the 435D as the best option out of the three. I'm hoping I've overlooked a car and someone here can tell me what it is.
I like the 4 series shape but admittedly haven't seen a 435D with the hood down yet. Guess that should be the first thing I do!
Cheers!
I'm no fan of diesels, but am looking at the 435 because it's 4WD and a folding hard top. I used to have an RS6 and R32 before switching to M cars, and I do miss that traction in the wet and ice.
I would much prefer to get a petrol convertible, and I was also looking at the Bentley GT (bit of an old man's car interior) or a GranCabrio (no gadgets or 4WD).
I have yet to find my ultimate convertible, which has all three options (hard top, AWD and petrol) so settled on the 435D as the best option out of the three. I'm hoping I've overlooked a car and someone here can tell me what it is.
I like the 4 series shape but admittedly haven't seen a 435D with the hood down yet. Guess that should be the first thing I do!
Cheers!
Mrs E24man ended up with a 2015 435d Xdrive Msport Cabriolet to replace her 2004 Audi S4 Cabriolet which threw its legs in the air and died.
The pros are that it looks good, goes well, grips well, is a proper four seater as opposed to the smaller BMW cabs which are barely 2+2's, the folding hard top is a proper tin-top so it feels like a coupe in the winter and you'd be hard pressed to get anything less than 40mpg which for the available performance is outstanding.
The cons are that it sounds like a tractor, the interior trims (ours has the cubic aluminium with estoril accents) are flimsy and feel it and the boot is laughably small with the roof down.
The 435d is very well specced as standard, much more so than the standard spec on anything less in the range but our car missed out a few extra things such as heated air collar, through-boot loading and sliding armrest; to be honest they are all a bit gimmicky so we haven't missed them at all. I would say make sure you get the netting rear seat wind break thing as when you have just one or two people in the car it makes every speedy roof down journey much more pleasant.
Generic BMW faults are that the ride is very harsh on 19" runflats we test drove but we bought a car with 18" runflats and it's hugely better for such a small increase in sidewall height. The 8 speed auto that everyone raves about is great going up through the gears but gives no engine braking or feedback when coming back down ; coming from Alpina's fabulous SwitchTronic it's a huge turn-off for me.
I tried to steer Mrs E24man toward an Alpina B3 or D3 Cabriolet but she didn't like any of the available B3's at the time and we couldn't find a D3 Cabriolet; that, for me, would sort the ride and gearbox issues out and the B3 would sort the engine note as well.
Overall the 435d Xdrive (etc, etc, bloody long silly name) is a great commuter mobile which is the chief reason for Mrs E24man buying it but I can't help thinking that for you it wouldn't feel at all special after an M5; try the two Alpina Cabriolet offerings or an M4 Cab would be my suggestion.
Lastly, this generation of BMW 2, 3 and 4 series cars are littered with Estoril colour cars so try and stand out by getting one that isn't; sadly we didn't.
The pros are that it looks good, goes well, grips well, is a proper four seater as opposed to the smaller BMW cabs which are barely 2+2's, the folding hard top is a proper tin-top so it feels like a coupe in the winter and you'd be hard pressed to get anything less than 40mpg which for the available performance is outstanding.
The cons are that it sounds like a tractor, the interior trims (ours has the cubic aluminium with estoril accents) are flimsy and feel it and the boot is laughably small with the roof down.
The 435d is very well specced as standard, much more so than the standard spec on anything less in the range but our car missed out a few extra things such as heated air collar, through-boot loading and sliding armrest; to be honest they are all a bit gimmicky so we haven't missed them at all. I would say make sure you get the netting rear seat wind break thing as when you have just one or two people in the car it makes every speedy roof down journey much more pleasant.
Generic BMW faults are that the ride is very harsh on 19" runflats we test drove but we bought a car with 18" runflats and it's hugely better for such a small increase in sidewall height. The 8 speed auto that everyone raves about is great going up through the gears but gives no engine braking or feedback when coming back down ; coming from Alpina's fabulous SwitchTronic it's a huge turn-off for me.
I tried to steer Mrs E24man toward an Alpina B3 or D3 Cabriolet but she didn't like any of the available B3's at the time and we couldn't find a D3 Cabriolet; that, for me, would sort the ride and gearbox issues out and the B3 would sort the engine note as well.
Overall the 435d Xdrive (etc, etc, bloody long silly name) is a great commuter mobile which is the chief reason for Mrs E24man buying it but I can't help thinking that for you it wouldn't feel at all special after an M5; try the two Alpina Cabriolet offerings or an M4 Cab would be my suggestion.
Lastly, this generation of BMW 2, 3 and 4 series cars are littered with Estoril colour cars so try and stand out by getting one that isn't; sadly we didn't.
Thanks E24man, really helpful post.
I will do as you suggest and test drive the Alpina's (if I can find some nearby!) and M4 cab as well. I am very tempted by the Alpina's for the exact reasons you've highlighted, so I guess I just need to decide how important 4WD/xDrive is to me this time round.
Out of interest, what time of year did you buy your 435D? Do you think the old adage about convertibles being more expensive in the summer is still true?
Thanks.
I will do as you suggest and test drive the Alpina's (if I can find some nearby!) and M4 cab as well. I am very tempted by the Alpina's for the exact reasons you've highlighted, so I guess I just need to decide how important 4WD/xDrive is to me this time round.
Out of interest, what time of year did you buy your 435D? Do you think the old adage about convertibles being more expensive in the summer is still true?
Thanks.
I think you're making a mistake getting a diesel and you need to drive one a few times to see what you think, with the roof down too.
I jumped out of a C63 into a 640d and it was ultimately a mistake - why? Well the engine. Yes, it's very accomplished and suits the 6er, but it sounds terrible and is no fun to drive.
I pickup my new 440i next month and can't wait to say goodbye to diesel, forever!
I jumped out of a C63 into a 640d and it was ultimately a mistake - why? Well the engine. Yes, it's very accomplished and suits the 6er, but it sounds terrible and is no fun to drive.
I pickup my new 440i next month and can't wait to say goodbye to diesel, forever!
335d said:
I'm a big fan of the 35d engine, but even I wouldn't choose one for a convertible. The 440i sounds a much better idea, plus the optional MPPK exhaust!
+1I have an F31 335d but I always think of a convertible diesel as being the ultimate nonsense; why on earth would you want to listen to that?!!
JNW1 said:
335d said:
I'm a big fan of the 35d engine, but even I wouldn't choose one for a convertible. The 440i sounds a much better idea, plus the optional MPPK exhaust!
+1I have an F31 335d but I always think of a convertible diesel as being the ultimate nonsense; why on earth would you want to listen to that?!!
My next-door-neighbour has a lovely looking 4 series convertible in red....but then he starts it up! He sits on the drive, diesel engine idling like a tractor, while he waits for the roof to retract on a sunny day. And I just think, what an odd choice choosing a diesel for that kind of car.
Great deals/discounts still on the petrol version.
I think you guys have convinced me! I think I had got carried away with the idea because it's a hardtop convertible and xDrive, but I was conning myself a bit and turning a blind eye to the diesel noise issue.
My dilemma therefore continues! My new shortlist is therefore - M4 convertible; B4 Alpina convertible (if I can find one); 440i convertible; RS5 convertible; Merc C43 4matic convertible or Maserati Grancabrio.
I have grown "used" to BMW interiors over the last few years and I definitely like the tech/gadgets that they put in their cars, so I'm leaning towards the BMW options - what would others go for?
Thanks!
Nik M
My dilemma therefore continues! My new shortlist is therefore - M4 convertible; B4 Alpina convertible (if I can find one); 440i convertible; RS5 convertible; Merc C43 4matic convertible or Maserati Grancabrio.
I have grown "used" to BMW interiors over the last few years and I definitely like the tech/gadgets that they put in their cars, so I'm leaning towards the BMW options - what would others go for?
Thanks!
Nik M
Just on pitch in, I would recommend the 440i or a M4.
I would also ditch the AWD and focus on better tyres instead. I have never had any traction issues in my car and not once have I wished to have AWD. An M5 might be more easily provoked, but a 440i should be fine in all weathers on good tyres.
I would also ditch the AWD and focus on better tyres instead. I have never had any traction issues in my car and not once have I wished to have AWD. An M5 might be more easily provoked, but a 440i should be fine in all weathers on good tyres.
JNW1 said:
335d said:
I'm a big fan of the 35d engine, but even I wouldn't choose one for a convertible. The 440i sounds a much better idea, plus the optional MPPK exhaust!
+1I have an F31 335d but I always think of a convertible diesel as being the ultimate nonsense; why on earth would you want to listen to that?!!
^^^^^
I have to disagree a little as we have a 435d Convertible; it's a great engine in terms of power levels, delivery and remarkable economy and even though its Pistonheads we have to remember that for the vast majority of car users that is more than enough reason to choose it..... but, for the dwindling amount of driving enthusiasts the lack of engine note is a huge minus.
OP, to answer your earlier question I don't thnk there's a huge difference in buying or seling convertibles whether summer or winter; imho there might be a difference for older, classic type projects when Spring makes us all think of the next new car to tinker with, and maybe even a drop top project, but not more modern cars.
I would, despite the engine note protestations, ask you to perhaps include the D3 or D4 BiTurbo in your list as the entire Alpina package might be enough to win you over despite the lack of a noisy, rasping petrol powered propulsion plant.
Good luck and happy hunting.
I have to disagree a little as we have a 435d Convertible; it's a great engine in terms of power levels, delivery and remarkable economy and even though its Pistonheads we have to remember that for the vast majority of car users that is more than enough reason to choose it..... but, for the dwindling amount of driving enthusiasts the lack of engine note is a huge minus.
OP, to answer your earlier question I don't thnk there's a huge difference in buying or seling convertibles whether summer or winter; imho there might be a difference for older, classic type projects when Spring makes us all think of the next new car to tinker with, and maybe even a drop top project, but not more modern cars.
I would, despite the engine note protestations, ask you to perhaps include the D3 or D4 BiTurbo in your list as the entire Alpina package might be enough to win you over despite the lack of a noisy, rasping petrol powered propulsion plant.
Good luck and happy hunting.
If you really want 4WD, I think the C43 is worth looking at and I'd have one over a 435d in a flash.
I'm just not 100% sold on the exterior looks of the C43, but the engine is a cracker and you need to purchase the MPPSK on the 440i to make it sound as good and get close to it on power.
So for me in no particular order:
1. M4 Convertible with all its related higher costs
2. 440i Convertible
3. C43 Convertible
I'm just not 100% sold on the exterior looks of the C43, but the engine is a cracker and you need to purchase the MPPSK on the 440i to make it sound as good and get close to it on power.
So for me in no particular order:
1. M4 Convertible with all its related higher costs
2. 440i Convertible
3. C43 Convertible
SL550M said:
JNW1 said:
335d said:
I'm a big fan of the 35d engine, but even I wouldn't choose one for a convertible. The 440i sounds a much better idea, plus the optional MPPK exhaust!
+1I have an F31 335d but I always think of a convertible diesel as being the ultimate nonsense; why on earth would you want to listen to that?!!
My next-door-neighbour has a lovely looking 4 series convertible in red....but then he starts it up! He sits on the drive, diesel engine idling like a tractor, while he waits for the roof to retract on a sunny day. And I just think, what an odd choice choosing a diesel for that kind of car.
Great deals/discounts still on the petrol version.
There's no more engine noise (diesel or petrol) inside the cabin than the coupe (I had one of those before) - its really not an issue.
I've had mine for 2 years, never bothered me once.
Edited by GTEYE on Thursday 29th June 13:43
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