4 Seat Convertible That's a Good Drive ?

[V8RX7]

I recently bought an E46 330 Convertible and whilst it's nicely built, it's definitely a cruiser and I HATE the throttle response, slow gear change, no LSD, lack of feel and the obvious weight.

Is there anything better ?

Max £10k really

I wondered whether the M3 is a nicer drive - I presume it has an LSD.

Is the A4 better ?

Or should I be looking at an older (lighter) car or perhaps a more basic one like the Mustang ?

I wondered about an E30 / E36 but I would like a glass rear screen really

I recently bought a 200SX which I think is great and I love RX7 / MX5 too BUT I want a fun 4 seat convertible.

[Wadeski]

In general, 4 seats = big "open" area = floppy chassis. Thats kind of hard to avoid. I don't think the alternative Saab or Audi will be an improvement.

the throttle response is specific to the BMW though.

But why not swap the 200sx for a good two seat convertible, and use a decent four seat hardtop for everyday?

Something like a VX220 and a four door E36 M3, or an RX8?

[kambites]

Would the rear seats of a 911 be big enough for your purposes?

[V8RX7]

I'm aware it's not going to be the ultimate driving machine but I usually have 2 kids with me so it has to be at least a 3 seater.

I already have loads of 1 & 2 seater toys

Yes a 911 rear should be ok - but I've tried two 911s and I didn't like them - I like a car to move around hence an LSD is a non negotiable requirement

[kambites]

If you want something a bit more... interactive, you're probably best off looking at classics?

[billzeebub]

BMW are probably as good as it gets in terms of RWD 4 seat Convertibles, certainly if you want useable rear seats. Otherwise 911 for the 2+2. Maybe try an M3 E46, as it is quite a lot more focused obviously

[carinaman]

What's the problem with the throttle response?

[GTIAlex]

10 205 cti's

[V8RX7]

carinaman said:

What's the problem with the throttle response?

Known issue - press the throttle, wait, wait, wait then it moves.

I've reset it and it's better but it isn't linear either and it's too light - my mum could have designed better.

[Haggleburyfinius]

TBH aside from aesthetic similarities the M3 is just a totally different car from the non M versions.

My long gone E46 M3 is the only car I've ever owned that I miss.

[V8RX7]

Been looking at 968s but the rear seats (and roof) are a joke.

E30 is the right weight at approx 1250kg

[johnfm]

Why would you need an LSD on a road car?

[g3org3y]

V8RX7 said:

Been looking at 968s but the rear seats (and roof) are a joke.

E30 is the right weight at approx 1250kg

E30 is great fun but plenty of scuttle shake. Communicative steering, very enjoyable but certainly not the last word in driving dynamics.

[sjj84]

Haggleburyfinius said:

My long gone E46 M3 is the only car I've ever owned that I miss.

Same, although I think the SMG box made it stand out so much for me.

[Haggleburyfinius]

sjj84 said:

Haggleburyfinius said:

My long gone E46 M3 is the only car I've ever owned that I miss.

Same, although I think the SMG box made it stand out so much for me.

Yup. I don't know whether it was just me but I used to drive mine pretty much all of the time with DSC off and the gearbox in setting 6 or whatever the one was that could only be activated thus.

Wonderful car.

[V8RX7]

johnfm said:

Why would you need an LSD on a road car?

To aid acceleration and have fun - what an odd question to ask on a car forum

[V8RX7]

Haggleburyfinius said:

TBH aside from aesthetic similarities the M3 is just a totally different car from the non M versions.

My long gone E46 M3 is the only car I've ever owned that I miss.

What was the throttle response like ?

Didn't it feel heavy ?

[Haggleburyfinius]

V8RX7 said:

Haggleburyfinius said:

TBH aside from aesthetic similarities the M3 is just a totally different car from the non M versions.

My long gone E46 M3 is the only car I've ever owned that I miss.

What was the throttle response like ?

Didn't it feel heavy ?

It's obviously a heavy car. The fun for me was its tail-happiness; seat of the pants driving. Every journey could be made fun with the DSC off. In the wet it was a riot. You just have to drive it like a hooligan rather than like you would a Porsche; all smoothness etc.

I had no issues with the throttle; obviously they are peaky, delivery wise but that's part of the magic. Mine had a Schnitzer exhaust so sounded glorious.

The problem for prospective purchasers is that to be enjoyed fully they need to be driven really hard imho; makes test drives a bit tricky

[aspirated]

E30 325i?

[aka_kerrly]

aspirated said:

E30 325i?

Or one of the best examples of a E36 M3 Evo or a average 645i?