Tell Me Why Not an E89

[RM]

So, a change in work practice means a 60m each-way commute once or twice a week. Firstly A-road, then M4 then M32. A good chance of stop-start traffic along the way, combined with a slipped disc, means my first automatic car is required. Not wanting to splash too much in the current inflated secondhand car market leads me to a budget of around £10-£15k.

The commute led me to think of something quiet and comfortable with a decent sound system, for a relaxing drive as much as possible, which led to a Lexus IS300H. Heated and cooled seats, good sounds with Mark Levinson, will mostly drive itself in queues with the active cruise control and I would presume reasonably refined when doing 70-80ish.

But dull.

An itch I have never really scratched is a convertible, the wife had a new beetle convertible which I quite enjoyed bumbling around town in. So a Boxster 987 was a thought, but stretching the budget for a 987.2 PDK and lack of refinement stopped that.

So, why not a BMW Z4 E89 with a folding hardtop? I had previously discounted a Merc SLK/SLC as being a bit small but the Z4 seems a decent size for my sizable bellied 6'2".

The folding hard top should give me reasonable refinement, I can get the 20i or 28i within budget, so a good 8sp ZF automatic and on the occasional summer's morning or evening the top down will give me some enjoyment on an otherwise very boring drive.

What am I missing?

[RM]

Thanks for all the replies.

Jasey_ said:

Slipped disc could be an issue - Loved my 35iS and I'm a similar height and at 18st probably heavier than you and getting in and out whilst no an issue for me not sure I'd enjoy it with a slipped disc.

Great cars

I’m about the same weight, entry and exit is not too bad on the back as long as I am comfortable when in.

One question if you don’t mind, how was the refinement and wind noise etc at 70/80ish with the hood up?