Deals on new 435D Xdrive convertible

[Harneet]

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

[Harneet]

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.

[Harneet]

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!

[Harneet]

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.

[Harneet]

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

[Harneet]

Thanks for all the replies - they've been really helpful. I suspect I will have a lot of fun test driving all of the cars everyone's suggested!

Moffat, re: the MPPSK, is that an official BMW conversion as I didn't see it when I configured a new 440i the other night?

Cheers,
NikM

[Harneet]

Thanks, it's really helpful to get other people's perspectives - especially when they've had to make a similar decision.

It looks like I really need to try and spend a day in a 440 and 435D to see which one is right for me - I'm just so reluctant to let my M5 go!

Cheers Guys

[Harneet]

Guys, thanks for the advice.

I hadn't really looked at the 240i convertible as I'm really trying to stick with folding metal roofs. Having never owned a convertible I want to ease myself in just in case - I'm assuming/hoping that with the roof up in the 4-series it feels the same as a coupe?

I know they take a lot more boot space and add a lot of weight, but I never really need the boot for anything other than some footballs for the kids and a gym bag. I would love to keep my M5 if I could (my reluctance to get rid of it is why I haven't really progressed yet), but my Wife has drawn a line in the sand on this issue so I'm "saving my battles" on this issue.

I did hear a 435D xDrive go by the other day and TBH, I couldn't really hear any engine clatter. I guess I need to hear one on cold start to really see if I can live with it.

Have to admit I've (almost) made my mind up to go for the 440i. I've specced one up on Drive the Deal and at the moment it looks like I save at least 20% off the list - which means getting one with all the options ticked for the same price as a 1-year old used car. I know it won't be as fast, or handle as well as, my M5 but because of where I live I never really get the chance to drive it like it was made to be driven anyway.

Soon as I can find a 435D and 440i local enough so I can sneak off for a test drive I will get the ball rolling!

Cheers!