Back to the practical convertible discussion

[JHZR2]

Mods - delete or lock this if you like. The thread was informative to me, but I can see the posts that were why you locked the other one.

I'd still like a bit of additional insight, if possible... regarding having a vert in NJ - and its regular use.

Well, take right now... late march, 50 degrees out. Perfect for being outside. I can imagine that it can be a bit cool with the top down (wind chill type heat loss), but with seat heaters and the heat on, can it be bad?

I rarely commute during the heat of the day. Most of my driving is before 9 or after 5. Even in the summer when it is real hot Ive avoided the worst part of the day.

I have to imagine that with out weather, I can get 8 months use out of it, and that is the assumption Im running off of.

We had a rental vert (mustang) in Dallas, TX, middle of summer, driving in the middle of the day - that was hot, but we still enjoyed it. Cold doesnt bother me, and I don't drive a fast commute - 45-50 MPH is my max speed, so I dont see that as an issue either.

Am I thinking about usability the wrong way? Im not going to use it at noon on a 100F day, nor on any day that has rain, snow, or sub-30F weather... But that still leaves a LOT of beautiful days in our area... roughly 8 months less the rainy days.

Your thoughts/advice???

[singular]

Originally Posted by JHZR2

Mods - delete or lock this if you like. The thread was informative to me, but I can see the posts that were why you locked the other one.

I'd still like a bit of additional insight, if possible... regarding having a vert in NJ - and its regular use.

Well, take right now... late march, 50 degrees out. Perfect for being outside. I can imagine that it can be a bit cool with the top down (wind chill type heat loss), but with seat heaters and the heat on, can it be bad?

I rarely commute during the heat of the day. Most of my driving is before 9 or after 5. Even in the summer when it is real hot Ive avoided the worst part of the day.

I have to imagine that with out weather, I can get 8 months use out of it, and that is the assumption Im running off of.

We had a rental vert (mustang) in Dallas, TX, middle of summer, driving in the middle of the day - that was hot, but we still enjoyed it. Cold doesnt bother me, and I don't drive a fast commute - 45-50 MPH is my max speed, so I dont see that as an issue either.

Am I thinking about usability the wrong way? Im not going to use it at noon on a 100F day, nor on any day that has rain, snow, or sub-30F weather... But that still leaves a LOT of beautiful days in our area... roughly 8 months less the rainy days.

Your thoughts/advice???

After all that... glad to see you didn't give up.

I've been driving mine topless over the last 3+ weeks. Some mornings have been in the 40's and are doable but I usually have the top up then. Most mornings have been in the low 50's. No problem. The heated seats do help. Also, the "Auto" temp control switches to "convertible mode" when the top is down, which also helps.

I've also found it useful to keep a cap in the car for times when the sun is up high or in my face.

As I said before, IMO, other then keeping a look out for the occasional rainstorm, a convertible would work fine in NJ.

[JHZR2]

thanks! noting that you have the premium hifi, though I suppose you can only guess... does it really have a benefit with the top down? can you really play music, without it being obscenely loud, and it have some quality when the top is down?

[gtaday51]

Im on LI and my top has been down every day over the winter. The 1er vert, with a hast and gloves is a very comfortible place in the winter, even with the top down. Although I have enjoyed these past few days of 50+

[tbird]

I have the full "stereo" works in mine, sounds still good with top down.

To me, if it is cold, I just crank the heat. The cic has a "top down" HVAC mode to control the temp in the car, it works well.

As always, the vert is up to "personal preference". If you live for topless, then you will do it.

[macmook]

My rule is if it's not raining or snowing, and it's 50 degrees or better, the top comes down.

I'm about 70 miles north of NYC and the top was down all day on Saturday.

I had the diffuser in an e46 M3 cabrio and the same applied. Not sure if I need the diffuser in the 135i yet. Heat and heated seats are great.

While I prefer the lines of the coupe vs. the top up convertible. The days when that top come down are a driving pleasure.

Good luck!

[jmcgraw013]

It hit 75 this afternoon in No. VA - the top was down, sunshine= unmatchable enjoyment! I've also found that it helps to keep some sunscreen handy in the glove box as I've gotten burned already a couple of times after driving around on a sunny day.

[Tom K.]

Regarding your question about heat, I'd avoid a black 'vert - but otherwise, you shouldn't have a problem. Last August, I drove my Cashmere Silver 128i cabrio down the Las Vegas strip in 110o heat. Although I would have had the top down in my younger days, the top was up this time and (with A/C) the car was quite comfortable - even though traffic was heavy and only moving at 5~10 mph.

The only thing to worry about in cold weather is that the summer tires which come with the Sport Package are not suitable for either snow or sub-freezing temperatures and, of course, don't stint on sun block. (Also +1 to Singular's suggestion about keeping a cap in the car - especially for those of us with thinning hair.)

While I'm lucky enough to have another car to drive in the winter, I've had convertibles as my sole transportation on and off for over 40 years. If we were talking about a '50s British roadster, it would be one thing, but there is no reason not to enjoy a BMW 1er droptop year round.
Tom

[singular]

Originally Posted by JHZR2

thanks! noting that you have the premium hifi, though I suppose you can only guess... does it really have a benefit with the top down? can you really play music, without it being obscenely loud, and it have some quality when the top is down?

No problems with stereo quality. If you put your windows up you get a lot less road and wind noise so you don't have to crank it that loud. Also, you can set up the sound system to adapt to your speed so it's not blasting when you hit the red lights.

I know others feel aftermarket stereos are higher quality or have more umph - but I'm fine with the prem. BMW sound. Took me a week to get used to the non-standard interface, but no big deal. I assume you can't get aftermarket systems to integrate with iDrive.

Ditto on the sunblock!

[amybang]

Originally Posted by JHZR2

Well, take right now... late march, 50 degrees out. Perfect for being outside. I can imagine that it can be a bit cool with the top down (wind chill type heat loss), but with seat heaters and the heat on, can it be bad?

I live in Boston. I've had the top down a few times already this March. Heated seats are a must though. Even on cool evenings in the summer.

Originally Posted by JHZR2

thanks! noting that you have the premium hifi, though I suppose you can only guess... does it really have a benefit with the top down? can you really play music, without it being obscenely loud, and it have some quality when the top is down?

I can hear music just fine with the top down, just the standard stereo system. And I have had phone conversations using the Bluetooth with the top down at 50MPH.

amy!

[warmtoes]

I've drivn top down a few times this year. Just this weekend it was just below 50 degrees and it was fine especially with the wind blocker in the back.

[tbird]

Just to brag about SoFL a bit, my top has been down more times than it has been up, and that has been since October.

That darn Jan weather we have down here, so cold during the day, dips down into the 60's in temps, so cold, have to blast the heat to stay warm.

Now that I am done being a smartass on the weather, back to the car. Just nothing like a vert. Sun and fun all in the 1, that's how it's done!!