Are you addicted to having the top down in the convertible?

[tranquility]

This is my first convertible. Actually, before this, I NEVER got ppl and why they liked having convertibles. Perhaps it's because they didn't express why they liked it well enough or because I simply didn't 'get it'.

Generally-speaking, convertibles don't really make sense, right? They cost more, weigh more, are more complicated, and hinders performance (vs a coupe). Those were all bad points in my book.

However, all that changed when I finally tried it...and I was hooked. I guess the best way to describe why I now like convertibles is that it really removes that claustrophobic feeling I never knew existed in coupes. It is more airy and makes use of all that open air when otherwise one would have to use the a/c for a similar level of comfort. You also feel closer to the road with better vision and, of course, can hear that wonderful engine note. I put the top down every chance I get, to the disdain of my wife, who is not as eager as me in this department (doesn't like getting her hair messed up and blown all over the place lol).

Please share your views on convertibles. That's all from me.

[BMWZ4]

This is my 3rd convertible and I concur! Expensive, impractical etc...but LOADS of fun and very liberating. I love driving up to the cottage on a nice day, top down, tunes and taking those twisties!

Dave

[Silver-Bolt]

I will let you know Friday when we pick up our first real convertible. The only convertibles I have owned in the past were cars I cut the tops off of. To me the ultimate convertible is still a motorcycle. Short of that the Z will be like a side by side motorcycle with a trunk. Way more practicle than a bike.

[asty]

This is my first convertible too and I love having the top down when ever I can. But the reason this is my first is that I don't like soft tops and the new Z4 is the first hard top convertible that looks as good as a coupe.... In my opinion of course.

[richard in NC]

The Z4 is my first. I didn't get it either. We had one when I was a kid. It was a laborious process to put the top down and snap the cover in place, and vice versa. Add the northern climate and the top was dropped maybe twice a year. Thirty years later, and my parents second 'vert didn't change a thing.

But, top down in the Z4 can be liberating, even in rush hour traffic going home from work. Plus it's so easy to use, and not much of a minus compared to a coupe. In Charlotte I love spring and fall for top down weather. In the heat of the summer, I have dropped the top going in to work, but then have to mess with my hair (what little I have left). It is still worth it.

[BlueZ4AZ]

This is my 4th convertible/open top car in a row. I drive with top down 90% of the time, even when it's slightly over 100 degrees.

2002 Honda S2000
2005 Nissan 350Z Roadster
2007 Corvette Coupe (removable roof)
2009 Z4

[Memphis1]

How's this for addicted, I drove it top down when it was 40 degrees outside and have the roof down ever since unless it rains. Even at 100 degrees I've still kept the top down, my arms look like they belong to a black person...

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by tranquility

This is my first convertible. Actually, before this, I NEVER got ppl and why they liked having convertibles. Perhaps it's because they didn't express why they liked it well enough or because I simply didn't 'get it'.

Generally-speaking, convertibles don't really make sense, right? They cost more, weigh more, are more complicated, and hinders performance (vs a coupe). Those were all bad points in my book.

However, all that changed when I finally tried it...and I was hooked. I guess the best way to describe why I now like convertibles is that it really removes that claustrophobic feeling I never knew existed in coupes. It is more airy and makes use of all that open air when otherwise one would have to use the a/c for a similar level of comfort. You also feel closer to the road with better vision and, of course, can hear that wonderful engine note. I put the top down every chance I get, to the disdain of my wife, who is not as eager as me in this department (doesn't like getting her hair messed up and blown all over the place lol).

Please share your views on convertibles. That's all from me.

tranquility

I think you answered all your own questions

I recall last year this time I drove to Toronto in my then Z4 30is Alpine White to see the air show. Well I arrived just in time, however, parking was a nightmare. Police all over the place handing out tickets. Traffic along the lake was at a snail pace bumper to bumper. I simply lowered my black soft top and enjoyed the show. Some people said .. "Nice car! looks like you have the best seat in the house" I just smiled and said "thanks" .... well was one good reason to have a convertible.

Now with the E89 it is a no brainer we have 2 cars in one what could be better

Well something could be better, more reliable wheels and tires between this fine car and the road ... I'm working on that one might cost a few more SSS

As for the top down ... I have to say for long highway drives I have the top up (radio volume up a bit to drown out the RFT noise ~ perhaps that might change once I change to NRFT ), in towns and or cities I like it down. In fact all along my drive on US 1 and US 101 the top was down (LA to Portland, OR) and I loved it.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by Memphis1

How's this for addicted, I drove it top down when it was 40 degrees outside and have the roof down ever since unless it rains. Even at 100 degrees I've still kept the top down, my arms look like they belong to a black person...

Memphis, One tip I got from a very reliable source is to add 10% more air to the rear tires when running with the top down. Just like to pass that on to you.

[K666 ADM]

My first convertible was a Honda CRX Del Sol - electric transtop convertible - put a lot of weight on the rear end and being front engined and front wheel drive it was a bit of a mess in handling. But fun for open air motoring and a fancy roof mechanism.

Then moved to a MCC Smart Roadster, mid-engined, turbo charged and rear wheel drive, handles like a sports shoe and the low weight means the 700cc engine is ample to keep things moving.

Moved to the middle east (Qatar) so bought a 2008 mustang, but the fixed coupe began to annoy me so last month picked up my Z4 30i, it ticks a lot of my boxes and meets most of my needs.

The reason we love cnvertibles is the same reason that dogs like to hang their heads out of moving cars - it just feels good and doing it makes us happy. Out here it gets pretty hot, but roaming at night with the roof down is a guilty pleasure and really lets you appreciate the tall buildings and night sky.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by K666 ADM

My first convertible was a Honda CRX Del Sol - electric transtop convertible - put a lot of weight on the rear end and being front engined and front wheel drive it was a bit of a mess in handling. But fun for open air motoring and a fancy roof mechanism.

Then moved to a MCC Smart Roadster, mid-engined, turbo charged and rear wheel drive, handles like a sports shoe and the low weight means the 700cc engine is ample to keep things moving.

Moved to the middle east (Qatar) so bought a 2008 mustang, but the fixed coupe began to annoy me so last month picked up my Z4 30i, it ticks a lot of my boxes and meets most of my needs.

The reason we love cnvertibles is the same reason that dogs like to hang their heads out of moving cars - it just feels good and doing it makes us happy. Out here it gets pretty hot, but roaming at night with the roof down is a guilty pleasure and really lets you appreciate the tall buildings and night sky.

+1 well said

I love to cruse at night in cities, I've done it in London, Paris, Cairo, Rome, München, Frankfurt, Berlin, Hamburg, Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto ... just to mention a few ... so much more fun without all that traffic and as you mentioned getting a great view of the tall skyscrapers so much nicer.

[TurboHank]

This is also my first convertible, but I have always wanted one when I first arrived in the US of A in 2000. When I picked up the Z from the dealer, it was 12.8C (55F) that evening. I didn't give a rat's ass and drove 50 miles back home top down with a big ass burly jacket and feeling like a pimp. All I was missing was Snoop Dog's Golden Goblet!

[BlueZ4AZ]

Originally Posted by Memphis1

How's this for addicted, I drove it top down when it was 40 degrees outside and have the roof down ever since unless it rains. Even at 100 degrees I've still kept the top down, my arms look like they belong to a black person...

How many 100 degree days you gettin' there in CT?

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by BlueZ4AZ

How many 100 degree days you gettin' there in CT?

On July 31 in the center of Dead Valley (six foot above seal level) we had 120 F (49C) boy it was hot

[Memphis1]

Originally Posted by BlueZ4AZ

How many 100 degree days you gettin' there in CT?

Quite a few in July, remember my exhaust stopped barking and farting, that's the reason why. we even had some "don't go outside unless you must" days. Gotta remember our summers are humid, not dry like AZ.

[BlueZ4AZ]

Originally Posted by Memphis1

Quite a few in July, remember my exhaust stopped barking and farting, that's the reason why. we even had some "don't go outside unless you must" days. Gotta remember our summers are humid, not dry like AZ.

I know all too well about the humidity. I lived in Syracuse 32 years and remember the humidity, but we had one 100+ degree day the entire 32 years I lived there.

Did you have quite a few, "feels like 100 degree days" or actual 100 degree days?

[BlueZ4AZ]

Originally Posted by Rolf-Dieter

On July 31 in the center of Dead Valley (six foot above seal level) we had 120 F (49C) boy it was hot

That's a sizzler.

Hottest my Z4 thermometer registered so far here in Phoenix this summer was 119.

[cdeslandes]

This is my first convertible.

I've wanted one since as long as I can remember, but the ones I test drove or rented in the past didn't impress me as the bar at the top of the windshield was usually right in front of my forehead and gave me a weird claustrophopic feeling even with the top down (Mustangs, Volvo, etc.)

I also prefered a hardtop, which limits the choices.

In recent years I considered and SLK or Boxster but could never justify the extra cost.

The Z4 won me over with its combination of looks, comfort, performance, hardtop and visibility with the top up or down.

I'm utterly addicted to having the roof down, drove it in 45F weather and up to 90 (above that, especially if it's humid, I close the roof) I've even driven it open in light rain, the secret is to drive fast enough so you don't get wet.

My favorite game these days it to rev the engine when I'm under an overpass. The sound is priceless.

[cdeslandes]

Originally Posted by BlueZ4AZ

How many 100 degree days you gettin' there in CT?

These days, CT weather is more like NC weather than traditional New England.

I commute regularly to NC and SC for work and don't notice much difference temperature- or humidity-wise with CT.

Not sure if it's global warming or a vast (pick one: [right-wing/left-wing]) conspiracy but it sure feels different.

[cdeslandes]

Originally Posted by tranquility

Generally-speaking, convertibles don't really make sense, right? They cost more, weigh more, are more complicated, and hinders performance (vs a coupe). Those were all bad points in my book.

If we all tried to make sense, we'd all be driving minivans!

[NikkiZ4]

I had a Mustang convertible when I was in college and I loved driving it around the campus. Since then it's been sensible cars, until I fell in love with new Z4.

I'm a girl and I have long hair, but it doesn't matter that my hair is a partial mess by the time I get to my destination. There is nothing like the feel of driving PCH north to Santa Barbara with the top down.

I can't wait to make the drive long Big Sur!

[flpnout]

I started out with:
1. 2001 Honda S2000 - Red w/black interior
2. 2002 BMW 325ci convertible (my first BMW) - Red w/beige interior
3. 2004 M3 convertible - Alpine white w/ grey interior
4. 2008 BMW 650i convertible - Alpine white w/ saddle brown
5. 2008 M Roadster - Imola Red w/beige interior

I guess you could say I like convertibles.......