[qvantamon]

Kind of running opposite to the other thread - am I too young for a 'vert?

I am about to buy a new 3er. I was initially looking at the convertible - however my friend seems to be of the opinion (and to be honest, I kind of have that image too) that larger (as in 4-seater) convertibles are for older men (I'm male, in the upper 20s), and that I should get a Z4 instead (he had one of those - I currently own a roadster as well). Looking around, convertible (esp. premium-brand) drivers do seem on the older side, although it doesn't seem any more prevalent in larger ones than in roadsters, and could partly be explained by that age-group's earning power. I also got the impression that BMW 3s target a younger demographic (I'd say certainly younger than Mercedes'), does the convertible 3er share that image?

I also come from a place that almost doesn't have convertibles, so I'm a bit ignorant on the cultural views of convertibles... are they really stereotypically midlife-crisis cars, or is it more of a jokey stereotype (like the Boxster being a "chick-car", etc)? do people in general view 4-seater verts as any more midlifey than roadsters? I have a couple white hairs in my head, will people call me "sir" if they see me drive by in a 3er vert?

In that vein, if I don't get a vert my second option is a Sedan, which I also see as being targeted for people older than the coupe's demographic. So, which will make me look older, a Sedan or a Convertible? Will getting a convertible 1er instead of a 3er help anything in that respect?

 

[Robsa]

I think the stereotype does hold true. As you mentioned the price is more affordable to the older crowd. Also older people don't need a functional back seat. If you have ever fought the battle between a kid and their car seat on a 2 door vehilce you know what I mean. So older people whose kids are gone are in a better position financially and functionally to have a car like that.

 

[BerfsBimmer]

I say get whatever pleases you.

As for what others think... :flipoff:

 

[buckybadger]

I say get whatever pleases you.

As for what others think... :flipoff:

Agreed. :thumbup:

 

[vadim]

Is the 3-series convertible a midlife crisis car?

Yes. Like any other convertible.

 

[FCBayernFTW]

Is BoltJames in the House? He may be able to answer:bustingup

 

[Skywagon]

Life is one big crisis. Buy what you want!

 

[cwinter]

Kind of running opposite to the other thread - am I too young for a 'vert?

Only if you get it in bronze with leatherette and absolutely no options in it...

 

[bspears]

50 year old here driving a 2009 e93. It is NOT a midlife crisis car. It is the third convertible I have owned. Got my first one in college. Like a previous poster said it is mostly a reflection of income status and not giving a **** about having room for friends in the back seat.

 

[sdbrandon]

If you live in Seattle you have no need for a convertible. Doesn't rain like 90% of the time there? :dunno:

 

[Araq44]

I am 29 and have a 3 convert, I always have one convert in the stable. If you are a convert person then you have to have a convert, nothing else will do.

Who cares what other people think. F-them.

 

[octopump]

To your question, no it doesn't necessarily identify with older crowds/ drivers.

But some advice if I may since you are looking at getting a car: you could get a used Porsche for the price of a new Convertible.
Do yourself a favor and pick-out a nice CPO-ed 911.

 

[sdbrandon]

To your question, no it doesn't necessarily identify with older crowds/ drivers.

But some advice if I may since you are looking at getting a car: you could get a used Porsche for the price of a new Convertible.
Do yourself a favor and pick-out a nice CPO-ed 911.

He is in his upper 20's. Meaning $3-4k per year in insurance easy for a 911. :eeps:

 

[roadkillrob]

The Z4 is sweet, but a bit of a pain in the ass if you want to take a couple friends with you - I would consider the Z4 more of the midlife crisis car, kids are grown up and moved out and you and wife only need 2 seats! I don't use my backseat much, but wouldn't give it up yet anyway!

 

[Shocktopus]

Yes. Like any other convertible.

I must have started having my midlife crisis at 25 then, because that's what I've driven since my first Miata.

OMG I'M GONNA DIE AT 50!

/thread is a stupid question. Most youngsters don't have the money for a BMW so more of the people that do are older.

 

[sdbrandon]

The Z4 is sweet, but a bit of a pain in the ass if you want to take a couple friends with you - I would consider the Z4 more of the midlife crisis car, kids are grown up and moved out and you and wife only need 2 seats! I don't use my backseat much, but wouldn't give it up yet anyway!

Ug, a Z4. I had one as a loaner, road like a buckboard. Most uncomfortable and worse driving BMW I have driven. It bounced up and down so bad I would not even call the handling good. Maybe on a perfectly flat road with no imperfections it might do better. :thumbdwn: I had to take it back to the dealer for another car. First time I ever went through the trouble of trading a loaner.

 

[GinoDotCom]

Corvettes are very well known as a midlife crisis car. A BMW/Mercedes probably represents your income more than it does your age. No way do I think a 3 series Convert falls into the category of a crisis car.

However, the power of a BMW badge over a Toyota/Honda badge is powerful enough to make some people think you're buying an expensive ride to compensate for your crisis. All stereotypical.

 

[pistolpuma]

Who's buying it? You? Then get something that YOU want. Life's too short (and cars too expensive) to be worried about what others think you should buy.

I got the E93 because it offers a little more functionality and allows me to get in without eating my knees.

 

[DJEcLeCTiK]

Corvettes are very well known as a midlife crisis car. A BMW/Mercedes probably represents your income more than it does your age. No way do I think a 3 series Convert falls into the category of a crisis car.

However, the power of a BMW badge over a Toyota/Honda badge is powerful enough to make some people think you're buying an expensive ride to compensate for your crisis. All stereotypical.

I agree. I'm 27 and love how the E92/E93 looks and drives so much that I would give it serious consideration if I was 37, 47 or 57.

 

[///M-Furby]

Kind of running opposite to the other thread - am I too young for a 'vert?

I am about to buy a new 3er. I was initially looking at the convertible - however my friend seems to be of the opinion (and to be honest, I kind of have that image too) that larger (as in 4-seater) convertibles are for older men (I'm male, in the upper 20s), and that I should get a Z4 instead (he had one of those - I currently own a roadster as well). Looking around, convertible (esp. premium-brand) drivers do seem on the older side, although it doesn't seem any more prevalent in larger ones than in roadsters, and could partly be explained by that age-group's earning power. I also got the impression that BMW 3s target a younger demographic (I'd say certainly younger than Mercedes'), does the convertible 3er share that image?

Are you sure your not an attent-*****? I mean really - upper 20's and your asking about midlife crises? If you are at midlife crises in upper 20's when are you planning on dying 35?

4 seater = more space for the girls (or boys if that's what you like)