[Llarry]

I'm sure there are plenty of contenders for the best-looking BMW convertible, but I herewith nominate the F33 4 series cabriolet (convertible) for the honor.

[Llarry]

Here is the successor to the F33. The front end initially repelled me, but I've grown to accept it, but the roofline with top up just doesn't have the grace of the retractable hardtop.

[Yam_440i]

Personally the new 8 series convertible has to be the top for me

[jnj2455]

Funny, I loathe hardtops and find them clunky and ungraceful. Soft tops FTW.

In terms of convertible, my vote goes for the G22.
In terms of coupe, personally am biased but def F32 IMO

[eff32fl]

F33 > *

The 8 series convertible looks pretty snazzy as well.

[IcewaterPete]

My vote is for the 507.

But, as far as modern choices go I’m definitely partial to the F33. Looks like a bimmer and provides great year round capabilities and security. As someone who still needs to drive into lawless Chicago the hard top is paramount.

Pic is the day it arrived at the dealership.

[Razkal]

I have had 3 E46 convertibles and now an F33 which I love. Would be even better in manual.

[IcewaterPete]

Originally Posted by Llarry

Here is the successor to the F33. The front end initially repelled me, but I've grown to accept it, but the roofline with top up just doesn't have the grace of the retractable hardtop.

While I'm still not accepting the buck tooth look, it is getting a little more palatable in some forms...okay only really the 3.0 CSL Tribute. Initially I was excited about the return of the soft top from an olde school/lighter weight perspective. However, after seeing the big grill and the side profile I lost interest immediately. The side looks very Audi like. Nothing about the styling really grabs me as BMW as I think of it.

Funny thing is I really like the F33 profile with the more traditional upright greenhouse and larger rear side windows and Hofmeister kink, but at the same time I don't like the F32 with its sloping roof line. Just my rambling thoughts...

[IcewaterPete]

Originally Posted by Razkal

I have had 3 E46 convertibles and now an F33 which I love. Would be even better in manual.

So true about the manual!!! I went in to order my F33 as soon as I learned the next gen was confirmed as soft top/big grill and was shocked I couldn't get an manual. It almost pushed me into ordering a F83 so I could get the manual and San Marino Blue (my most favorite blue) - I'm just not a big fan of M 'verts as it seems to me like two concepts that are oxymoronic. Then I realized my wife would probably drive this one a lot and an auto would be best. As much as I love the F33 I find myself reaching for the F87C keys much more often in the summer due to its manual trans.

I love your blacked out version with the red leather seats and red calipers! Classic and classy!!

I've been tempted to add an E46 manual 'vert. What would you recommend regarding them after owning 3?!!

[J555]

...

[DavesZupra4]

I'll throw mine in for laughs

[eff32fl]

Originally Posted by DavesZupra4

I'll throw mine in for laughs

The Z4 is super nice too. I wish it had better aftermarket support. When I was first in the market for an F32 the Z4 was something I was considering but needed a trunk and somewhat of a back seat lol. They're very sleek and sporty looking.

[BmwJaz]

Originally Posted by Llarry

Here is the successor to the F33. The front end initially repelled me, but I've grown to accept it, but the roofline with top up just doesn't have the grace of the retractable hardtop.

I cry when I see these rooftops now, I love the Hardtop and wish they kept it or at least gave it as an option.

[SUbPra757]

I just bought a 2014 435i convertible M sport, automatic 40k miles. The hard top drop is what brought me to the car. I have had soft tops in my past. Whoever ordered this car wanted performance. Has all the M options, including dealer installed dry carbon fiber interior bits. Strangely not the LED option lights. The neck scarf rocks

[IcewaterPete]

Originally Posted by SUbPra757

I just bought a 2014 435i convertible M sport, automatic 40k miles. The hard top drop is what brought me to the car. I have had soft tops in my past. Whoever ordered this car wanted performance. Has all the M options, including dealer installed dry carbon fiber interior bits. Strangely not the LED option lights. The neck scarf rocks

Welcome and excellent choice! Any pics? What color?

[IcewaterPete]

Originally Posted by BmwJaz

I cry when I see these rooftops now, I love the Hardtop and wish they kept it or at least gave it as an option.

It sure seems like a step backwards to me.

[Llarry]

And then there's the reliability angle -- certainly there are complaints about the plastic trim pieces that go between the major sections getting brittle and breaking. But the basic mechanism seems solid, I think. Any F33 owners care to chime in?

[IcewaterPete]

Originally Posted by DavesZupra4

I'll throw mine in for laughs

Don’t sell yourself so short. It’s a beautiful design, it just needs a manual which I’m hopeful can happen now that Toyota has one in the Supra.

[IcewaterPete]

Originally Posted by Llarry

And then there's the reliability angle -- certainly there are complaints about the plastic trim pieces that go between the major sections getting brittle and breaking. But the basic mechanism seems solid, I think. Any F33 owners care to chime in?

I’ve had one of the guide wires snap which created a waterfall of broken parts. I’m hoping this is all that I have the pleasure to experience since I’ve never had any other convertible top issues with other OEMs. This includes used vehicles I’ve enjoyed without issues over extended periods of time. BMW seems to have gone very cheap on some mission critical parts. I make sure I oil and lube the appropriate components on the top as well as gummi plege the rubber seals a couple times a year.

[DavesZupra4]

Originally Posted by IcewaterPete

Don’t sell yourself so short. It’s a beautiful design, it just needs a manual which I’m hopeful can happen now that Toyota has one in the Supra.

Eh I never cared for manuals. Grew up in Europe watching f1 in the late 90s/early 2000s where they were already using paddles.

I actually track my cars, and a manual is a hassle and even at best, will still lose you some time on the track.

I also prefer manuals in cars 300hp or less that are lightweight. A manual for example in a m4 makes no sense to me. But that's me.

In corners. You really need all the focus to take the corner at max speed as possible and be in the right gears quickly, rowing your own gears midway corners just loses time (at least for me)

Also according to "insiders" the 2024 z4 will come with a manual

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by Llarry

I'm sure there are plenty of contenders for the best-looking BMW convertible, but I herewith nominate the F33 4 series cabriolet (convertible) for the honor.

Gorgeous car. Thanks for sharing!

[Razkal]

Originally Posted by IcewaterPete

So true about the manual!!! I went in to order my F33 as soon as I learned the next gen was confirmed as soft top/big grill and was shocked I couldn't get an manual. It almost pushed me into ordering a F83 so I could get the manual and San Marino Blue (my most favorite blue) - I'm just not a big fan of M 'verts as it seems to me like two concepts that are oxymoronic. Then I realized my wife would probably drive this one a lot and an auto would be best. As much as I love the F33 I find myself reaching for the F87C keys much more often in the summer due to its manual trans.

I love your blacked out version with the red leather seats and red calipers! Classic and classy!!

I've been tempted to add an E46 manual 'vert. What would you recommend regarding them after owning 3?!!

My apologies about the delayed response. I totally missed this one. When I picked this one up, I had the calipers done in red as they were grey before and I thought it would pop nicely with the interior. As for E46 convertibles, I had a supercharged 330 and M3 and they were an absolute blast to drive with the 6 spd transmission in both.