[Klepper1]

So I was at my dealer this past Sat. getting the recall done on my 2006 550, and my regular sales guy told me that someone just backed out of an e93 order (2008 convertible). He said if I was interested, he could still change the order, but had to do it that day, as it was going into production on Monday. He said if I put down a $500 deposit, he would spec it how I wanted, and put my name on it. He also said I could back out of it if I don't want it when it gets here (4 to 5 weeks). Seemed like a free option, so I gave him the $500 and spec'd it to my liking.

So the question is, should I make the change? Trade in the 550i for the 335i convertible? I have had the e60 about 18 months, and 99% of the time I am the only one in the car. Also, Houston is a nice climate for a convertible.

[stormin norman]

Without thinking about money, do the change its nice to have vert now and again and with similar performance. But be aware changing cars costs money whatever you trade in. Did the sales guy say that also?

[knight]

nice climate in houston?
maybe now, but not in the summer...heck, not even spring.

if money is not a concern, i would just keep the 550, but that's imo

j/w, if you don't mind me asking, which dealership do you usually take your car to?

[Klepper1]

I am originally from Canada, and I have been here for 2 summers now. Trust me, this is a GREAT climate.

I go to Advantage Midtown, which is very close to where I work.

There will definatley be a cost to move, but it is not too bad.

[carchrism5]

keep the 550 and get the 335 too, everybody wins

[SE3P_to_E90]

seeing how you already put in "335" in the "drives:" on your avatar, it looks to me that you already made the switch subconsciously...
If you're the only one in the car 99% of the time, go for it. Convertibles are awesome and i wish i can get one one day.

yet again, the 550i is a beautiful car as well (w/ the new facelift and rear diffuser), so the decision might be a tad bit tricky!

[knight]

Originally Posted by Klepper1

I am originally from Canada, and I have been here for 2 summers now. Trust me, this is a GREAT climate.

I go to Advantage Midtown, which is very close to where I work.

There will definatley be a cost to move, but it is not too bad.

You're the first that I've met who said Houston had a great climate

In the winter, weather can get pretty nice like this week, but that's only a few months of the year...In summer, it can get very hot, not only that but very humid, so that's my only concerns for you. I don't think these past summers have been as hot as they usually have been though...

Never been to that dealership yet...just use caution when taking it to momentum down in sw..

but either way, both are great cars

[Klepper1]

Originally Posted by SE3P_to_E90

seeing how you already put in "335" in the "drives:" on your avatar, it looks to me that you already made the switch subconsciously...

It's funny you say that - I was not quite sure what to put, but it was a "required" field, so since this is a 3 series forum, I decided to put 335.

One other piece of info is that my 550i is an automatic with the steering wheel paddles, and they were fun for a while. I had the e93 spec'd with a 6 spd MT, which all my other cars have been, and I miss it.

It's definately a tough call.

[JoeClothing]

Hands down go 335i Cab if you don't need four doors. I just sold my E60 M5 to get a 335i and can't wait for it to arrive.
I drove 3 different 335i Cabs and they are a blast. Great all around car and with the hardtop can't be beat. The only downside is that the hardtop takes up pretty much all the room in the trunk.
Good Luck
P.S. the Cab will hold it's value much better than the 550i too....

[Dragonman4]

Originally Posted by carchrism5

keep the 550 and get the 335 too, everybody wins

I agree. Trade-in's are never truly worth it imo.

[2manycars1]

I drove a 5 and 6 series for a while, and now have a 335 convertible. It was great in the late summer, and now with four snow tires seems to do fine even in the snow (not that you have that concern in Houston). The 6 was a convertible as well, but the hardtop eliminates almost all of the blind spots, and feels very solid with the top up.

This may be my favorite all around car, and that includes several Porsche convertibles as well as the SL500 when it first came out. I can fit four people in pinch, yet have the fun of a "sporty" car when I want that.

[Corsis]

Now that you mention that the 550i is automatic and you truly miss manual, i would say make the switch and go with the 335i. I would say the first nice morning on your way to work that you take the top down and row through the gears you will have more than convinced yourself it was worth it.

[r1200c/335i/318ti]

You'll save some gas too...

[wesley_willis]

you will very much enjoy the 335 conv. in houston (even in some parts of winter!). i say go for it!

[Klepper1]

Originally Posted by Corsis

I would say the first nice morning on your way to work that you take the top down and row through the gears you will have more than convinced yourself it was worth it.

That does sound great!

Thanks all for the feedback.