[p912guy]

As much as we all enjoy our 2 Series convertibles, sooner or later it comes time for a replacement. While I tend to keep my cars 100K miles, I always have an eye toward the future and what I might choose as my next DD to replace my beloved M235i. My short list has just expanded with the new information recently released about the 2020 (G29) Z4 M40i. I don't need or use my back seat and the new Z4 sounds like will be very similar in size to our 2 Series cars with a bit more power and a few less lbs, so it has me quite excited. My other short list replacement vehicles include the yet unannounced M440i / M4 convertible, provided it loses some lbs and comes as a soft top as rumored, the yet unannounced 2 Series replacement (convertible), provided it remains RWD and the 982 Porsche Boxster / Boxster S. Looking down the road 2 or 3 years, what's your 2 Series replacement?

[wdc330i]

Actually I concur with your entire list. Although I probably would not go with the Z4 (we had a Z3 at one point).

The new M4 would definitely be a contender, but only (as you mention) if it comes with a soft top. I would like, ultimately, a little more luxury and more features (without sacrificing performance) than the 2 series offers.

[Dylan86]

That Z4 M40 seems very appealing. If I were up for a vert, it would definitely be on the radar, if not a 2 series..

[BEM-S4]

My problem is I need a backseat - just a tiny one - for the pup. And I HATE folding hard tops. So that leaves me what keep my current 235, replace it with a 240 at some point, or a 911? I'm ignoring the Benzes and whatnot since I prioritize driving dynamics.

[babaikram]

If I keep my 520d. i would definitely replace my m240i with M2, if I do not keep my 520d and replace both m240i and 520d with one car, it is definitely going to be M3

[Rayscott]

Originally Posted by p912guy

As much as we all enjoy our 2 Series convertibles, sooner or later it comes time for a replacement. While I tend to keep my cars 100K miles, I always have an eye toward the future and what I might choose as my next DD to replace my beloved M235i. My short list has just expanded with the new information recently released about the 2020 (G29) Z4 M40i. I don't need or use my back seat and the new Z4 sounds like will be very similar in size to our 2 Series cars with a bit more power and a few less lbs, so it has me quite excited. My other short list replacement vehicles include the yet unannounced M440i / M4 convertible, provided it loses some lbs and comes as a soft top as rumored, the yet unannounced 2 Series replacement (convertible), provided it remains RWD and the 982 Porsche Boxster / Boxster S. Looking down the road 2 or 3 years, what's your 2 Series replacement?

A candle apple red coffin with flames. No vert as I don't want the bugs to get in. I own a 2016 228ix Msport. I only plan to put 5K per year on it so at 100k I will be in my 90's. If I'm still here I may go for whatever verts BMW has to offer.

[msej449]

Well, obviously …



Rolls-Royce Dawn, and perhaps the Black Edition:



Just need to find another $300,000 and a garage big enough to keep it. I live about 30 minutes from the factory at Goodwood and we regularly see what look like factory cars on the country roads around here.

[bimmerfile]

Probably gonna have to be the next gen BMW M440 ragtop.
Couple of reasons:
1. There are strong indications that there will not be a next gen 2-series convertible.
2. 2 grandkids (10 & 8 yrs) are getting a bit big for the 2er ragtop back seat (and I'm 6'5").
3. Test drove the new MB C43 ragtop - SUCKED. Didn't like the handling or performance.
4. Test drove a new Audi S5 ragtop - O.K., but couldn't even fit 1 set of my golf clubs in it with the top down, so total fail.

What else is there?

[TwistedX]

I guess I'm the opposite, I want the m4 but with the hardtop rather than soft top. Thankfully the m235 looks good with the soft top up unlike most soft tops which look like little alien bubbles with the soft top up

[NVHoo]

I plan to replace my 128 vert in a year or so. The 230 & M240 are my present replacement contenders. Based on what I have read, the new Z4 with the base 2L engine will be underpowered, so I would only consider a 6 cylinder. IMO the Audi base TT is a major contender. I've driven the 230 and the TT back to back and the performance is similar but the interior and electronics are far superior in the TT. The TT has AWD standard which is not an important item for me in the desert. The TT has about the same size trunk as the 2 series but has a compact spare so I don't need those crappy run-flats. The biggest negative for the TT is that it is significantly more expensive than a 230. In fact, I can get an M240 for about the same price as a base TT that will leave the base TT in the dust. A better performance comparison for the M240 is the TTS, but again, the Audi is more expensive but far superior interior. Many BMW fans harp about Audi reliability but surveys in recent years have Audi as one of the most reliable brands. Some other positives for the TT is that it is a very rare car with distinctive styling. Only about 2000 are sold annually in the US and my friends that own them are constantly getting asked "what's that" at gas stations. To me the 2 series looks like every other BMW line. I know there are fans here that think the 2 styling is markedly different than other BMWs, but I have to hunt for the logo to tell one BMW from another. Finally, the latest version TT (2016+) is holding resale far better than the 2 series. So for me, I have to decide if it is worth more $ for me to get a rarely seen car with very distinctive styling and a much better interior or go for the better performance/buck of the 2 series. I don't need a rear seat so that is not a negative for me but would push many folks to the 2 series. Frankly, I'm on the fence on which way to jump.

While I love the boxster, I have a personal problem not being able to even look at the engine without a lift and removing the undercover. I take a lot of long distance drives in my car and like to do a thorough visual inspection before I venture across the desert. The 2 series and TT trunk are better. The boxster has no spare. My friends that own them provide annual horror stories for routine maintenance cost.

[CP911]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the cars on your list. If it was a true DD that might encounter bad roads and poor weather, the longer wheelbase 4 series starts to make sense. Boot space on the current hard top is very limited, but you do get a bigger back seat and a more forgiving ride... and something about the hard top on that car looks classy. I still see older E93s rolling around in town that look great with the hard top styling!

Now, if you mainly care about raw performance and emotion for your daily commutes, which it sounds like you might, then it's going to be hard to beat the new Z4 or a Boxter S/GTS. The Z4 sounds like it will be worth waiting for if you are a hardcore ragtop kind of guy.

Whatever you end up with, enjoy the ride!

[lajollabeach]

Lease is up on my '16 228 msport vert in 6 mos. I really like driving the 4cyl and buy into the story that the 228/230 is more fun to drive on twisties than the the m235/240 due to less weight over the front wheels. I like twisties and don't care much about acceleration as long as the car doesn't feel subjectively slow. The 228 is quick enough except when overtaking uphill, or over 100 mph where it becomes pathetic. This in my 4th BMW convertible and my next car will be a convertible.

I am leaning toward a new 230 with THP and Dinan stage one harness. My understanding is that with THP there is nothing additional in the msport package that will actually make the car handle better so I may not get msport this time.

I am considering two other cars - a 135 around 2014, and a Fiat 124 Abarth. I drove the Fiat a little bit and it was pretty fun. Beautiful car IMO.

Any comments welcome.

[blitzjb]

I just got my 3rd!
1) 2013 128I
2) 2015 228I X
3) 2018 230I X

As long as they make them I will get a new one every 3 years

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by blitzjb

I just got my 3rd!
1) 2013 128I
2) 2015 228I X
3) 2018 230I X

As long as they make them I will get a new one every 3 years

You won't be getting another one then. End of life once the F23 is done.

[Thalia949]

I tend to keep my cars for a while and my M235 only has 10K on it, so I may not have to think about this for a long time, but leaning towards a 911 cab.

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

You won't be getting another one then. End of life once the F23 is done.

Yah, that's unfortunate.
I'm going to wait to see what the next 4er cabrio looks like. If it's a ragtop and comes out in M440 xDrive config, I'll probably go for that, else, I'll get a final year F23 to replace my current F23 and drive it 'til the wheels fall off..

[Climate Changer]

I'm on my 2nd 2 series convertible lease. I love these cars. All I want to do is get in the car and drive all day and night.
My lease is up 7/21. Not sure when EOP will be on the verts.
I would either buy a new M240i vert (last model year)
or lease a Z4. I love the looks of the Z4 never drove one yet.
I feel that these are my only 2 options. 4 series is not my style, too big.

[35mmSummicron]

I like all the cars in the poll, my priority is having a manual transmission. It just makes for a more enjoyable driving experience—even in daily city rush hour traffic.

I might give up the convertible for current M2C 6MT depending on how next gen 2er shapes up when my lease is up.

[EE60]

Originally Posted by 35mmSummicron

I like all the cars in the poll, my priority is having a manual transmission. It just makes for a more enjoyable driving experience—even in daily city rush hour traffic.

I might give up the convertible for current M2C 6MT depending on how next gen 2er shapes up lwhen my lease is up.

There is no next vert

I'm keeping my 6MT forever

I still have my original owner E30

[lajollabeach]

Originally Posted by Climate Changer

I'm on my 2nd 2 series convertible lease. I love these cars. All I want to do is get in the car and drive all day and night.
My lease is up 7/21. Not sure when EOP will be on the verts.
I would either buy a new M240i vert (last model year)
or lease a Z4. I love the looks of the Z4 never drove one yet.
I feel that these are my only 2 options. 4 series is not my style, too big.

I'm also on my 2nd (4-banger) 2 series vert and also love them. The 228i was an M Sport lease. The current car - 230i - I bought. It has the track handling package and no M Sport. I can't say enough about the THP. There is a school of thought that the 230i is inherently more fun on twisty roads due to 125 lb less weight on top of the front axle. I've only driven the M240i on a track so I really have no valid comparison. However my car is really, really, really fun. All I want to do is get in the car and drive all day and night on twisty roads in Calif. And if I'm ever feeling down I just remind myself that there is a 2019 230i TPH convertible in my garage, and then I fine again.

[REC911]

First post here! I have not driven my new to me M235i conv. yet but looking forward to it. Here is my list of past drop tops from most recent to last. If you have any questions about how they were let me know. I am hoping the M235 will be just right and a keeper.
2014 F-type V8 auto
2015 Boxster GTS PDK
2013 Lexus IS350C
2006 Z4 3.0is x3

[mb67]

I had an E85 '07 Z4 that I sold to get my current 228i Conv. The Z4 was just too cramped and a little bit punishing for me. I sat behind the wheel of the new Z4 and it felt just as cramped as my old one did, so it's a hard pass for me.

It has been a dream of mine to own a Porsche so that might be what I'm going to get next.