Hi all, first time post. I did a search and oddly enough didn't find much on this topic. Maybe I didn't search correctly, not sure. In any case, I am planning on buying a Mini Cooper S after I sell my current car (2023 M3 Base w/ Manual), which I am going to post online later today. I will likely get a 2-door hardtop. However, I have been playing around with the idea of getting a convertible.

I haven't driven either yet, but curious what people think about the hardtop vs. convertibles in general. Especially since I have never owned a convertible. Specifically, here are my concerns with the convertible:

1. Will I need to hand wash it exclusively? Trying to avoid this with my next car.
2. Given the added weight, does it lose any of its go-kart-like, fun-to-drive nature?
3. Will I notice the loss of rigidity that the hardtop provides in terms of chassis flex, cowl shake, interior rattles, etc?
4. I would expect there to be more road and wind noise, but not sure if it's minor, or very significant.

Thanks in advance, and if anyone is looking for an M3 manual with very low mileage (currently in NorCal) and a factory extended warranty, let me know. :-)

 

My two cents and we own a mini Roaster since 2013.

1: Can't say for sure about roller like wash. I'd be concerned of the pressure applied to the top. I do mine by hand, but could see using a pressure washing shop just fine.
2: No. Convertibles have a stiffer chassis to account for the loss of the roof rigidity. My understanding is that it improves the stability and go cart feel (especially in the case of the roadster it's quite noticeable).
3: If anything you will feel more road imperfection. As far as rattles. Just the same as any other MINI like cars. Lots of plastic and clips in the assembly. Parts tend to loosen overtime. Ours isn't bad after 10 plus years of ownership. It depends on one's daily road situation really. If everything is dirt road, pot holes, or cobble stones it will be aggravating.
4: There is more road noise ingress when the top is up than none convertible by the nature of MINI convertibles top made of a single lined material. That comes with the territory of non-luxury convertible market. But any soft top will have more noise ingress. Soft top convertibles are simply a well built tent after all.

Aside from that convertible cars are underrated imho. Too much fears of the unknown

 

Have a 2024 JCW Convertible. Some thoughts..
Don't use a pressure washer on the top will damage it. Can use low pressure washer; Never had a JCW Hardtop but the go-cart feeling is there with the convertible; traded my 2020 Mustang GT350 for the convertible the convertible is definitely more tossable on the road;
Noise with the top up is not bad can hear conversations and radio no problem; top down a lot of wind noise as expected less so with a wind deflector; run flat tires have worked fine for me saved me a few times after picking up nails one tire bulge after hitting a rather stout expansion joint in the road. Good luck with you quest..

Greg

 

Since you're coming from a manual M3, you're probably interested in handling precision and dynamics. If so, I'd recommend the Cooper S hardtop instead.

 

That's kind of what I was thinking, which is what I did, in Melting Sliver with a black top. Also, they didn't have any convertibles available for ~6 weeks. So there was that.

So far it's been great. Still breaking it in, so haven't pushed it at all. That said, I did prepare for this by purchasing a set of 4 Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02. My car came with the 17" wheels, which I preferred. I think they give it a more retro look, and more importantly, I wanted a bit more ride comfort. Unfortunately it came with crappy all season tires. I leased it, so I'll use the Continentals and throw the all seasons back on for the lease return so I don't get dinged for excess tire wear. At least that's how I justified it with my wife. Haha.