1992 325ic vs 325i why did BMW keep the old body style?

[coyotefreek]

Just as the title said, why did they keep the old body style for the bmw 325ic convertible when the new style was on the sedan? I so far have been shopping for the 325ic convertible but when I see the newer body style on the sedan for the same price it makes me question if I am shopping for the right car. Although I love the newer body style, I want a convertible and I have no problem with the older body style other then it looks older. Is there some reason why BMW didn’t change the whole series to the newer style? Is there some mechanical reason why to get the newer style over the convertible? Thanks in advance!!

 

[Wadula]

the limo and coupe always come out first. in general the limo even earlier then the coup. the vert always comes later. but that's with a quite a few manufaturers out there.

 

[coyotefreek]

But usualy their not both out at the same time. The sedan would be released and the convertable later, Ive never seen them keep two diffrent body styles at the same time.

 

[carcus]

Normally, with a new body style, they will make a coupe first, then before they add a convert, there are things they have to design for structural rigidity. Not easy just to make a convert by hacking the top off. Heck, in LA, just takes a sawzall to make a convert, you need to have structure. Change the body, you have to look into the structure, stiffness, QUALITY. When you cut a top off, you lose that. You have to design a convert to make up for what the coupe has, a top. Then, add the fact, a convert has ADDED weight from the top mechanism. Converts are normally HEAVIER than a coupe and a bit slower. Safety is an issue. BMW prides itself on SAFETY and QUALITY. Even the hate to bring it up....new VW Bug and PT Cruiser convert had to do some mods before just hacking the top off and selling it. It really is all about safety and stiffness. Cut off a top...there goes the structure. Think of it, reinforced crossmember.....you get the idea. Less twist and turn on the body. An object in motion.....you know the physics laws....inertia takes its toll on a convert. Most convet aftermarket are designed around the undercarrige structure to reinforce the lack of a top. Hope this kinda helps. This is true for all converts built in the common market. Converts never will handle as well as the coupe in the twisties from body flex. You can get aftermarket parts to help like STB or cross members....it is all about safety. Hope this gives you what you were looking for. If you like the E46 get one, yes, they look a bit better to me, but my E36 convert......even though looks a bit older, BMW changes very little from body style, the E36 was the most RADICAL change from BMW in my opinion....but a convert is so much FUN!!!!! Just my 2 cents.