[VetteDude_2014]

Help! I trust and value your feedback, everyone (to the extent you can be 100% objective, please):

Let me keep it short and to-the point...I don't "need"; rather, I "want" the new Vette (I think), or, I willl get another BMW (the M4 Convertible).

Facts:

(1) In 2003 I had my first Vette (bought it with my brother-in-law's GM discount--he actually works at the Corvette/Camaro motor assembly plant in Ontario, Canada);
(2) Had nothing but quality-control issues with it from 600 miles on (leaking transaxle--multiple leaks; multiple repairs);
(3) Sold it one year later, breaking-even (due to my GM discount);
(4) Never thought I would ever be interested again in GM products (due to the quality issues);
(5) Bought a 2011 BMW 335is convertible (LOVE IT!--no issues!);
(6) GAME-CHANGER! Enter 2014 and now I have "moto-lust" again so bad for the C7 (It's styling is second-to-none, IMHO);
(7) Have an opportunity to buy a fully-loaded Z51 convertible 3LT package at my brother-in-law's cost of $61K and some change (don't hate me!); and
(8) Found a dealer here in Dallas that will honor that pricing.

Now, question: Should I get the new Vette, or upgrade my Bimmer to the new M4 Convertible? This will be THE last toy I get for a long time and I want to be 100% happy with it for at least 5-10 years (until I retire). Note: it will be a weekend toy, not a daily driver.

Please provide opinions with any relevant facts (e.g., quality data points, residual value, etc.).

Thank you all so much!

Regards,

VetteDude_2014

 

[Chip]

Look...You may well have issues with a C-7 that you may not experience with a BMW, but a BMW does not stir the soul as does the C-7 imo. It will be a leap of faith that you have to make. I don't think anyone here will suggest that you buy the BMW, this is just not the right forum for that.

 

[jsvette]

Really? Asking on a Corvette (or any other OEM specific) forum for 100% objective responses The input that I can give that meets your "objective" responses is that the BMW M4 Vert is going to be more expensive to purchase than the Stingray Z51; the Stingray has independently been listed as having a higher residual value 5 years out by 42% to the 2015 BMW M4 Vert 37%, and finally you chose the handle VetteDude_2014 and hence in your own mind recognize that the C7 is what you want rather than "upgrading your Bimmer" to another BMW.
P.s.: Welcome to our forum!

 

[VetteDude_2014]

Guilty as charged, guys! You are quick to note that I didn't post this question on the BMW forums!

All kidding aside, how's the quality of the product in Year 1, all things considered? I've read enough on this Board alone to be concerned (e.g., about the differential fluid levels, etc.)...

Thanks!

 

[VetteDude_2014]

Thanks, Chip. I noticed on an unrelated topic that you are looking for feedback on SFla. I just built a home in Ft Myers (Pulte), about 5 miles north of RSW. I searched from Naples to Sarasota and everywhere in-between. Nothing is safe from hurricanes, per se, but all things considered, I think it's the best value for the $, for whatever that's worth.

 

[Chip]

Thanks for that! I'll site mail you for details.

 

[jsvette]

Guilty as charged, guys! You are quick to note that I didn't post this question on the BMW forums!

All kidding aside, how's the quality of the product in Year 1, all things considered? I've read enough on this Board alone to be concerned (e.g., about the differential fluid levels, etc.)...

Thanks!

I think you will find like any other enthusiast forum, the full range of responses from no real issues (like my experience with one of the early production cars, now with 6k+ miles) to some with many issues and then the majority following a normal curve somewhere in between the extremes.

 

[JoshuaKM1]

Vette Dude,

I think I have a reasonably unbiased viewpoint on your dilemma. I'm a BMW guy - my last three cars were, in order: a BMW 328i, a 135i, and a 535i. BMW is a fantastic brand. If you want to pose your question to BMW enthusiasts I encourage you to visit BMW M3 and BMW M4 Forum - Powered by vBulletin.

You really can't go wrong with either car, but it's important to keep in mind that the Corvette is a bespoke sports car - which is to say that it has been engineered from the ground up to be a performance machine. The M3/M4 is essentially a high-performance derivative of the basic 3-series architecture. This is in stark contrast to the C7 where every vent and sculpted shape of the car has been designed (on purpose) for optimal aerodynamics.

Personally, if I were in your position, I would be considering either the C7 or perhaps the Porsche Boxster S or GTS. If you're looking to get the best value/performance for your money then you'll pick the C7. I would also urge you to consider the coupe version which I think is really the best of both worlds. You get the structural rigidity of a coupe and you can take the top off on the weekends.

Don't get me wrong - I love the M3 & M4. I test drove both cars and loved the gobs of low-end torque and outstanding handling. When it came time to pull the trigger I chose the C7 for the very reasons I discussed above. It's a gorgeous exotic-looking sports car with the technological sophistication to match its movie-star looks. BMW forum members typically bash the corvette saying either A) they think the sharp lines of the corvette are too harsh and won't stand the test of time or B) they're not "corvette guys."

Also - sorry if I'm rambling - but getting an M3/M4 convertible just doesn't makes sense. You're getting a high performance car and then adding a bulky retractable hard top that adds weight. I really think the Porsche GTS is the closest (albeit far slower in a straight line) competitor to the C7... but be prepared to break out your check book. I optioned out a GTS online and it came out to around $ 90k.

Hope that's somewhat helpful...

Josh

 

[VetteDude_2014]

Thanks, Josh. Thoughtful response. My price on a fully-loaded coupe Z51, 3LT is $57K. Is that a good deal? Would I be able to drive it for a year and not lose much (given current demand and pricing pressure)?

I'm starting to think keep the BMW as a DD and get the Vette for the weekend toy! Problem solved!

 

[regguy1]

Thanks, Josh. Thoughtful response. My price on a fully-loaded coupe Z51, 3LT is $57K. Is that a good deal? Would I be able to drive it for a year and not lose much (given current demand and pricing pressure)?

I'm starting to think keep the BMW as a DD and get the Vette for the weekend toy! Problem solved!

Smokin' Deal !!

 

[TwoDoggs]

I won't pretend to know what to compare between the BMW and C7 since I have never had a BMW. And I had some concerns as well once I started reading a lot of the comments about the problems related to the 1st year model C7. But, with only 1000 miles on my 1st Corvette, I have experienced none of the problems listed here except for a required reflash of the seat memory issue on the manuals. Body alignment, paint, interior comfort, fluid levels, general quality is all good for my taste. I'm not a power nav user so what limitations there are don't bother me (yet). My daily drivers are a Lincoln MKS and Cadillac Escallade, so even though I'm not picky, I do like some luxury.

A smile grows on my face every time I walk into my garage - so to me its a wonderful car at a very good price. At your price of $57k it's be a steal - IMO.

 

[elegant]

Let us please not get into the mindset that BMW's are perfect, while Vettes have problems. Bought a brand new 2010 BMW 335xi, and it was in the shop eleven times in the first year. Previously had a brand new 2009, also a 335xi, that had two engine problems within a couple of months (then got totaled when a jerk hit me head on -- thankfully at low speed).

Conversely, have three friends who all got their StingRays prior to the end of October and not a one has had a single problem throughout their ownership.

 

[Ret9580]

57K for a fully loaded Z51 3LT Coupe? Seriously? Geez, PM me your dealer, I'm buying through that guy!

 

[VetteDude_2014]

Yeah, that's the thing: I am lucky enough to get GM Family First pricing. It's not available to the public and most dealers won't honor it. I just don't want to jump at the car just because I get the discount. I will jump because of the visceral feel and excitement of the the way the car drives. I will probably order a 2015 just the way I want it (limited floor models left at this point) and go pick it up in Bollingreen for the total experience (then hit the mountains with it before I drive it back to the God-aweful boring flatland of Texas--when I say mountains, I mean a nice, long detour via the Sierra's and down through my home town of San Diego).

 

[JoshuaKM1]

VetteDude - you're getting the deal of the century - I would definitely recommend ordering a 2015 with your GM preferred pricing.

Since you'll have some money left over I would recommend putting a paint protection film on the front of the car so it doesn't get destroyed by rock chips on the way home.

Enjoy the car.... I can't wait for mine to finally arrive...

 

[docMonty]

Thanks, Josh. Thoughtful response. My price on a fully-loaded coupe Z51, 3LT is $57K. Is that a good deal? Would I be able to drive it for a year and not lose much (given current demand and pricing pressure)?

I'm starting to think keep the BMW as a DD and get the Vette for the weekend toy! Problem solved!

I'd pull the trigger on that deal. I'm also a BMW fan, my wife's last two cars before getting a Boxter were 330 and 335 coupes. All three german cars have been tight, fun to drive, and very few quality issues. But they aren't exotic sports cars for 57k. And the base Boxter was more than my C7 coupe after we optioned them up. Don't get me wrong, I have a few issues I expect to have to fight with my dealer's service team to get improved but to me it's kind of like having a Ferrari. There are 'quirks' you may have to deal with on an exotic, especially one at this price.

 

[VetteDude_2014]

Thanks, Doc. I'll drink a Sleeman on Younge Street to that! In fact, I'll be doing that exact thing when I'm there next weekend visiting the in-laws! You live in an awesome town, eh?!

 

[Rich427]

VetteDude, I am not going to try to convince you to NOT buy a BMW. I am a GM guy, have been a GM guy for a long time and after reading so many responses on various threads, I maybe the only guy that has not had major quality issues with my vehicles. From Tahoes to Cadillacs, to Buicks, to my Corvettes, I can honestly say that I have not had a major issue with any of them. I am an owner of mulitple Corvettes, including my C7 Z51 vert, have been in the Corvette hobby for over 25 years, and I have been happy with everyone of them. You said you had quality issues with an '03. I just got rid of an '01 vert (no more garage space) and still own an '04 Z06 and can tell you that quality was not an issue with either one of them. I truly believe that when you buy a new vehicle it is somewhat of a crap shoot. Probably 95% of all vehichles are fine, but it is that 5% that drives people, and forums, crazy. This includes Vettes, BMWs, Ferraris, etc. So buy what you want. Life it too short to drive yourself crazy over whether it is going to be a good deal. At the price you are getting your Vette, you won't lose much, ...well maybe except for the smile on your face that this cars provides.

BTW, I saw in an earlier thread that you purchased a Pulte home in FM near SWFL International. Could that be in the community of Plantation? If so, I am located next door in Gateway! Let me know when you are in town and we can get the Vettes together. I also would opted for a vert. You can't beat the number of days that are available with top down driving here!

Anyway, good luck with your decision!

Rich

 

[RCjr]

Let us please not get into the mindset that BMW's are perfect, while Vettes have problems. Bought a brand new 2010 BMW 335xi, and it was in the shop eleven times in the first year. Previously had a brand new 2009, also a 335xi, that had two engine problems within a couple of months (then got totaled when a jerk hit me head on -- thankfully at low speed).

Conversely, have three friends who all got their StingRays prior to the end of October and not a one has had a single problem throughout their ownership.

My 335 convertible spent more time in the garage for repairs than any of the other 50+ cars I've owned. When the HPFP failed entering the freeway I'd had enough. BMW is not perfect.

 

[dhomoney]

I have owned two M3s, a E92 and an E36. Both were great cars, though the E36 was a more visceral sports car. Both were rock solid reliable. I have also owned a E90 335i and E65 535i and had only one issue with the 335i and only minor issues with the 535i. All my BMWs have been great cars. That said my C7 is awesome. I have about 2500 miles on it in just under a month. It has been reliable and fun. It is quite comfortable and I feel it is an overall better car than the E92 M3 I traded in on it. I have no regrets whatsoever. The new M with the twin turbo will be an awesome car, but from a performance perspective, the c7 will beat it.

I haven't dropped the roundel though as for speed I still keep my BMW S1000rr.