Welcome.

As you probably know, this forum stands as only one of many sources of information the web has to offer. I would like to invite all who are so inclined to feel free to use this forum for any E31 discourse.

The only pre-caution I offer is to bear in mind that this is a discussion forum dedicated to the E31 chassis BMW. Certainly, off-topic conversation can not be avoided; grossly off-topic threads can be moderated. Also, please note that any offenssive threads and flame wars will be removed.

Once again, welcome.

I remember you saying somthing about a toss up between the Jag and the 8 and obviously you axed the 8. How come?

Guy

Well... in the end, the Xk8 is a drop top. Having given up motorcycles after my accident last year, my personal appreciation of the open-air afforded by a convertible won out.

However, you will probably be interested to know that my Xk8 is for sale now, too! After parting with the 850i, I have come to realize that the Jaguar was only completely enjoyable when it was offset by the true performance of my E31. Without the performance compliment, the Xk8 is a little drab.

My hope is to sell the Xk8 and find a convertible that offers the performance of the 850i. Unfortunately, to stay under $100k, I will have to sacrifice the refinement of both.

I guess I won't truly be happy until I can afford the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volante that I so want! Oh well, here's to trying!

Yes I know the others really rag on the e31 convertable but there are decent customs shops out there which could turn one for you and do it right. Especially if you have that kind of spending power. I am jellous! You could find a needy 850. So what if it needed alot of work. With a minimal expense you could renew all the front end, driveline, intake gaskets, CV joints, complete uprated suspension wheel bearings and throw on a nice set of rims and tires and do a convertable conversion for way less than 100K. And have 450-500 bhp. You'de have it made. You can't look at something like this from a resale value. This would just be a project car with no investment return.
Funny you mention Aston Martin. I drove by one late last friday night. Very old, say 60/70ish. Noisy but definely sounded nice. It could accellerate very well but it was no problem for the iL.

Guy

Admittedly, the thought has crossed my mind. However, the cost/reward ratio is just not there for me.

I wasn't saying I could afford a AM DB7; in fact, I probably couldn't even afford a wrecked front clip of one! :)

I think I will be looking into Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 Spyders once the Jag is gone. That fits the bill of my next car on many different levels. Not only would it provide the benefits of a automatic hardtop, but it would also provide as a decent base for a tuner car.

Of course, the prestige and classy good looks of both the E31 and Xk8 are missing, but until I forego the Xk8, I guess I won't know exactly how much I value that aspect of the ride.

By the way, thanks for the replies! I do appreciate them; they force me to evaluate what I really want out of a car.