Summer Convertibles: Best Open-Top Choices from BMW, Mercedes and Audi
Summer 2024: The Perfect Time for Convertibles
With rising temperatures, demand for convertibles also reaches its peak. June is traditionally the month with the highest cabriolet sales, which means: higher prices, but also better selection.
Convertible Market Overview June 2024
Price Development vs. Winter
| Brand | Winter Average | Summer Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW Convertibles | €12,400 | €14,800 | +19% |
| Mercedes Convertibles | €14,200 | €16,900 | +19% |
| Audi Convertibles | €11,800 | €13,600 | +15% |
The seasonal price increase ranges from 15-19% - a significant premium that should be considered when making a purchase decision.
BMW Convertible Highlights
BMW Z3 Roadster (E36/7)
| Criterion | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Price | €11,500 |
| Price Range | €6,000 - €28,000 |
| Most Popular Engine | 2.0i / 2.8i |
| Available Listings | 67 |
Strengths:
- Classic roadster design
- Affordable spare parts
- Solid E36 technology
- Growing youngtimer interest
Points to Consider:
- Check roof mechanism
- Rust on sills common
- Seat heating often faulty on older models
BMW Z4 (E85/E86)
| Criterion | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Price | €15,200 |
| Price Range | €8,500 - €32,000 |
| Most Popular Engine | 2.5i / 3.0i |
| Available Listings | 54 |
The Z3’s successor offers more comfort and performance, albeit at higher prices.
BMW E46 Convertible
| Criterion | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Price | €9,800 |
| Price Range | €4,500 - €22,000 |
| Most Popular Engine | 320Ci / 325Ci |
| Available Listings | 89 |
The E46 Convertible offers four full seats and is considered one of the most reliable BMW convertibles of its era.
Mercedes Convertible Highlights
Mercedes SLK R170
| Criterion | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Price | €8,900 |
| Price Range | €4,000 - €18,000 |
| Most Popular Engine | SLK 200 / SLK 230 |
| Available Listings | 72 |
Strengths:
- Innovative Vario roof
- Compact dimensions
- Mercedes quality
- Affordable entry point
Mercedes CLK Convertible (W208/W209)
| Criterion | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Price | €12,400 |
| Price Range | €5,500 - €28,000 |
| Most Popular Engine | CLK 320 / CLK 200K |
| Available Listings | 48 |
The CLK Convertible offers elegant styling with four seats and a classic soft top.
Audi Convertible Highlights
Audi TT Roadster (8N)
| Criterion | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Price | €9,200 |
| Price Range | €4,800 - €19,000 |
| Most Popular Engine | 1.8T / 1.8T quattro |
| Available Listings | 61 |
Strengths:
- Iconic Bauhaus design
- Solid 1.8T engine
- Quattro option available
- Value-stable as design classic
Audi A4 Convertible (B6/B7)
| Criterion | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Price | €10,800 |
| Price Range | €5,200 - €24,000 |
| Most Popular Engine | 2.4 V6 / 1.8T |
| Available Listings | 53 |
The A4 Convertible offers practicality with four seats and optional Quattro drive.
Comparative Analysis: Two-Seaters vs. Four-Seaters
| Category | Two-Seater | Four-Seater |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | €10,500 | €11,200 |
| Depreciation/Year | -8% | -10% |
| Running Costs | Lower | Higher |
| Practicality | Low | Medium |
| Fun Factor | High | Medium |
Summer Buying Strategies
Option 1: Buy Now
- Best selection available
- Immediately usable
- Accept higher prices
Option 2: Wait for September
- Prices drop 10-15%
- Less selection
- Season almost over
Option 3: Plan for Winter
- Best prices (-20%)
- Limited selection
- Long-term planning needed
Checklist: Convertible Purchase in Summer
-
Roof Check:
- Test function multiple times
- Check seals for cracks
- Inspect hydraulics on hardtops
-
Interior:
- Look for water marks
- Check leather for sun damage
- Test all window electrics
-
Body:
- Inspect typical rust spots
- Pay special attention to sills
- Check A-pillar trim
Mileage Analysis
| Mileage | Price Impact | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| < 80,000 km | Base price | Ideal for long-term ownership |
| 80,000-150,000 km | -15 to -25% | Good value for money |
| > 150,000 km | -30 to -45% | Only with documented history |
Our Top Recommendations Summer 2024
Under €10,000
Mercedes SLK R170 SLK 200 - Average €7,800
- Vario roof innovation
- Affordable entry
- Good availability
€10,000-15,000
BMW Z3 2.8i - Average €13,500
- Strong inline-six
- Classic roadster feeling
- Value appreciation potential
€15,000-25,000
Audi TT Roadster 1.8T quattro - Average €16,200
- Design icon
- All-wheel drive
- Best value stability in segment
Conclusion
Summer 2024 offers an excellent selection of convertibles, albeit at seasonally elevated prices. For immediate users, buying now makes sense, while strategic buyers should wait for autumn. The most value-stable options are the BMW Z3 and Audi TT, while the Mercedes SLK R170 offers the best entry price.
All data based on our continuous market analysis. As of: June 24, 2024