I'd go with the Bimmer, for a number of reasons. Even though the sedans switched from the classic E30 platform to the more modern E36 in 1992, the convertibles were still E30's.

1. If you have any interest in modding your car, there's a lot more on offer in the aftermarket for the E30s than for the Audi, which was built off the B4 (Passat, 80, 90) platform. Lots more cheap parts sources for the standard stuff as well.

2. You don't want to pay German dealer service prices for an $8k car. There are many more BMW independent shops than Audi.

3. In Virginia snow's not a huge issue; you'd rather have the rwd E30 than a fwd or quattro Audi for handling and simplicity.

4. On another thread, someone was mentioning the problems with the Audi 2.8 v6, the 2.5 BMW straight six is pretty reliable.

5. Build quality is considerably better on the BMW (my opinion only). Ultimately, the Audi is a top of the line VW platform, while the BMW was always at a higher level in the food chain.

Your only other real choice in a 4 place Euro-convert of the same era/price was the Saab 900. Check out the classifieds on www.saabnet.com; a quick look shows a '95 (newer body style) 900S convert from California with 85k miles for $6700. Saabs depreciate, take advantage of it.