Welcome, Ed! My Smart is exactly the same just not a convertible. I too have a bike, and know what you mean about the commute. Have you discovered all the little noises and bells that would normally alarm people? Let me tell you what I know. There is a small vaccum cleaner "pump" sound at times (moreso when its warmer) that runs when you first start the car. Its normal. It reduces emissions when the car is warming up. When the car gets moving there is a rythmic thumping sound about 7 or 8 times in the floor. This is the reset for the ABS breaks. Also normal.Doors lock automatically at about 5-7 MPH, and you will notice the front suspesion is very...well...rough at times with bumps and imperfections in the road. These are my observations so far. Hope they help. Shannon