quick heads up on e46 vert
Discussion
guys
i am looking to buy a low mileage e46. seen a lovely convertible but having reads evo comments they are a bit wobbly on the back roads
what i am asking is for some quick, honest opinions to the following please
- the convertible e46 m3; is it a lot different to the tintop
- will buying one put me at a disadvantage when i come to resell or do verts tend to pull more like for like
- is there anything major i should look out for
If you can find the time then i would really value opinons
many thanks
matt
i am looking to buy a low mileage e46. seen a lovely convertible but having reads evo comments they are a bit wobbly on the back roads
what i am asking is for some quick, honest opinions to the following please
- the convertible e46 m3; is it a lot different to the tintop
- will buying one put me at a disadvantage when i come to resell or do verts tend to pull more like for like
- is there anything major i should look out for
If you can find the time then i would really value opinons
many thanks
matt
Hi Matt,
I've owned both the tin top and a cab (current car) and rate both (obviously!). In my instance they're not too comparable as the hard top was a low spec, manual, early car, the soft top is a high spec, SMG 06 car.
But, that said...
When pushing on, the cab is a little more unsettled, but in normal every day use I dont think its very noticable. I have noticed a couple of squeeks on potholed roads, but I think thats par for the course on a cab.
The things to look out for:
- Service history. Must be complete, absoloutly essential it has ther 1200 mile running in service (for resale if nothing else)
- get as good a spec as you can. 19's and nav are personal choice, but will help with re-sale. Supposedly drives better on 18's, but I've not tried. 19's are definately prone to tramlining. Allegedly more so on the cab, but again, my hard top was older with more miles and, in hindsight, drove like shiite.
Check the hood. I think they're pretty tough, but you dont want to replace one! I've not had any problems with leakage, but always worth looking for signs. If the car has had or does have a hard top, these need setting up correctly and if they're not set up, can leak, so check for that too.
Back to the service history - if its main dealer, BMW UK will verify that for you (for a fee!) but if you're happy with the above (and I'm sure some other stuff more informed guys will suggest), its worth the expense to know its all genuine.
I'm in a bit of a rush, but if I think of anything else, I'll pop back later.
Lastly, despite what poeple say, you can drive a hard bargain. I had mine up for sale earlier in the summer and had some silly offers. I dont want to encourage the cars value to drop, but if they're not playing ball, shop around.
Happy shopping
Woody
I've owned both the tin top and a cab (current car) and rate both (obviously!). In my instance they're not too comparable as the hard top was a low spec, manual, early car, the soft top is a high spec, SMG 06 car.
But, that said...
When pushing on, the cab is a little more unsettled, but in normal every day use I dont think its very noticable. I have noticed a couple of squeeks on potholed roads, but I think thats par for the course on a cab.
The things to look out for:
- Service history. Must be complete, absoloutly essential it has ther 1200 mile running in service (for resale if nothing else)
- get as good a spec as you can. 19's and nav are personal choice, but will help with re-sale. Supposedly drives better on 18's, but I've not tried. 19's are definately prone to tramlining. Allegedly more so on the cab, but again, my hard top was older with more miles and, in hindsight, drove like shiite.
Check the hood. I think they're pretty tough, but you dont want to replace one! I've not had any problems with leakage, but always worth looking for signs. If the car has had or does have a hard top, these need setting up correctly and if they're not set up, can leak, so check for that too.
Back to the service history - if its main dealer, BMW UK will verify that for you (for a fee!) but if you're happy with the above (and I'm sure some other stuff more informed guys will suggest), its worth the expense to know its all genuine.
I'm in a bit of a rush, but if I think of anything else, I'll pop back later.
Lastly, despite what poeple say, you can drive a hard bargain. I had mine up for sale earlier in the summer and had some silly offers. I dont want to encourage the cars value to drop, but if they're not playing ball, shop around.
Happy shopping
Woody
Hi, just had the oil service done at bmw quoted £220 turned into £280 after asking them to look at one of the front xenons. Then had to order a new light modual £300 so can soon add up, but hopefully thats it. Not really using the car much with moving closer to work so testing the waters and have stuck it on pistonheads www.pistonheads.com/sales/677601.htm may go back to a exige.
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