Need help/some advice on buying a BMW Vert

[TPort93]

Hi all,

This is my first ever post, so I currently own a Coupe E92 BMW 325i, but now i really want a convertible. Im going to be putting my car up for sale this weekend but have already been looking for a new car.

I wanted some advice and some opinions on if i should go for an E46 Vert 330ci or a E93 Vert 325i or 330i. I feel like I'm more going towards an E46 but just wanted to find out from some owners their reviews of the car and which people think is the better car?
The only thing I'm worried about is having a cloth roof, as i don't have a garage it will be parked on my drive.

[Big GT]

Either options are great cars. Well engineered to keep the lines looking tidy.
The E46 IMO is the better drive both in coupe and conv format and I would look for a good and tidy 330i sport. The problem is finding a good one now so do your research. Go to the Bimmer forum for this.
Remember the 'verts' are around 200Kg heavier. The E92 conv 325i isnt that quick and will be noticeably slower than yours.
Also fabric roofs don't have panel gaps so no risk of leaks. Others maybe able to advise if this is an issue or not.

[ISO51200]

I had an E93 335i and when the roof was down that thing was a boat, good lord.

If you want a convertible, buy a car thats designed to be a convertible, not a coupe with the roof chopped off

[crusty]

ISO51200 said:

I had an E93 335i and when the roof was down that thing was a boat, good lord.

If you want a convertible, buy a car thats designed to be a convertible, not a coupe with the roof chopped off

I also have an E93 335i

I totally disagree with the above comment, not saying it's the fastest best handling thing on 4 wheels, but totally competent up to about 8 tenths

If driven enthusiastically, it still feels quick, and the chassis does not hold it back.

Mine is an Msport with non runflat tyres

[Captaincheese]

I currently have a facelift E46 330i convertible.

It is the first convertible I have ever owned in 15+ years of car ownership and I really love it. Normally I change cars every 6 months due to boredom, but had this one for over 12 months now and still really like it. If you are going for one it is worth seeking out a manual M-sport version - it is a genuinely fun car to drive - although not as quick as the coupe due to the extra weight. Another useful touch is heated seats which make the car more usable with the roof down.
There are some things to watch for on them - rust being one of the biggest killers. Mine was a well looked after 2 owner car and I have still had to address the first bubbles on a front and rear arch. Mechanically it has been spot on in 20,000 miles of my driving, with only a rear shock and brake pads needing to be replaced. They can also be a bit tough on tyres. My set of Potenza's on the rear lasted only 9000 miles and the car is not raced in any way.

I have driven the E93 325i version and it felt a good bit slower and less focused. The boot was also far less useable with the roof down - there is no way I would swap my E46 for one.

My advice is go for it. They are a brilliant 4 seat convertible that is completely useable round the year.

[TPort93]

Thanks for all your replies, really helpful! I think I am definitely going to go for an E46 now after what you have all said. I'm currently looking at ones with up to 60000 miles on the clock and also all the additional features like sat nav, heated seats ect.
Do you guys have any ideas on what sort of money I would be looking at for one that's around 04/05 with that spec? I've found some nice ones but don't want to be paying more than I should.

[nitrodave]

I went from an e46 325ci sport convertible to an e92 330i manual msport. The latter car felt like a much more modern machine and I don't think I would go from an e46 from an e92.

Don't get me wrong, the e46 convertible is a wonderful chassis and an all round great car. The one I had was in great condition without all the rust and cooling problems associated with them. It never went wrong in 3 years I had it and have very fond memories of it.

But in comparison, the e92 N53 330i msport was just sublime and epic. I loved that car to bits and only sold it to help towards a house move.

Have you considered an e46 m3? That's the only e46 I'd go to from a e9x

[Tigstar]

Now is a great time to buy an E46, they have started to rise in value and will continue to do so. Buy a lower mileage tidy one and keep on top of the maintenance (theres plenty to do!) and it'll apreciate in value as well as being good fun to drive and look cooooool.

[TPort93]

nitrodave said:

I went from an e46 325ci sport convertible to an e92 330i manual msport. The latter car felt like a much more modern machine and I don't think I would go from an e46 from an e92.

Don't get me wrong, the e46 convertible is a wonderful chassis and an all round great car. The one I had was in great condition without all the rust and cooling problems associated with them. It never went wrong in 3 years I had it and have very fond memories of it.

But in comparison, the e92 N53 330i msport was just sublime and epic. I loved that car to bits and only sold it to help towards a house move.

Have you considered an e46 m3? That's the only e46 I'd go to from a e9x

Yeah i have considered an e46 m3 but they are just out of my budget if I'm honest, for a decent low mileage one your looking at around 15 grand from what I've seen anyway. Ive recently got a company car so looking at it more as a weekend car and i feel with the e46 it will appreciate in value.

[TPort93]

Found this one just wanted to get everyones thoughts? Mainly on the price, is it the right sort of price ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222436571557