F33 4 series folding hard top

[BlueJ]

Thinking about getting a F33 4 series folding hard top as a third car for a bit of summer fun and, possibly, one trip to Europe each year.

I'm a bit of a BMW fan so not looking at any alternatives.

Are there any known issues with the folding room mechanism e.g. leaks, motors that seize up etc?

Also, with the roof folded down is there still a useable boot?

Any feedback greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

[ZX10R NIN]

Like all folding top you should lube up the seals twice a year apart from that there shouldn't be any major issues.

[jonwm]

ZX10R NIN said:

Like all folding top you should lube up the seals twice a year apart from that there shouldn't be any major issues.

as said above, I have an E93, basically twice a year lube and use gummi fledge on rubbers and all is good!

[MarkJS]

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[BlueJ]

Thanks everyone for the feedback - the link to that thread is enough to put me off!

Edited by BlueJ on Sunday 21st April 07:42

[MarkJS]

BlueJ said:

Thanks everyone for the feedback - that link thread is enough to put me off!

I really didn’t mean to put you off, rather make you aware. I think the 4 Series cab is a really good looking car - top up, really well resolved and top down it has a lovely flat deck. However, I opted for the Coupe after reading too many stories like this in the link. But, that goes for most convertibles that I’ve ever fancied. I think if you can get a handle on where the car’s been/or been through in terms of care and are prepared for a fair bit of preventative maintenance etc, it might still be worth a go.

[ChrisH72]

How about a 6 series, aren't they sof top?

Or even a 2 series if big enough. M240i convertible could be fun.

[BlueJ]

ChrisH72 said:

How about a 6 series, aren't they sof top?

Or even a 2 series if big enough. M240i convertible could be fun.

6 series is a bit big. M240 would be great but I don't think you can fit a tow bar to them (I have a bike rack, and would be taking bikes to the continent).

I'll look into the 2 series, to see if there was a 230i - might be a good alternative.

[ZX10R NIN]

BlueJ said:

Thanks everyone for the feedback - the link to that thread is enough to put me off!

Edited by BlueJ on Sunday 21st April 07:42

Take a look a the E convertible or the A4/5

[paradigital]

BlueJ said:

Thanks everyone for the feedback - the link to that thread is enough to put me off!

Edited by BlueJ on Sunday 21st April 07:42

So long as the car has had the modifications done to the sill covers it shouldn’t be a problem so long as the drains are checked periodically.

My 440i had the electronics fail back in 2022 due to massive water ingress into the rear, fortunately I had the BMW insured warranty for it which paid out.

Since then (and with the required mod) it’s not even so much as taken on a drip to the battery compartment.

[BlueJ]

Thanks ZX10, para.

[jonwm]

The sill bung was also an issue on the E93, I've never had to remove it, but lots of pointers on forums, basically it's a badly designed bung screw thing that fills the debris, you can remove it in a few minutes and fill a bucket of water, most people then just leave it out.

I pay the BMW indi garage to do a roof service every April which is £110 this year, I then do the seals myself again in October.

They just need a bit more maintenance to enjoy the benefits!