Cabriolet for the non-converted (ible)

LiamoSail

So as the title suggests, I've been looking at buying a convertibles, more specifically, a 2004 3 series.

I'm looking at either a 318 or 325, while I'd prefer a 325, the relatively limited selection means I'm looking at 318's also.

Initially, I had planned on getting a coupe, however I've seen quiet a few nice convertibles. My question is, what are the downside of a convertible of that age and what should I be aware of?

I don't use the car for commuting, and it will be laid up for a few months at a time. Is there issues with the hood leaking, or condensation etc? What about additional maintenance, service costs etc?

I've never so much as been in a convertible, so I'm pretty much starting from scratch here. Any advice on convertibles appreciated

colm_mcm

If you're not pushed about driving dynamics, something like a vw eos with a folding hardtop should be considered.

Elottois

Hi

Would you be interested in a 2.0 litre Ford Focus CC cabriolet zetec, good deal waiting

lomb

Converibles like the BMW , Audi, Mercedes are definately the ones to get. Ive had no convertible problems in 2 years on my TT. They open up another dimension to motoring on the few nice days we get per year and have no real downsides. Older ones are being given away virtually. My advice is to buy something with a full service history possbly an ex UK car. Irish people generally dont like to pay for oil change servicing/timing belts on cars that dont do the miles which many convertibles dont.

LiamoSail

Appreciate the above advice. Fairly set on getting a 3 series though

CianRyan

Would you consider a MX-5?
Or I've seen a few FC RX7 convertibles around, wankle goodness.

Mycroft H

Go for the MX5. More the drivers car then a convertible 318 will ever be.

Rippy

BX 19 wrote: »

Go for the MX5. More the drivers car then a convertible 318 will ever be.

Unless you need back seats!

CianRyan

Rippy wrote: »

Unless you need back seats!

That wouldn't make the 3er a better drivers car, just more practical.

Wasn't a requirement in the OP anyway, and as far as I can see it won't be the daily?

McGrath5

Beshoff motors in Howth, Co. Dublin have a clean looking E46 318 Cabriolet.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/318ci-M-/34213632037249830/advert?channel=CARS

CianRyan

Perfect Choice wrote: »

Beshoff motors in Howth, Co. Dublin have a clean looking E46 318 Cabriolet.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/318ci-M-/34213632037249830/advert?channel=CARS

Wrong engine, 4-5k over priced and the wrong wheels.
Does look clean but Jesus.

Autosport

I miss my convertible but she wasnt practical anymore Is it Soft or Hard top you're interested in? Mine was a hard top

readytosnap

CianRyan wrote: »

Wrong engine, 4-5k over priced and the wrong wheels.
Does look clean but Jesus.

its a right pain in the ar se putting the hard top on them deffo a 2 man job, the car looks spotless but agree with the above comment about the wheels not sure about the price maybe 6500 - 7k, the most important thing when sticking that in the shed for a few months is to make sure that the soft top is 100% dry especially if it is left folded down, check the creases in the soft top very closely and look for any cracks around where the window is, also make sure that the hood retracts fully everytime, give it several goes, dont just try it once, ( i am referring to any one you buy not just the one linked to earlier), also check for leaks around the front pillar when the roof is closed and where the 2 windows meet. there is not a lot of room in the boot of them 3 series but dont let that stop yeah i had an e36 (323i) and an e46 they are lovely to drive just a bit more stiffer than the coupe (obviously) but with the roof down you just cant beat that feeling, i really miss them both i hope to have another one some day but it will be 08+ no more soft top for me. good luck with the hunt.

anthony4335

Oil leaks on the 318ci, rocker cover gasket, door handles can be a week point, something seems to streach making them hard to open. They seem to suffer from condensation under the dash near the fuse box. Both a lovely car and a pain in the back to own. I would possibly go for the honda 2000, but if you are set on the BMW I would go for the 320 or 325.

CianRyan

S2000 is a great shout.

LiamoSail

Thanks for the replies

CianRyan wrote: »

That wouldn't make the 3er a better drivers car, just more practical.

Wasn't a requirement in the OP anyway, and as far as I can see it won't be the daily?

The isn't a daily in the traditional sense, in that I'm away most of the year for long periods, but will be a daily whole I'm home for three month stretches. I don't work when I'm home however, so it'll only be used for driving to the shops and the occasional trip down the country etc

Perfect Choice wrote: »

Beshoff motors in Howth, Co. Dublin have a clean looking E46 318 Cabriolet.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/318ci-M-/34213632037249830/advert?channel=CARS

Spotted that alright, pretty much what I'm after

CianRyan wrote: »

Wrong engine, 4-5k over priced and the wrong wheels.
Does look clean but Jesus.

The wheels struck me alright, I'll certainly still consider the car, but I'd be changing the wheels

CianRyan wrote: »

Would you consider a MX-5?
Or I've seen a few FC RX7 convertibles around, wankle goodness.

I'm pretty much set on the 3 series at this stage

Autosport wrote: »

I miss my convertible but she wasnt practical anymore Is it Soft or Hard top you're interested in? Mine was a hard top

To be honest, I'm looking at either. I hadn't even considered a convertible until recently, so I'm open to either

ei9go

There is a significant difference between a 2 seat and a four seat convertible and you need to drive both to see what I mean. If you get a drive in an MR2, once you put up the little wind deflector, you can drive comfortably and any speed and use the heater to keep warm.

However, in a 4 seat convertible, the high pressure air outside curls in around the rear of the car and will buffet anyone in the rear seats. This is why you see the large wind deflector between the front and rear seats of BMw's etc.

You need to drive both to feel the difference. I think that a four seat convertible is only usable with the roof down around town at Irish temperatures up to at most 80 kph.

I have had an MR2 & a Celica convertible so I am right about this.

Hope this helps

CianRyan

What has you so set on the BM if you don't mind me asking? Is it just that it's a BMW?

I'd suggest getting out and test driving all the cars in this thread before deciding what you really want, you may miss out on something great.
If I was looking for a drop top, a 318i would be in about the same place as a Micra CC.
When you could have an MX-5 or an S2000 for the same price it's just a mental decision.

L-M

If i was in the market for a 3 series convertible that one from Beshoff would be in my driveway yesterday!

CianRyan

Limerick man wrote: »

If i was in the market for a 3 series convertible that one from Beshoff would be in my driveway yesterday!

There's a nicer one on DD, €2k more though.

L-M

CianRyan wrote: »

Wrong engine, 4-5k over priced and the wrong wheels.
Does look clean but Jesus.

CianRyan wrote: »

There's a nicer one on DD, €2k more though.

O.o

CianRyan

Limerick man wrote: »

O.o

I never said the more expensive one wasn't over priced too.
I wouldn't buy either of them. :P

galwaytt

Volvo C70 ?

readytosnap

CianRyan wrote: »

a 318i would be in about the same place as a Micra CC.

:eek:

LiamoSail

CianRyan wrote: »

What has you so set on the BM if you don't mind me asking? Is it just that it's a BMW?

I'd suggest getting out and test driving all the cars in this thread before deciding what you really want, you may miss out on something great.
If I was looking for a drop top, a 318i would be in about the same place as a Micra CC.
When you could have an MX-5 or an S2000 for the same price it's just a mental decision.

My brother had a 318 previously, and I always found it a nice car to drive. It's quick enough relative to anything else I've driven regularly, its comfortable, and I like the look of them.

CianRyan wrote: »

There's a nicer one on DD, €2k more though.

I'm looking for something between 6-8k, so I think that would be a bit much. Given the use I'll get from the car, I don't think I could justify spending any more

LiamoSail

galwaytt wrote: »

Volvo C70 ?

They're nice cars alright, but I still prefer the 3 series