3 series convertible

bmwguy

Once I get an itch for a car I usually have to scratch and the last few days I have been looking at the likes of this:


http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-3-series-318ci-m-sport-convertible/7362478

I currently have a 525i sport which I LOVE and will keep as my daily but can't shake the feeling that one of these would be very cool to have, I think they are beautiful and this one in particular looks good. I will probably be more patient than I usually am and buy one of these in the spring when nobody else is even thinking about them (possibly prices would be lower then, but who knows?) and use it in the summer, spins down the country around Kerry etc. 525 is currently taxed and insured by my employer so don't mind starting up my own tax/insurance.

Anyway, just trying to justify here, this car is asking 3750 from a dealer, so I am fully confident of getting one for 3k in a few months time. Surely it would last many years with light use if maintained properly. I also have secure underground car parking so it would be safe as can be in residential areas.

People lose more than that in depreciation every year on new cars that don't exactly have anything special going for them, so why not go for this?

So, has anyone lived with one of these and what were their experiences. How are they compared to saloon/coupe, I know they are a little heavier. is there anything completely impractical or annoying about them?
I know Irish weather is not the greatest but it does have a roof as well!

Not really interested in the 4 cylinder v 6 cylinder debate, I have had both and they are both good engines, plus by 2004 this is the 143bhp 318i.

Irishcrx

Haven't owned one but it's a lovely car that for the money. If as said you have a daily driver and it's being paid for by work then yeah go for it why not. As stated wait until the prices go down and go for one, If I was in your situation though already having the daily driver then I would be looking at a Z4 for a summer car.

cgarrad

Great car, I have one.

Best thing I did was replace the coil packs and lambda probes. Used Bosch parts.

Drives like a new car.

Viper_JB

I would add, one of the more important things you could do on a test drive is to bring it through a car wash with the soft top on.

Idbatterim

bloody hell thats cheap enough, wont exactly be setting any speed records, but looks very nice...

bmwguy

Irishcrx wrote: »

Haven't owned one but it's a lovely car that for the money. If as said you have a daily driver and it's being paid for by work then yeah go for it why not. As stated wait until the prices go down and go for one, If I was in your situation though already having the daily driver then I would be looking at a Z4 for a summer car.

I prefer the look of the 3 series open top ahead of the z4 to be honest. Wouldn't get a z4 for that money anyway, would I? Like the 4 seat idea too. Won't look as much a tosser (but still will a little bit I know)

bmwguy

Idbatterim wrote: »

bloody hell thats cheap enough, wont exactly be setting any speed records, but looks very nice...

Its the image thing really, not going to be hammering around with roof down. I dont drive my 525 fast either, prefer relaxed driving. Not crawling, but just tipping along.

bmwguy

Viper_JB wrote: »

I would add, one of the more important things you could do on a test drive is to bring it through a car wash with the soft top on.

Good thinking, thanks. If owner is confident he won't mind

For Forks Sake

Viper_JB wrote: »

I would add, one of the more important things you could do on a test drive is to bring it through a car wash with the soft top on.

bmwguy wrote: »

Good thinking, thanks. If owner is confident he won't mind

It's in Bill Griffins on the Naas Road.

I dare you to video the reaction if you ask him to bring it through a carwash on the test drive, and post it up here.

bmwguy

For Forks Sake wrote: »

It's in Bill Griffins on the Naas Road.

I dare you to video the reaction if you ask him to bring it through a carwash on the test drive, and post it up here.

I don't know the garage, must have a bit of a rep does he? I doubt it will be that particular car, just something similar in as good looking condition. Against every impulse buying bone in my body I'm going to wait a while on this one

Irishcrx

bmwguy wrote: »

I prefer the look of the 3 series open top ahead of the z4 to be honest. Wouldn't get a z4 for that money anyway, would I? Like the 4 seat idea too. Won't look as much a tosser (but still will a little bit I know)

Haha , if your worried about looking like a tosser don't buy one at all. But don't worry , get the shades on and enjoy it sure they'll only be jealous anyway.

I used to have a Honda Del Sol SiR convertable , lovely car in the summer nothing quite like a drive on a sunny day in one.

I prefer the Z4 but that's just me , the 3 series is lovely as well. Z4 prices would be a little above that but not by much just you said you had a daily driver so why not go all out and get a proper little sports car..

bmwguy

Irishcrx wrote: »

Haha , if your worried about looking like a tosser don't buy one at all. But don't worry , get the shades on and enjoy it sure they'll only be jealous anyway.

I used to have a Honda Del Sol SiR convertable , lovely car in the summer nothing quite like a drive on a sunny day in one.

I prefer the Z4 but that's just me , the 3 series is lovely as well. Z4 prices would be a little above that but not by much just you said you had a daily driver so why not go all out and get a proper little sports car..

Not too worried, just tongue in cheek. On a sunny day in the countryside you wouldnt look out of place anyway. Again, Z4 v 3 series, just personal preference about the 3 cabriolet. Plus like the idea of a back seat for passengers if wanted to head away with more than herself.