Any thoughts on e36 320i (M) convertible?

[EuJax]

Hi all, Anyone here drives one of this 320i (M)? Convertible or hardtop.... Saw a few in MTrader for sale and am interested...like to hear your thoughts, experience and advise if any, like what engine does it run with, hardtop problem vs soft top problem if any, or any general things to look out for that car.... Thanks all. Regards

 

[engineburner]

sure panas Bro. not suitable for our kind of heat kalau kat Uk ok kot. the canvas got insulation ka?

 

[EuJax]

Hmmm i suppose so...maybe i should just look out for the Coupes...gotta be manual though..thats the core for me

 

[spikyone]

Just wondering if you really are considering a convertible E36..be aware what you actually want. The convertible is much heavier and flexible chassis compared to the equivalent coupe/saloons.
I hv a 328 convertible with a power roof and its very heavy, the suspension is soft so its very much more a cruiser rather than a sports car...there is of course the inherent BMW sporty DNA but it will never match a coupe/saloon around the twisties..this is due to the weight and the loss of rigidity. I have to say though, drive it with the roof down and you are guaranteed to hv ppl look your way, whether its standard car with standard rims or sports rims or kitted up...that is the beauty of E36 convertible body style its the best looking after the E30's that even the E46's cant match for smoothness of looks. Have fun, you will not regret buying a convertible if you just want to cruise...of course all other maintenance issues apply as per every other E36.
However be careful of the folding roof mechanism rubber bands and the rear screen as they are prone to weakening after age and under hot sun. Be prepared to replace them at least once under your ownership.

 

[EuJax]

Hi Spikyone,

Thank you very much for sharing ur experience. Very helpful to me. I am not a hardcore performance guy but i like the feel and handling of a car, it may not be fast but the handling can be interesting and fun thus opting for manual tranny. I spotted a few convertible for sale earlier thus the question.

328i would be sweet Any photos of yours to share? I havent have much luck in hunting down one yet...



Regards

 

[spikyone]

For pics I don't hv at the moment, but look at my avatar display pic thats pretty much my car...i've sat in a 320 saloon before trust me the convertible will be more underpowered still, be it auto or manual. If u can get a 323/325 manual or auto convertible is quite gd enough if u cant find a 328..at least with the E36's u can be sure anything 320 or higher is 6 cylinder engine so it will be smoother than a 4 cylinder...don't get a 318i convertible unless its manual...u would be surprised the sports mode auto is quite good at predicting your shifting reflexes...of course make sure your gearbox is in gd condition or else....

But of course...do make sure you know of a reputable shop which can recover roof mechanism or specialist in roof mechanism of BMW....or european cars...because while gd mechanics are hard to find, gd mechanics for folding roof harder to find still...have fun and happy searching.

 

[EuJax]

Hi Spikyone, thanks for sharing your knowledge. Its been a while but i still have no luck on hunting down any good ones of the convertibles....recently saw one in mudah.my but is little too pricey at RM 88k. Very nice condition though.

A link for those who are interested and perhaps with a deeper pocket than mine

http://www.mudah.my/BMW-Cabriolet-325I-3193022.htm


Cheers...

 

[heng1028]

saw that car as well

front bumper need paint touch up perhaps re-spray whole bumper

rear wheel well where spare tires sit has a rusty spot there.

down side is manual roof but come with hardtop

car is manufactured 02/95 (from Realoem) instead of 96 as written in registration card

overall the condition is nice but pricey

 

[EuJax]

Hi Heng,

Thanks for the info! It sure helps a lot. I was thinking to have a view at the car but your description would make me have second thought. Price was a bit excessive imho. Thanks again buddy. Cheers.




Regards

 

[enkil]

Whats the reasonable price?

 

[mizhan]

E36 open top..? reminds me of brit's video 'sometimes'.. a nice white one was featured.

 

[megatniza]

I was looking for a weekend car late last year but had to put on hold due to other priorities ...Still kept the ad . At 60k , it was very very tempting ...

Still keeping my options open ...

 

[climenta]

I was looking for a weekend car late last year but had to put on hold due to other priorities ...Still kept the ad . At 60k , it was very very tempting ...

Still keeping my options open ...

bro, this car can still apply for loan ka? very tempting la:wink:

 

[megatniza]

bro, this car can still apply for loan ka? very tempting la:wink:

Some banks can still accept up to 15 years old cars given you have a good credit history & a relatively fat paycheck :listen: .
Anyway , this was like end last year . Terms might have changed lately ....

 

[EuJax]

Hi there, is the car still available?




Regards

 

[megatniza]

Hi there, is the car still available?



Regards

bro ,
had checkeked EOA Auto . Not listed anymore ....:20::20::20:

 

[heng1028]

went to see that car in EOA couple months ago

that car has more than 7 owners on it. the soft top inner lining is falling apart. price was at RM56k

over condition is so so

good side is its with full bodykit and fully auto roof.

hope it helps

 

[spikyone]

Sorry for the 2 yrs late reply...did anyone in this discussion end up getting a cabrio?

 

[EuJax]

Hi spikyone,

I did. I found a 328i from a fellow forummer in end 09 and been driving it till now. No regrets so far, top down is a different experience altogether. It's an auto though....

 

[spikyone]

Wow..glad this thread is still alive. I'm sure you're enjoying your car to the fullest..Auto isn't really a problem with the 328's Any pics?