E36 convertible

[breakthrough]

Hi fellow bmw ownersI'm would like to find out whether have any of guys own a e36 convertible before?If you have, what are the problems that you encountered?Was looking at a nice 328 convertible for sale.

 

[pussy]

buy it then.. it's a good car..

 

[breakthrough]

forgot

forgot to mention i'm a newbie here.
Been debating about purchasing a bimmer. GF finally gave green light, can use car as wedding car too...hehe.
Now debating between a 5series and 3 series......

 

[Bailey]

stop debating & jes grab 5 series.......good luck, we r the man no need to debate

 

[meetoo]

Welcome breakthrough, but if you're a newbie, you should introduce yourself in newbie section.

BMW is a great car to drive but you have to committed to maintaining it, especially if getting E36-age car. Convertible is nice and stylish, but consider security aspect (ie, no security with soft-top) Problem also with leaks and noise. Also consider how often you will roll down the top in our weather. Those friends I know who have soft-top curse and swear that they bought it!

 

[breakthrough]

Thanks

Tks meetoo..
GF was asking about the soft top being slash. Yes nice to cruise....
but practicallity is not really there. Was trying to look for the newbie section to introduce myself. Thanks once again for the advice

 

[meetoo]

Yes, can't park in malls, can't park on the road outside house, very selective where you can drive to! Imagine cost of replacing a slashed BMW soft-top!

One friend says wind noise at the window and air-con cooling not good, another friend says leaking when rain. Only one guy who only drive his targa-top to golf course and back on Sunday mornings enjoy it. The others say no use wan...

 

[han2u]

Hi fellow bmw owners

I'm would like to find out whether have any of guys own a e36 convertible before?
If you have, what are the problems that you encountered?
Was looking at a nice 328 convertible for sale.

I had a 328i E36 cabrio, never parked it anywhere unsafe. Road and wind noise is not that bad and no leaks even in heavy rain. The problem is scuttle-shakes, drove me nuts. It has more features than the local saloon version, like full OBC, electric sports seats and 5-speed autobox. The back seats are not good for anything. My main concern was the motor mechanism that folds/unfolds the top. It sometimes jammed up on me, once during a sudden downpour right in town. Imagine the damn roof pointing up to the sky while you sit in the car soaking up the rain. Its something I would want to forget. Ironic, the weakest part is the softtop which is the whole reason for the car. Other than that be on the lookout for cats, they love to nap on your roof. Try removing cat fur from the softtop, bound to put you in a bad mood the whole day. If you are seriously looking for a convertible, see if you can get a spare hardtop.

 

[breakthrough]

Thanks

Thanks guys for all the information. Will decide to go for a 5 series. Thanks for all your knowledge.

 

[Lee36328]

Yes, can't park in malls, can't park on the road outside house, very selective where you can drive to! Imagine cost of replacing a slashed BMW soft-top!

Last I hear, RM15k

 

[ah lian]

actuarry hor, the top can make new. got a few cabrio hood makers. noniid rm15k. probably rm3k.

 

[meetoo]

Actually convertible is good fun! I always enjoy joy rides in my friend's targa Porsche and another friend cabrio Merc when we go makan-makan in wayout places. But as a daily transport just not practical la. My Merc friend even complain people throw things in his car if the top is down and he park for a short while. People are jealous of cabrio owner I suppose

 

[ccl68]

I have a e36 328i convertible and it has been the most fun & sociable car I ever owned.
I drive up to Kg Bkt Tinggi, GohTong jaya & up to Genting for dinner or coffee regularly, just to get out of the city once or twice a week. Also I drive down to Sg or up to Pg, early in the mornings with the right music playing. It's closest to motoring bliss. And with 3 other passengers.
I even drove to Thailand...
Of course having a car like this, there is a cause for concern with regards to security. Unless you have secure parking, there's a possibility of the hood being damaged. Anyway, it's best to park any car at a sensible place.

To own a convertible is beyond having a mode of transport. It's a lifestyle choice.
Maybe some like the pose value or just the wind in the hair.. it's a different experience. I would recommend everyone to at least experience driving or owning a convertible, once...

Cheers!

 

[Lennon Tan]

Totally agree ! Owning a cabrio is a " Life Style " choice. The feeling of wind in the air and the openess of driving more than worthwhile to take simple security precautions and slight inconveniences. Had a Saab Turbo cabrio before, a E36 328 cabrio currently ( and enjoying every moment of it ) . Topless driving is a way to go !!

 

[meetoo]

True it's good fun, but for my friends it's their 3rd car for going on 'outing' only. For going to work, school and shopping mall still have to use 1st and 2nd car with hardtop.

 

[Lennon Tan]

U are correct ! Topless is only for early morning and evening drive. Still need 1st and 2nd car !!

 

[spikyone]

Sorry to restart this thread hor...but Im also a 328 cabrio owner..regarding the soft top have any of you experience the rubber strips surrounding the rear plastic window coming off with age and did you replace it? Where can I get those replacements or did you just leave it like that barenaked stitching exposed? I initially ordered a rear plastic screen from the USA but that didnt come with the rubber strips so I didnt bother to replace the whole window..later cause more problems Also have you had any problems with the auto roof function ie have to 'help' the roof along like pulling the rear part back when opening just so that it clears the opening plastic section and what parts do you have to change to get it to function properly. I was told by a local shop that it is the elastic straps which have extended with age and so does not adequately pull up the rear section and they are reluctant to change it and actually advise us to just help it manually.