Interested in 328i Convertible

Lu-Man · 03-04-2003, 01:10 PM

Hello everyone,

I'm new to this site and hopefully I've reached the right area for my question.

I'm interested in buying a 1999 328i convertible. The vehicle has 18,500 miles on it and it is in excellent condition. It's Alpine white, 5 speed, and has the Harman kardon sound system. In your opinion, what kind of price would that bring?

Seriously, I think I might be able to get it for $21,500. Is that a great, good, or fair price?

Also, what kind of problems should I watch for with this model and year?

Thanks in advance.

Lu-Man

ekim · 03-07-2003, 01:53 PM

If it is a power top, make sure it works properly, put it up and several times. If these belts have to be replaced it is around $900. This is a known problem with this model cabrio. The top sometimes gets caught on the taneau(don't know it that is spelled correctly) cover. Other than that, I love my 98 323 cabrio.

Mike

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

If I had to guess, I'd say "great" price. I do know my folks paid significantly more than that about 10 months ago for a 98 328is with the "sport" package. Usually convertibles of various cars sell for more than the hard-top versions. I'm not sure if the E36 cars follow that trend or not, but if so I'd call it a great deal.

--DD

rmorin · 03-08-2003, 10:07 AM

I bought a '97 328ica as a CPO 3 years ago. It had 36K on it and was immaculate, fully loaded with sport package, heated seats, integrated phone, and hardtop. It has run flawlessly, now have 68K on it. I am now debating whether to buy an aftermarket warranty but based on how little it has cost me, I am leaning toward not buying one.

krc328ic · 03-10-2003, 03:38 AM

The price is great! get a carfax on it. check all four corners to be sure the numbers match. Change all of the fluids often and run the top up and down a few times a week. I have a 97 328ic and it hangs a little bit if I dont. If you plan to work on it yourself, the first thing you buy is the Bentley manual!
Good luck and enjoy!! k

Lu-Man · 03-10-2003, 08:03 PM

Thanks so far for all the advice. I appreciate the responses. We went ahead and took the plunge...the car is sitting in our garage. My wife and I are pretty happy with the car and really believe we got a great deal. It is certainly an enthusiasts automobile. I'm already addicted to the smooth and torquey powerband. It's fun to run though the gears and hear the engine's melody as the revs rise.

I have two other questions for you guys out there.

First, what do you recommend for cleaning the plastic rear window. Is there anything on the market that will clean and protect it? Any tips?

Secondly, what type of oil is recommended for BMWs? I thought I read somewhere that BMWs are supposed to run with fully synthetic motor oil. I will contact the dealership but thought I'd start here first.

Again, thanks for the responses

Lu-Man

krc328ic · 03-18-2003, 03:48 AM

Congrats!! You'll love the car for sure. About your question on cleaning the top...Bavarian Autosport sells a kit to clean the plastic and top cleaner/protector. I also heard that Porsche makes a real nice cab. cleaner. Check out detail forums too...
http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/detailing/
http://www.bavarianautosport.com/shop.asp#undefined

Good Luck!!

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

I have also heard that leaving the plastic rear window folded for long periods of time (e.g., overnight) is a good way to promote cracking and discoloration. So put the top up overnight. (Yeah, this seems like a "well, DUH!" for a car with a leather interior, but it's still worth saying...)

--DD