2004-2006 BMW 3 series convertibles

[drcoastline]

Hey Pelicanites happy Saturday to you all.

I am hoping to get a little input on the 2004-2006 BMW 325, 330 convertible. The local dealer has a few nice examples with warranties.

2004 325Ci convertible 75K mileage warranty $8,500.00
2005 325Ci convertible 77K mileage warranty $8,900.00
2006 330Ci convertible 38K mileage warranty $10,000.00

Any mechanical issues with these cars that I should be looking for? What is the difference between a 325 and a 330?

Thanks in advance for the help.

[KNS]

Between 60,000 and 100,000 miles the cooling systems become a point(s) of failure. Mostly plastic/composite which becomes brittle with age and miles.

I've got a 2004 325i which has been amazingly reliable. Fun to drive for a daily.

[ckelly78z]

I believe the 330s are AWD.

[carambola]

wanna drive one first?

2004 325ci, the top leaks at the car wash

[porsche4life]

I believe the 330s are AWD.

Only if its an X. A 330i would be RWD. A 330ix is AWD

[allaircooled]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

Only if its an X. A 330i would be RWD. A 330ix is AWD

That would be 330xi.

Not sure if the 'verts suffered from the subframe cracking but that is something worth looking into. Cooling system like mentioned above. Not too familiar with the convertibles so can't comment too much on them. e46fanatics.com has a lot of info for these cars but beware it's full of teenage kids.

My 330xi has 140k miles and runs strong. I have had it for 100k miles and this will be the first time I have changed pads and rotors on it. About to do shocks and struts as well.

[dewolf]

Biggest issue is subframe cracking. Google 'E46 subframe cracks'. Whilst predominantly on the more powerful M3's it does affect all the range, as stated above it does also affect the verts.

[Nostril Cheese]

Hope you like electrical problems..

[Rick Lee]

Window regulators are a wear item on these cars and it's a b!tch to replace them. They go out far more often than you'll need to replace pads or rotors or even tires.

[allaircooled]

Not sure if the regulators are a problem to change out on a coupe or convertible, but I have become an expert at changing mine. They are actually pretty easy but I have done all 4.

Never had any electrical problems to speak of, unless you count a cam shaft position sensor. Has been very reliable which is why I have kept mine for the past 8 years.

[drcoastline]

Thank you all for the input. Very much appreciated it. I'll take evryones advice and research the issues.

I think the pricing looks good. Any input on what is reasonable to pay?

[mikesride]

I think those asking prices are fairly low!!!
Someone mentioned the conv top leaks in a car wash...I would never dream of taking a convertable thru a drive thru car wash...no matter what make or model!