Convertible Buying Help
Printed From: Bavarian-Board.co.uk - BMW Owners Discussion Forum
Category: Technical & Model Specific Forums
Forum Name: General Motors
Forum Discription: This forum will deal with technical issues for the cars not dealt with in the other forums. These don't need to be BMWs!
URL: http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=96
Printed Date: 23-May-2024 at 04:32
Topic: Convertible Buying Help
Posted By: Wild Bill
Subject: Convertible Buying Help
Date Posted: 28-October-2002 at 23:34
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Ok im looking for a 325i convertible circa 1990, need to know more about what to look for good sources of info, prices, costs, insurance deals, spec and problems, models to go for, history, dealers, anything i need to know really, are high mileage examples ok, where do I find guides?
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Replies:
Posted By: marxpower
Date Posted: 30-October-2002 at 16:50
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You sure you want a 325i cab? you dont seem to know anything at all about them.
Youve picked a good time to but one, theyre usually a bit cheaper in the winter. As for prices, go on autotrader.co.uk. should give you a rough idea. as for running costs, i dont think theyre much diferent than any other car but as its a 2.5, they have quite a thirst, also youll fork out around £600-£800 for a decent mohair hood every 4-6 years. i use A Plan and im paying £520 a year, im happy with that as i dont have any no claims discount and im 26. The best ones to go for are the ones with the motorsport (M TECH) kit fitted, the standard ones look crap in my opinion. my roof was brand new when i got it but it leaked like crazy so i had to replace the rubber seals (£90 from bmw) its always good to get one with fsh as with all cars, mine has full main dealer history with 130k on the clock and it runs like a dream so dont be put off with high mileage, just check the oil for white crap, this obviously indicates head gasket gone or even the head cracked which is not out of the ordinary on these cars, not sure about guides, just search the web, theres loads of info out there.
hope this helps mate
Marc
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Posted By: jhoward
Date Posted: 31-October-2002 at 19:53
I MIGHT be selling mine, depending on if I hear
from a new job next week, as I will need to to mega-
mileage and thus require a dull Golf diesel.
When I was buying the convertible back
in March my main concern was
that the roof was
ok and the engine were sound.
Mine passed both and I have spent a lot on refurbishing
the interior which had (inevitably) deteriorated.
They're fabulous cars, my 325 is potent, smooth and with
the roof down I keep thinking 'this is SO MUCH CAR FOR
THE MONEY'. No doubt. Just watch for engine deterioration
and general wear as they're not young pups anymore these
cars. Mine has M-tech springs and limited slip which
are sporty add-ons for the enthusiastic driver (sadly
lost on me)- leather is a must too.
Whether they become classic is debatable, certainly price
levels are firm, especially in the spring, and the pre-92
cars have lots of nice chrome which gives it a great look.
Don't get a 318, they're weak, and whilst the 320 has the
smooth six, the 325 has the required pace (0-60 in just
over 8 seconds!).
Hope this helps.
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Posted By: Wild Bill
Date Posted: 31-October-2002 at 23:34
Thanks guys - done some research looking at prices in the trader etc and got insurance quotes.
The buyers guide I have is quite brief and from what i can make out a better buy than the Audi V6. Better ride and sweeter handling. About to order book about the 3 Series.
I have a Ford Escort Cab at moment and hood on that leaks so used to that. Not worried abotu mileage as cars have good build quality according to experts but its the owners who have to live with these things hence the feedback from u is useful.
Marc do you have phone number for insurance as its seems very good deal. Do u both have Cat 1 alarms.
As regards bodywork/chassis what are the problem areas when buying ... thanks 4 your help guys.
How do I tell what options cars have, such as LSD?
What is diff between MTECH & stand, just bodywork?
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Posted By: jhoward
Date Posted: 01-November-2002 at 09:51
You're better off with a CAT 1 alarm, I have a Clifford
one which is the biz.
As for telling if it has M-tech etc. the owner will
usually know and M-tech gives a firmer ride which
will be evident when you drive or are driven in the
particular car. re. Limited slip this can be discerned
by a mechanic but again the owner will know. It is
unlikely that anyone would make it up as its quite
an obscure piece of kit. Make sure the M-tech was
factory fitted. M-tech is simply the springs set-up on
the car. Avoid bodykits like the plague, you have to
declare them on the insurance as an extra, they look naff
(in my opinion) and the police will give you grief.
And be prepared to spend money on the car, esp. if you
use it a lot because a lot of the parts at 60K+ miles
start wearing out, ie clutch, differential, discs etc.
On the 325 models, check for front body damage- these
cars are quick and people often accidentally shunt them
into the car in front by mistake.
And I'll put an ad on this post if I do decide to sell
mine!
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Posted By: marxpower
Date Posted: 01-November-2002 at 13:07
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Hi again
I cant for the life of me understand why i said A Plan, Im with direct line. If i remember, A Plan quoted me about £1100 TPFF. I also have a clifford cat 1. I think 99% of all rag tops have a cat 1 for the obvious reasons so you should find one with one already fitted. Mine is a limited motorsport edition so the bodykit is fitted as standard, however there are a lot of replicas out there and if the kit has been fitted properly, it actualy looks quite convincing. If your budget wont stretch to a limited edition model and you want one with the m-tech kit, just look for the obvious such as good colour match, flush fitting, no loose bits etc. if you want to give me your e-mail address, i can send you a few pics of mine, just to give you some idea.
marc
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