E46 320cd Convertible M-Sport

[chrisg_s2k]

Hi chaps,

Quick question: I'm thinking of buying one of these and have done all the test drives/online research and am just about at the point of making a purchase.

Before I do, I'd like a devils advocate opinion please: Basically I'd like to know why I SHOULDN'T buy this car - I'm going to be doing about 80 motorway miles per day and I've just sold my S2000 (for comparison of what I'm used to).

Thanks in advance,
Chris

[gjf15]

Wife has a E46 330 Msport 'vert'.
It is beautiful to drive and has been very reliable.
It feel quite special in our view and we would reccommend.
2 options we have found useful are the hard top and heated seats.
Good luck!

[Matt UK]

chrisg_s2k said:

Basically I'd like to know why I SHOULDN'T buy this car

Imagine when you drop the top of your convertible on a nice summer evening and the noise that greets you is a 4-pot diesel. Only you'll know if this works for you.

It's not the sort of car I would ever consider buying, but each to their own.

[jillyxx]

Great Car

Terrible on alloys and tyres.

I have owned mine since 07 and absolutely love it. Problems tho are spoiling it and making it very expensive - DONT BUY ONE

[MidlandDan84]

As a package ta decent choice, yep its not as quick as 330d but when your sat at 50mph on the motorway its feel quick enough.

[Fox-]

Get it but get the Coupe instead. I had one as a courtesy car ages ago and the engine completely and utterly ruins the car in convertible form.

You lower the roof and whenever the speed drops under about 30mph you are met with the awful din of a not particularly quiet 4 cylinder diesel engine. It's like being constantly parked next to a van.

Half the fun with convertibles is the engine noise, whereas the noise from the 320d is just pollution.

So get the Coupe, keep the windows closed, and enjoy the economy.

I'd honestly rather a 318Ci Cab over the 320d, even though its gutless, simply because noise (including lack of it at the right moments) is so important in a cabrio.

Edited by Fox- on Tuesday 30th March 16:03

[Scott330ci]

I have a 330ci Cab - Its awesome

No help there whatsoever.

Edited by Scott330ci on Tuesday 30th March 16:52

[AB]

If you could find a 330Cd cab then that would help.

[chrisg_s2k]

Thanks all.
I've got a little time left before I need the new car so I'll keep my eye open for a 330cd at the right price.

I did notice the 'delightful' engine note on the test drives but I always have the radio up so doubt it will bother me in the long term.

Obviously I'd be after the 330i if that was a viable option!!

[Fox-]

I think the engine ruins it so much there is no reason to buy a 320d Cabrio instead of a 320d Coupe.

Get a different engine or get the hard top IMO

[AB]

Fox- said:

I think the engine ruins it so much there is no reason to buy a 320d Cabrio instead of a 320d Coupe.

I wouldn't go that far, as I love the convertible and think it looks better than the coupe with both roof up and roof down.

330Cd engine is most definitely a class above, however.

[Super Veloce]

The 320d I owned was bought because at 92k the engine was quiet (in diesel terms) I nearly always drive with the windows down often without music.

if you do get a 320d, get it remapped by Simon at emaps, it makes a huge difference the torque curve is very good. I tour'd scotlandlast year and never felt that I was lacking in power infact I was shocked how well it copped in the company.

the fuel economy is good too.

I do now however own a 330Ci and the engine note is loverly thoughit gets about 26mpg.....

If I was to buy a car to do 15k+ a year in again I would seriously consider a diesel cabrio 3ser.... the stigma has gone since fuel got soo bloody taxed to death.

[bluetone]

Everyone should have the award-winning bmw straight-six petrol engine in their life at some point, esp. with the hood down

[AB]

bluetone said:

Everyone should have the award-winning bmw straight-six petrol engine in their life at some point, esp. with the hood down

I'd say so.