Buying advice - used BMW Convertible 2007+ (E93)

[996c2]

After running my porsche 996C2 for the past 3 years as a daily driver, I am finally in a position to put it in the garage and use as a weekend only car. I find that I appreciate the 996 a lot more when I am using something else as a daily driver (currently my brother's Golf whilst he's on holiday!).

Anyway, after a lot of hard graft and saving, I have now got about £20k for a used E93. I have not had a BMW or a convertible before so would be grateful for any advice on the following:

1. Is the BMW AUC scheme worth the premium? How much discount is achievable/likely if buying with cash? Would January be a better time to get discounts/lower prices?

2. I drive mostly in London so am thinking of going for an automatic. Is this sensible in a driver-focused car like the BMW and should I pay a premium for the automatic?

3. The 996 has been a bit thirsty so I am looking for something more econmical. However, is it worth going for a more expensive diesel if I am only doing 10k miles/year?

4. Are the base 320i/320d engines underpowered for this car or would they be fine for commuting around in London?

5. As the car will be for daily commuting, I would prefer comfort over sportiness. What is the best spec for this? Any must have options or things worth paying premium for?

I would be grateful for any other buying advice, tips and experience that you have to share.

Thanks.

p.s. I have only ever ran one car at a time in the past. What is the cheapest way to insure the 2 cars scenario above?

[kwacker9]

For what it's worth have just bought a 335i E93, was tempted by the diesel but the auto put me off.

Good. Luck

[2GOOD]

I've also been looking at these, only driven a 320d but thinking of a 325d, prpbably a manual. Budget of £20k doesn't seem quite enough.

[6BMW]

How about something like this instead

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1939450.htm

[996c2]

2GOOD said:

I've also been looking at these, only driven a 320d but thinking of a 325d, prpbably a manual. Budget of £20k doesn't seem quite enough.

£20k is probably not enough for a diesel but there are a few BMW approved 2007 petrol models below £20k mark here:

http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/auc/national_search_res...

There is one 330d BMW approved E93 at the £20k mark here:

http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/auc/car_details/0,,1260...

The mileage is slightly above average at 55k but OK for a diesel I guess. It's also an automatic so I don't know if this is depressing its price a little.

6BMW said:

How about something like this instead

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1939450.htm

Looks good but I can't justify running this and the pork (too similar)

Edited by 996c2 on Wednesday 3rd November 14:10

[6BMW]

Cheers

The links for the cars you posted are severely poverty spec!? Look at the options lists and they hardly have anything...

[996c2]

kwacker9 said:

For what it's worth have just bought a 335i E93, was tempted by the diesel but the auto put me off.

Good. Luck

Hi kwacker9, you must have spent a bit of time looking for your 335i. Any buying tips/advice e.t.c. that I should know about?

Did you manage to get much of a discount? What options are worth having?

Thanks.

Edited by 996c2 on Wednesday 3rd November 15:05

[Silver993tt]

I have a 330D Touring Auto. The auto gearbox is very suited to the diesel engine and very economical. Mine is averaging 45mpg over the last 9 months of ownership, although it's a 2009 model with the slightly more efficient engine (from 2008-onwards I believe).

[kwacker9]

996c2 said:

kwacker9 said:

For what it's worth have just bought a 335i E93, was tempted by the diesel but the auto put me off.

Good. Luck

Hi kwacker9, you must have spent a bit of time looking for your 335i. Any buying tips/advice e.t.c. that I should know about?

Did you manage to get much of a discount? What options are worth having?

Thanks.

Edited by 996c2 on Wednesday 3rd November 15:05

It was a private buy with 60K miles on '57' plate, after a wk of driving it's hard to say, but the main reason is I wanted to stay manual so ruled out he 335d, the I-drive as you've probably read isn't the easiest, I'm trying to like the Sat Nav but have been used to & happy with a Tomtom, but the screen does off a raft of info if you wish to LOOK for it.

mine is built pre sept 2007 if you go post you'll save on the VED as this sits on the edge at 226g/km.

good luck.

[Silver993tt]

kwacker9 said:

996c2 said:

kwacker9 said:

For what it's worth have just bought a 335i E93, was tempted by the diesel but the auto put me off.

Good. Luck

Hi kwacker9, you must have spent a bit of time looking for your 335i. Any buying tips/advice e.t.c. that I should know about?

Did you manage to get much of a discount? What options are worth having?

Thanks.

Edited by 996c2 on Wednesday 3rd November 15:05

It was a private buy with 60K miles on '57' plate, after a wk of driving it's hard to say, but the main reason is I wanted to stay manual so ruled out he 335d, the I-drive as you've probably read isn't the easiest, I'm trying to like the Sat Nav but have been used to & happy with a Tomtom, but the screen does off a raft of info if you wish to LOOK for it.

mine is built pre sept 2007 if you go post you'll save on the VED as this sits on the edge at 226g/km.

good luck.

also, the I-Drive is much improved on the 2008 - onwards models. Comes with a fast built in hard drive and wonderful satnav system.

[Fox-]

I've been watching this market closely for a while now and it seems there are quite a few 325i's around at this pricepoint - supply of them is high enough to make prices attractive. This would be the minimum engine I'd consider - you certainly dont want the clatter of a 4 cylinder diesel when its a sunny day and you've got the roof down cruising through town, do you?

Be aware though the E93 is NOT a light car. It weighs in at a staggering 1800ish kg so fuel consumption and performance suffers against the E92. Make sure you get an engine with a suitable amount of grunt.