3 Series Convertible E46 Vs E93
Discussion
It's summer time, I need to work on my tan so think it's good to buy a convertible.
I've thought about 5k Boxsters and Z4s (mentioned on another thread) but also considering a 3 Series Convertible, either in E46 or E93 flavour. Got a baby on the way so having the rear seats (capable of attaching a child seat) is a notable advantage over the Z4 or Boxster if wanting to use the car for a weekend away.
However on further research I've come to realise just how terrible the boot on the E93 is with the roof down.
No space for any luggage or a buggy.
Anyone got much experience of the E46 convertible? I've found this one nearby. Strong money for an old E46 but looks a v nice spec and manual too. Might be a better (and more practical) option than an equivalently priced E93.
What do you guys reckon? (Or sod practicality, the wife and baby and get a Boxster/Z4?)
I've thought about 5k Boxsters and Z4s (mentioned on another thread) but also considering a 3 Series Convertible, either in E46 or E93 flavour. Got a baby on the way so having the rear seats (capable of attaching a child seat) is a notable advantage over the Z4 or Boxster if wanting to use the car for a weekend away.
However on further research I've come to realise just how terrible the boot on the E93 is with the roof down.
No space for any luggage or a buggy.
Anyone got much experience of the E46 convertible? I've found this one nearby. Strong money for an old E46 but looks a v nice spec and manual too. Might be a better (and more practical) option than an equivalently priced E93.
What do you guys reckon? (Or sod practicality, the wife and baby and get a Boxster/Z4?)
Get a smaller buggy?
I’ve owned a fair few E46 and E90 models (not the convertible options, granted) and IMHO teh E46 is too much hassle unless it’s a really unique model (M3, CS, CSL) or you have access to warm garage space. For all it’s faults, the E90 doesn’t seem to rust in the same way as the E46 did. In both cases the convertible is a compromise anyway.
Buggy wise, if you’re at the pram stage get a bugaboo bee. If at the pushchair stage get a yoyo, think both fit in carry on luggage and therefore a car should be easy. Put all your luggage in a bag in the spare rear passenger seat.
I’ve owned a fair few E46 and E90 models (not the convertible options, granted) and IMHO teh E46 is too much hassle unless it’s a really unique model (M3, CS, CSL) or you have access to warm garage space. For all it’s faults, the E90 doesn’t seem to rust in the same way as the E46 did. In both cases the convertible is a compromise anyway.
Buggy wise, if you’re at the pram stage get a bugaboo bee. If at the pushchair stage get a yoyo, think both fit in carry on luggage and therefore a car should be easy. Put all your luggage in a bag in the spare rear passenger seat.
survivalist said:
Get a smaller buggy?
I’ve owned a fair few E46 and E90 models (not the convertible options, granted) and IMHO teh E46 is too much hassle unless it’s a really unique model (M3, CS, CSL) or you have access to warm garage space. For all it’s faults, the E90 doesn’t seem to rust in the same way as the E46 did. In both cases the convertible is a compromise anyway.
Buggy wise, if you’re at the pram stage get a bugaboo bee. If at the pushchair stage get a yoyo, think both fit in carry on luggage and therefore a car should be easy. Put all your luggage in a bag in the spare rear passenger seat.
Agree with the above.I’ve owned a fair few E46 and E90 models (not the convertible options, granted) and IMHO teh E46 is too much hassle unless it’s a really unique model (M3, CS, CSL) or you have access to warm garage space. For all it’s faults, the E90 doesn’t seem to rust in the same way as the E46 did. In both cases the convertible is a compromise anyway.
Buggy wise, if you’re at the pram stage get a bugaboo bee. If at the pushchair stage get a yoyo, think both fit in carry on luggage and therefore a car should be easy. Put all your luggage in a bag in the spare rear passenger seat.
I loved my E46 but it ate suspension components for breakfast (bushes, wishbones, sapped springs) and the cooling system was made of chocolate (water pump, bowed rad, thermostat, expansion tank). It was a compact so rust was less of an issue. The E90 that followed it was a much better built car. It didn’t have quite the same solid feel but in the three years I owned it, it only had one issue (VANOS actuators). The MOT history since I sold it paints a pretty good picture too.
g3org3y said:
It's summer time, I need to work on my tan so think it's good to buy a convertible.
Anyone got much experience of the E46 convertible? I've found this one nearby. Strong money for an old E46 but looks a v nice spec and manual too. Might be a better (and more practical) option than an equivalently priced E93.
What do you guys reckon? (Or sod practicality, the wife and baby and get a Boxster/Z4?)
I've got no experience with E46 convertibles but I definitely wouldn't spend that much on that particular car. Far better deals to be had out there with a better spec.Anyone got much experience of the E46 convertible? I've found this one nearby. Strong money for an old E46 but looks a v nice spec and manual too. Might be a better (and more practical) option than an equivalently priced E93.
What do you guys reckon? (Or sod practicality, the wife and baby and get a Boxster/Z4?)
Personally if it's just a weekend car (and I say this being a person with no kids) I would go with the more exciting roadsters, a boxster or z4 would feel so much more special than an E46/E93 convertible imho.
Had a few 3 and 4 series with hard tops. Boot space is lacking but access is worse! They changed it on the new models so the whole cargo cover lifts up. Biggest problem we had was once a rear-facing baby seat was installed it makes the front seat unusable, unless the passenger has no legs. Gets slightly better when the child can go into a normal front facing seat - but not a lot. My wife is 5ft8 and she could just about tolerate 30 mins cramped up in the front. No chance for me fitting in if she was driving. Normal pram does not fit, you may still struggle with smaller ones.
I have an E93 and yep, the access when the roof is down is terrible. It depends on your perspective though, as when the roof is up you can load the boot at the back with a fair amount of luggage. You can then put the roof down, but won't be able to (easily) access the contents whilst it's in that position, so you'll have to put the roof up again most of the time if you want to get stuff out of the boot.
I've had mine since both kids were small and you can fit a forward facing car seat in no problem, and a stroller in the boot. A full on pram and roof down won't work.
I did travel down to Le Mans a few years ago fully loaded with 4 reasonably large gents plus all luggage with the roof down so you can squeeze a lot in if you try!
I've had mine since both kids were small and you can fit a forward facing car seat in no problem, and a stroller in the boot. A full on pram and roof down won't work.
I did travel down to Le Mans a few years ago fully loaded with 4 reasonably large gents plus all luggage with the roof down so you can squeeze a lot in if you try!
I'm presuming this is your first child so don't quite appreciate the amount of stuff that you end up carting around or how impractical a 2 door car is with a baby 
Never mind that roof down with a baby in the car is probably not ideal.
However, as an E46 convertible owner I can say they are great cars. Keep on top of the jobs and they are pretty reliable (cooling/suspension/oil). They are fairly easy to work on if you fancy it.
Boot space is actually quite good. The challenge is finding a good one. The one you linked to reads very well and like it has been loved hence the asking price.
As the sun is out I drove mine to work today. Lovely drive. A little pic of mine.
Never mind that roof down with a baby in the car is probably not ideal.However, as an E46 convertible owner I can say they are great cars. Keep on top of the jobs and they are pretty reliable (cooling/suspension/oil). They are fairly easy to work on if you fancy it.
Boot space is actually quite good. The challenge is finding a good one. The one you linked to reads very well and like it has been loved hence the asking price.
As the sun is out I drove mine to work today. Lovely drive. A little pic of mine.
The trouble with E46's is that most of them are rubbish. They are not a particularly durable car and it takes very little neglect for one to become a rusty heap, oil/coolant leaks and warning lights ahoy.
A friend has a stunning 2002 330i Auto M Sport Convertible, circa 40'000 miles, garaged with FSH. Given that most are s
tboxes and this one isn't, I've advised him to put it up for £5500 on the basis that they are considered by some (not me) to be a modern classic.
A friend has a stunning 2002 330i Auto M Sport Convertible, circa 40'000 miles, garaged with FSH. Given that most are s
tboxes and this one isn't, I've advised him to put it up for £5500 on the basis that they are considered by some (not me) to be a modern classic. Had both, E46 in 330CD guise, E93 M3. Ignoring the fact it was an M, the E93 is the better all round car IMHO. As has already been mentioned the fabric roof cars look a bit pants with the roof up. The boot space in the E46 with the roof down isn't that great either. The boot on the E93 isn't that bad, sure you can't fit a buggy in it (well maybe a small one) but you can get some stuff in there. The folding tin top gives it looks (although I think they look a bit dated now) and all round usability.
I had young kids with both cars too and to be honest with the roof down (buggy issues aside), both kids loved it for the first 5 mins then quickly hated it as the wind buffeting became far too annoying.
If you need to do it, do it. The sound of the V8 in the M3 justified putting the roof down as often as I could but if it wasn't for that I can't really see an plus point these days. Maybe because I'm a bit older and have got it all out of my system. People in cabs, especially ones laden with kids just look a bit silly. Then you have to engineer getting them out, putting the roof back up etc.
I had young kids with both cars too and to be honest with the roof down (buggy issues aside), both kids loved it for the first 5 mins then quickly hated it as the wind buffeting became far too annoying.
If you need to do it, do it. The sound of the V8 in the M3 justified putting the roof down as often as I could but if it wasn't for that I can't really see an plus point these days. Maybe because I'm a bit older and have got it all out of my system. People in cabs, especially ones laden with kids just look a bit silly. Then you have to engineer getting them out, putting the roof back up etc.
Thanks for all the replies chap, some interesting points.
I suppose I just miss my E30 325i Cabrio. That was a lovely car.
I've been running an E36 328i Touring as a daily for the last 7 years or so, totally understand re niggles and rust.
I was really temped by the E93 as the solid roof really gives it all year potential. However the loss of boot space is significant.
Am just musing re what to replace my 328 with as it's going next week and until I find a replacement, I'll be driving my wife's old 1.0 Polo (50bhp!).
Basically Ineed want two cars:
1) Something fancy as a treat (which I've promised myself since finishing med school) - M3 (E46 or E9X) or Porsche 911
2) A daily for work. Nothing too expensive, maybe 5k. I'm usually on my own in the car, so practicality isn't essential. Hence the thought re Z4 or Boxster, but considered the 3er Cabrio as some modicum of practicality.
I suppose I just miss my E30 325i Cabrio. That was a lovely car.
survivalist said:
Get a smaller buggy?
I’ve owned a fair few E46 and E90 models (not the convertible options, granted) and IMHO teh E46 is too much hassle unless it’s a really unique model (M3, CS, CSL) or you have access to warm garage space. For all it’s faults, the E90 doesn’t seem to rust in the same way as the E46 did. In both cases the convertible is a compromise anyway.
Buggy wise, if you’re at the pram stage get a bugaboo bee. If at the pushchair stage get a yoyo, think both fit in carry on luggage and therefore a car should be easy. Put all your luggage in a bag in the spare rear passenger seat.
Haven't bought the buggy yet. We're looking to have a second pretty soon after the first so probably want a buggy that can be upgraded to a tandem.I’ve owned a fair few E46 and E90 models (not the convertible options, granted) and IMHO teh E46 is too much hassle unless it’s a really unique model (M3, CS, CSL) or you have access to warm garage space. For all it’s faults, the E90 doesn’t seem to rust in the same way as the E46 did. In both cases the convertible is a compromise anyway.
Buggy wise, if you’re at the pram stage get a bugaboo bee. If at the pushchair stage get a yoyo, think both fit in carry on luggage and therefore a car should be easy. Put all your luggage in a bag in the spare rear passenger seat.
I've been running an E36 328i Touring as a daily for the last 7 years or so, totally understand re niggles and rust.
cerb4.5lee said:
All convertibles with a fabric roof look ste with the top up for me. What I like about the E93 is that it looks like a Coupe with the roof up and I think that it is worth the compromise(boot space wise) for sure.
I have no problem with rag tops.te with the top up for me. What I like about the E93 is that it looks like a Coupe with the roof up and I think that it is worth the compromise(boot space wise) for sure. I was really temped by the E93 as the solid roof really gives it all year potential. However the loss of boot space is significant.
Yadizzle1 said:
I've got no experience with E46 convertibles but I definitely wouldn't spend that much on that particular car. Far better deals to be had out there with a better spec.
Personally if it's just a weekend car (and I say this being a person with no kids) I would go with the more exciting roadsters, a boxster or z4 would feel so much more special than an E46/E93 convertible imho.
Looked like a very nice, original and well specced example and didn't think the price too outrageous. I do agree with the Boxster or Z4 being a better weekend car though.Personally if it's just a weekend car (and I say this being a person with no kids) I would go with the more exciting roadsters, a boxster or z4 would feel so much more special than an E46/E93 convertible imho.
Pioneer said:
Had a few 3 and 4 series with hard tops. Boot space is lacking but access is worse! They changed it on the new models so the whole cargo cover lifts up. Biggest problem we had was once a rear-facing baby seat was installed it makes the front seat unusable, unless the passenger has no legs. Gets slightly better when the child can go into a normal front facing seat - but not a lot. My wife is 5ft8 and she could just about tolerate 30 mins cramped up in the front. No chance for me fitting in if she was driving. Normal pram does not fit, you may still struggle with smaller ones.
Thank you, that's really interesting to know. V helpful. Didn't realise space would be that tight.R4PID said:
If you need to do it, do it. The sound of the V8 in the M3 justified putting the roof down as often as I could but if it wasn't for that I can't really see an plus point these days. Maybe because I'm a bit older and have got it all out of my system. People in cabs, especially ones laden with kids just look a bit silly. Then you have to engineer getting them out, putting the roof back up etc.
I just really enjoyed owing a Cabrio. Had the roof down on the E30 a lot. Maxus said:
I'm presuming this is your first child so don't quite appreciate the amount of stuff that you end up carting around or how impractical a 2 door car is with a baby Never mind that roof down with a baby in the car is probably not ideal.
Bought wife an E91 Touring so that'll be the main practical vehicle. Never mind that roof down with a baby in the car is probably not ideal.Am just musing re what to replace my 328 with as it's going next week and until I find a replacement, I'll be driving my wife's old 1.0 Polo (50bhp!).
Basically I
1) Something fancy as a treat (which I've promised myself since finishing med school) - M3 (E46 or E9X) or Porsche 911
2) A daily for work. Nothing too expensive, maybe 5k. I'm usually on my own in the car, so practicality isn't essential. Hence the thought re Z4 or Boxster, but considered the 3er Cabrio as some modicum of practicality.
An e92 May be too similar to your e91. Whilst they’re good cars, I’d be tempted by something different. I’d avoid Z4s (steeing problem is a difficult fix and they’re not rewarding in any way) and be more tempted by an E30 325i if you can find a good one or (wild card) V8/V12 Merc SL that seem crazy cheap.
Ever thought of E64s for that special occasion feeling? Not that they are any better with regards to the leg room at the back though...worse in fact.
They look so much better in flesh than on photos - like the most of Bangle"s creations. 630i is all one needs - prefacelift for the N52 engine. Adding subtle Alpina style spoilets changes the looks dramatically. And if you could find a manual...
They look so much better in flesh than on photos - like the most of Bangle"s creations. 630i is all one needs - prefacelift for the N52 engine. Adding subtle Alpina style spoilets changes the looks dramatically. And if you could find a manual...
naturalaspiration said:
Ever thought of E64s for that special occasion feeling? Not that they are any better with regards to the leg room at the back though...worse in fact.
They look so much better in flesh than on photos - like the most of Bangle"s creations. 630i is all one needs - prefacelift for the N52 engine. Adding subtle Alpina style spoilets changes the looks dramatically. And if you could find a manual...
I did actually. I think they look great but the rear seats are worse than the E93 and it's a notably bigger car which might make it more of a bother as a daily (work car park is narrow/small). I think it'd be a lovely cruiser as a cabrio though. Not totally out of the question.They look so much better in flesh than on photos - like the most of Bangle"s creations. 630i is all one needs - prefacelift for the N52 engine. Adding subtle Alpina style spoilets changes the looks dramatically. And if you could find a manual...
cerb4.5lee said:
All convertibles with a fabric roof look ste with the top up for me. What I like about the E93 is that it looks like a Coupe with the roof up and I think that it is worth the compromise(boot space wise) for sure.
A hardtop is heavier and takes up more space while folded though - my E85 Z4 with a fabric roof has way more bootspace than the E93 in the picture.te with the top up for me. What I like about the E93 is that it looks like a Coupe with the roof up and I think that it is worth the compromise(boot space wise) for sure. (I appreciate the OP doesn’t want a two seater - just pointing out how daft it is!)
I think you’ll struggle with a buggy no matter what, though. I think a 6 is a better choice…
Jakg said:
cerb4.5lee said:
All convertibles with a fabric roof look ste with the top up for me. What I like about the E93 is that it looks like a Coupe with the roof up and I think that it is worth the compromise(boot space wise) for sure.
A hardtop is heavier and takes up more space while folded though - my E85 Z4 with a fabric roof has way more bootspace than the E93 in the picture.te with the top up for me. What I like about the E93 is that it looks like a Coupe with the roof up and I think that it is worth the compromise(boot space wise) for sure. 
I hate the way my 370Z looks with the roof up and I felt the same with my Z4M too, visually I do think that a folding metal roof looks so much better for me.
Yadizzle1 said:
Personally if it's just a weekend car (and I say this being a person with no kids) I would go with the more exciting roadsters, a boxster or z4 would feel so much more special than an E46/E93 convertible imho.
Looking at a Z4 3.0 Si on Friday!Decided if going topless to do it properly. Also means when I buy my M3 it can be with a proper roof.
g3org3y said:
Yadizzle1 said:
Personally if it's just a weekend car (and I say this being a person with no kids) I would go with the more exciting roadsters, a boxster or z4 would feel so much more special than an E46/E93 convertible imho.
Looking at a Z4 3.0 Si on Friday!Decided if going topless to do it properly. Also means when I buy my M3 it can be with a proper roof.
I guess the benefit of a 4 seat convertible is that the family can come as well...although you won't have as much fun because the family will just moan about your driving!!
Hope the Z4 is a good one for you!
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