E46 330i Sport auto convertible..

[Mudfugly]

Currently own a manual 330ci pre-facelift E46 coupe, with Mrs Fugly a 3 year old Smart car, anyway we dont need two cars, and with the wife only having an auto license, are looking at the 330i auto.

We will have around 8-9K to spend, having had a few E36's including a convertible, I was wondering if there are any issues with the roofs on the E46, I had numerous problems with the E36.

Also any issues with the auto box I should look out for, are they sealed for life, how good is the change on them, is the SMG worth a look ?

I am familiar with the normal E46 issues, so really am interested in any specific convertible issues with the auto box.

[bga]

Mudfugly said:

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Also any issues with the auto box I should look out for, are they sealed for life, how good is the change on them, is the SMG worth a look ?

The box should be very smooth. Check the box shifts seamlessly (up and down) and doesn't hunt for gears at a steady speed. Some can give a small jolt from P-D or P-R but it absolutely shouldn't be a thud.

Check that you can engage sport mode and that it does hold the revs. Check that the semi-auto works in sport mode.

BMW claim that the units are sealed for life but many will recommend fluid change around every 80k miles.

[eastsider]

bga said:

BMW claim that the units are sealed for life but many will recommend fluid change around every 80k miles.

This - you will find mixed advice. I would change it - did mine changed at 90k miles (shortly after purchase)and it was still running very smooth when I sold it at 109k miles.

Roof: I didn't have any major problems, the plastic 'blanking plates' that cover the hole for the 'c pillar' when the roof is down both broke on mine, but its just a case of re-gluing the plastic part to the mechanism runner.

As with all powered roof mechanisms, it can be a big drain on battery. I raised and lowered the roof twice with the engine off before purchase and flattened the battery - dealer ended up changing battery and alternator at his cost before I completed deal. I'm sure you are familiar with typical electric roof issues from your E36s.

Lower mileages examples can often be vastly overpriced in my opinion. Your budget should get you a nice example though, especially if you don't mind a few miles on it.

[bga]

eastsider said:

This - you will find mixed advice. I would change it - did mine changed at 90k miles (shortly after purchase)and it was still running very smooth when I sold it at 109k miles.

Most of the pro's I spoke to reckoned that the boxes will go past 250k if the oil is changed. Balance that against the cost of a rebuild (which I had) then it's a sound piece of preventative maintenance.

[Jobbo]

The convertible roof does seem to be reliable though I've seen a few problems mentioned on forums.

More relevant is that the convertible is a bit heavy and floppy compared to the coupe, and has quite a bit less rear seat space, so it's not nearly as good to drive nor as practical.

[anonymous-user]

bga said:

Mudfugly said:

.
Also any issues with the auto box I should look out for, are they sealed for life, how good is the change on them, is the SMG worth a look ?

The box should be very smooth. Check the box shifts seamlessly (up and down) and doesn't hunt for gears at a steady speed. Some can give a small jolt from P-D or P-R but it absolutely shouldn't be a thud.

Check that you can engage sport mode and that it does hold the revs. Check that the semi-auto works in sport mode.

BMW claim that the units are sealed for life but many will recommend fluid change around every 80k miles.

FYI - I've actually seen a workshop notice from ZF (that manufacture the gearbox) stating that 120,000 miles is when they recommend changing the oil.

[bga]

That's good to note.

[Mudfugly]

Thanks chaps for the helpful replies

[gf15]

SWMBO has a 2002 330 sport auto. She also had a smart car and took to the 330 like a duck to water. It does drive rather well and the roof operation is smooth and has never given any issues over 2 years. I think the hard top is a must if you can get one, saves the roof through the winter and looks smart.

Gearbox should be super smooth. We drove quite a few (and ruled others out before even driving them). The difference between a good one and a not so good one is like night and day. You will know a good one within a mile!

A wind deflector is also a good buy. From May to Oct the roof is down 80% of the time. Good luck and best time of the year to buy one