E46 330 Coupe or Convertible?

[Rig Monkey]

Hi everyone,

Just been looking at these bargains, done a fair bit of research on them already (-Fox is an extremely experienced E46'er by the sounds of it, hopefully he will be along in this thread) but what I would like to know is, how do you think they will cope with been left for three weeks at a time without been driven and also what would be the best way to leave them (Car cover, disconnect the battery etc...)

I will be buying a BMW AUC due to the benefits this gives, pretty excited hoping to have one by the weekend!!

Thanks in advance

[Fox-]

I have twice left my 530i for long periods of time 6 weeks and 3 months. The battery was flat after 3 months, but after the 6 week gap it just started and drove off..

[billzeebub]

the perfect time of year to get yourself a Convertible bargain with not too much winter left to go..My E36 Vert sits outside with a waterproof car cover on it and periodicaly a MoistureMate left inside. I never disconnect the battery and have sometimes left it for 3 or 4 weeks without starting it due to using the other cars. It has never failed to start yet.

[Rig Monkey]

That's what I wanted to hear, I think I will be going with the vert to be honest. See what comes up at the right price.

Ideal spec for me is

Black/dark grey
Black Leather
Cd Player
HK system
M sport or sport depending on year
6 speed manual
Facelift

Not really sure why I am writing it down, I just think it's because I am a little excited!

[laingy]

my e46 sits outside with no cover -

has had no problems starting though the max it has been left is two weeks.

[Maxus]

Mine sits outside under a cover and has been left for upto 6 weeks without moving. It has not failed to start yet. I did put a trickle charger on it for a few days recently which really perked it up when it came to starting.

I am more concerned about brakes binding (which they do) and rubber perishing. I do leave it with the handbrake off. After 10 minutes of driving it appears to free itself up.

Cars are better off being driven so you just need to bear that in mind.

Superb cars by the way. Make sure it is a 330!

[gf15]

SWMBO has a 330i Vert, it was left out in the open for 3 weeks in May, started as if it had just been left for a day. Great car, feels quite special with the roof down. Sport rides quite hard. Try several, the good ones feel wonderful, but there are a lot of abused and neglected ones out there. Choose wisely and enjoy!
P.s. If you get one with the hard top, it really is very good!

[Rig Monkey]

Thanks for all the replies, but I've just put a deposit down on a z4 coupe 3.0 si.

Will start a new thread about it shortly.