Thinking of buying an E39 530 ir E36 328 cabrio

[crofty1984]

Well, as the title says, I've got about 4-4.5k to spend and I'm thinking of either a 328 cabrio (if I remember correctly the "sport" wasn't available as a drop-top, but I could retrofit an LSD.) or a 530.

The car's going to be a daily driver for use in northern Italy, and probably be taken on track for a bit of fun 2 or 3 times a year. It also needs to tow, not a caravan, but maybe a track car/little speedboat occaisionally.

I'm edging towards the 5 series, though I'd love a convertibe, hence the 328 still being in the frame.

What are the differences in models I'd be trying to get the 530 in "sport" guise, does that have LSD_ I'd like to know what to go for, what to look out for, etc.

Thanks,

Dan

[dan101smith]

You'll struggle to find a 530i sport for £4.5k.

[crofty1984]

dan101smith said:

You'll struggle to find a 530i sport for £4.5k.

Waht are the main differences between 530i sport and 530i? Would it be possible to retrofit some of the equipment? (I assume sport would have strut braces, LSD, uprated suspension, etc)

[dan101smith]

The V5, the black headlining, different ARBs, the list goes on (unfortunately not in my mind though, can't remember the rest).

[Fox-]

dan101smith said:

You'll struggle to find a 530i sport for £4.5k.

They have started to appear on Autotrader but frankly I wouldnt touch them even with somebody elses barge pole. They look shiney in the pictures but you don't want a bottom of the pond 5 Series.

[crofty1984]

Thanks for your advice guys, between this, the same thread in GG and my numerous "What car?" posts. I think I've decided on:

BMW 530i SE (possibly with sport pack, but I'm not fussed)
In a dark colour. Because they're faster.