E46 325 convertible

[Colin_147]

We maybe looking to trader in our R56 Mini Cooper S for a 325 convertible.

Can anyone assist with things to look out for, what not to buy, performance in relation to the R56 etc? We will most likely buy from a BMW dealer

Would be looking to spend around 12k, paying cash

Thanks all

Edited by Colin_147 on Wednesday 12th November 13:31

[Vee]

Colin_147 said:

Can anyone assist with things to look out for,

Full SH. Heavy car so normally needs front bushes at some stage, especially if its lived its life in a city/town.
Check the roof mechanism and electrics work properly.
Sport is nicer than SE but the hard suspension is not to everyones liking. If you go for an SE it will be much cheaper.
Spec as high as possibe.
They all use oil. My saloon uses very little, my coupe about 1L every 1k miles. Apparently this is normal !

Colin_147 said:

what not to buy

As 325. Sweeter engine but a lot slower than a 330 with the same running costs. May as well get a 330. The same things above apply.

Colin_147 said:

Would be looking to spend around 12k, paying cash

Admittedly I haven't checked but are they as low as that at a BMW dealer ?
There will be plenty of private examples around which might be a better buy if not. Just spend £200 in a used car check if you're not confident of doing it yourself.

Edited by Vee on Wednesday 12th November 14:26

[the_g_ster]

330 all the way, it's one heavy car, you need something to get it to shift.

Sport trim too, looks a bit boring in SE trim.

You shouldn't need to worry about the engine, but they are heavy on brakes, there is an issue with the handbrake that's common as hard to adjust and can slip.

I can't say enough to watch out for suspension and tracking too, it eats tyres if it gets knocked out, so watch out for a scuffed alloy. Even if you get AA or RAC inspection I would check take the car to get alignment checked as they will also flag any issues with the bushes. Check for even wear, that will also show that you are buying from somebody that cares rather than just driving til the next service to find no rubber and no oil left. The car may look sat on one side at the back as there is compensation in the european market for the driver and the fuel tank that doesn't work here, there's nothing wrong with that at all. Don't worry about bushes too much as cheap to fix. Make sure you check all the electrics, roof should not leak at all. I have had mine in torential rain without a hint of ingress anywhere, they are amazingly well put together.

Check the paint too, I have seen a shocker in Snows Portsmouth with awful hazing from a poor paint job. Mine had some orange peel on the bonnet but I got that removed by a detailer.

Finally if you like your music forget good sound, even the Harman K system is pants, you'll need to find somebody to tastefully put some good kit in it.