Buying a 330 convertible. Any tips?

[Jboo]

Hi, I'm going to be buying a BMW 330 convertible 2002, 2003 or 2004 model. Just wondering whether anyone has any tips as to what to look out for and what specs are recommended. I've seen a few cars for sale but haven't yet found anything with everything on (sat nav, xenon lights, harmon kardon, etc) and the one's I do like the look of have really high mileage.

Does anyone have any tips on what extras would be good to have on the car and what are purely bonuses but aren't essential? Also, I guess it largely depends on service history but what would be your top limit on mileage that you're recommend?

Thanks for any advice.

Justin

[gjf15]

My wife has a 2002, 330i pre face lift. For us, less that 40K miles and full SH. Options she wanted
1: Sport Model
2: Heated seats
3: HK music
4: Hard top
5: MV alloys (these really are a pain to clean)
6: Zenons
7: Sat Nav
8: Non Carbon interior.
9: Black or Blue with light coloured interior

We got all of the above and after 8 months, we think the option list was correct apart from the nav which I would not let be a deal breaker, not bothered either way.

P.s.: We tried a few and they seemed tired / not looked after although most were well presented. We came across our one as we passed a indy garage on the way to look at a what turned out to be a dog. It had everything we wanted and more.
P.s. The very good low milage cars seem to cost very little extra and they are out there.

Edited by gjf15 on Friday 2nd April 08:51

Edited by gjf15 on Friday 2nd April 08:52

[Jboo]

Thanks for the reply. I have been looking for one with sat nav, but don't really need it. I just thought it'd be a nice bonus and help it hold it's value, but maybe it's not that essential. I've seen a few with average mileage (55-60k) but most seem to be more like 80k. Even then, some sellers way overprice their cars, but I'll keep on the look out to see what comes up. As long as I find one this month it'll be ideal.

Does anyone have any advice in regards to common problems with 80k+ mileage 330's? Is it pretty common to have problems with the clutch for example at this sort of mileage, or anything else that I should be aware of?

Thanks again.

[rfn]

All of my experience is with 325's I'm afraid, BUT:

A mate took a 2000 325i from 103k to 150k and a 2003 325Ci from 90k to 11k without any "major" problems. His 2000 saloon was still on original clutch at point of sale (as was the 2003).

[Jboo]

Thanks. I'm pretty interested in a 98k 330ci, so all being well with service history I might be tempted to go for it if mileage isn't going to be *too* big of an issue.

[Scott330ci]

Jboo said:

Thanks. I'm pretty interested in a 98k 330ci, so all being well with service history I might be tempted to go for it if mileage isn't going to be *too* big of an issue.

Always buy on condition and not milage.

I have done nearly 9k on mine and had a new thermostat - £102