e36 323i convertible

[mark_eire]

Have an urge to get a cheap convertible, I've been looking at e36 bmw's lately and I think they still look the business!
I had an e36 m3 evo coupe a few years ago but hated it, to be honest it turned out to be a bad buy, I bought it on impulse and it was a huge mistake.
I'm no longer interested in having a 321bhp m3 and think a six pot 2.5 might be sufficient.
Ideally I'd like one with a hardtop for winter comfort, whats the general opinion on the e36 cabrio?
Which is the best non m3 engine that still has a bit of go......

[007singh]

I thnk the 328i is meant to be cracking motor, provided its been looked after (as always). Be cautious of the Nikasil issue that affected some engines. Replacement should have been done on a recall.

For a convertible, I would say go for a 2.5 as a minimum so you have some fun, and a nice noise to hear with the roof down.

[4rephill]

007singh said:

I thnk the 328i is meant to be cracking motor, provided its been looked after (as always). Be cautious of the Nikasil issue that affected some engines. Replacement should have been done on a recall.

For a convertible, I would say go for a 2.5 as a minimum so you have some fun, and a nice noise to hear with the roof down.

There never was a recall by BMW for the nikasil issue as not all cars with nikasil engines suffered from problems. BMW dealt with each car that suffered problems on an individual basis, hence why there are so many nikasil engined cars still on the road. (Still worth seeking out an Alusil engined car if possible though).

BTW, if you have a 328i and it's using alot of oil, before you start thinking the worst (i.e, nikasil issues), check that the crankcase valve (CCV) isn't blocked. This is a common fault and causes horrific oil consumption that some people automatically assume is due to bore wear and nikasil issues.

[cunni14]

I'm sellin mine but I don't know if its out your price range. Heres the link anyway...

http://pistonheads.com/sales/1847071.htm

[markh1973]

I bought a 323i convertible back in the winter - silver with dark blue leather interior). Lovely car - great noise with the roof down. It's not the fastest car in the world but the 6 cylinder engine is just so smooth. Parking sensors appear to be the only thing that doesn't work.

Get the water pump replaced if you can't see any evidence of it already having been done. E36coupe.com is a good place for all sorts of advice. Check the wheel arches for rust as well.

Mine is a Nikasil but starts sweetly and had been serviced by Munich Legends for the 5 years the previous owner had it and they put my mind to rest about the car.

Get one and enjoy it - while the sun is still here.