Living with a 3 series convertible

[Jim Clark]

Hi All

My wife has owned a 3.0 Z4 for about 5 years now and it's time for a change. She has been looking at getting an 08 ish plate 3 series cab but also we are thinking about starting a family soon and dont want to have to change the car again when little ones arrive.

My question is basically, have any of you out there who have one got any kids and if so, is it manageable with the restricted boot space? Would just be interested to hear from owners on their views.

I have a 4 door saloon which would be the main family wagon but she would need to fit stuff in her car as well for when I'm not available to be the taxi!

Thanks in advance.

[the_g_ster]

Think carefully on that one. The old E46 shape was still very practical, you could get suitcases and all sorts in the boot with the hood down and was fun to drive.

The new shape you are looking at has very little boot space with the glass/metal roof down, you will struggle to get a few things from the shops in there. They are very heavy and slow in 320/325 guise, though 320d pulls but roof down in a diesel you will be looking for farm machinery around you then clock it's you.

I would go down the garage, with buggy, stuff you carry, and see what it's like. Rear access can be a bit tricky to seats too.

[dazzalse]

My wife for many years had a new 3 series convertible every year, the last E46 being a 330d sport with all factory options costing 45k on a 55 plate, we ran this for 18 months and traded it in for a 335i ( E93 ) all I can is the E93 is aimed at a different market to the previous car, the boot is awful with the hood down and the car is no longer practical for a weekend a way or to collect to the kids from school with cricket bags etc. We loved the E46 shape it was a great car practical etc but the E93 is over complicated small/no boot and not as pretty as the old car - Don' do it!