Buying used:BMW 328-330 convertible (1995-2006)

Buying Used
BMW 328-330 convertible (1995-2006)


BMW’s first ‘full’ convertible was the 320i introduced in 1987 as a fresh addition to the ageing E30 Series. By the late-1990s soft-top versions accounted for a significant proportion of 325/328i sales, and had become a symbol of social and financial success.

The E46 update retained much of the proven E36 design but under a reinvigorated skin incorporated some major engineering upgrades that ensured the Three Series would continue in its role as BMW’s volume seller and world leader of the Compact Luxury class.

HISTORY
The 328i BMW introduced to Australia in June 1995 brought fresh impetus to the E36 Series that had been supporting the brand worldwide since 1991.

With marginally more power and a 14 per cent improvement in torque over the 325 model it replaced, the 328i Convertible sold for $96,750; a price that didn’t change even when climate-control air-conditioning became standard.

Two years later an updated version of the 328i arrived with two trim levels and minimal price increases despite significant shifts in the quantity of included equipment.

Entry to 328i ownership came via the Executive with leather trim, dual air-bags, a trip computer, leather steering wheel and electric folding roof. Stepping up to almost $100,000 the Highline added sports seats with better-quality leather, traction control and lots of timber embellishers in the cabin.

True to BMW form, the 328i buyer was offered an extensive list of costly options that included electrically operated and heated seats, $1400 metallic paint and a $2500 pop-up roll-bar. Five-speed automatic transmission added a relatively frugal $2300.

No combination of 328 options could generate a total price anywhere near that of the ultimate Three Series convertible. The open-top M3 that was released into Australia in June 1999 and disappeared less than a year later hit showrooms with standard six-speed manual transmission, a 236kW engine and base price of $147,500.

The 328i consolidated its place the four-seat soft-top market with local sales steadily rising past 400 units annually before being replaced by the significantly improved 330Ci.

Although similar in many respects to the earlier version, BMW’s Fourth Generation Three Series was substantially altered and improved.

Power increased from 142kW to 170kW and a 37mm wheelbase extension provided improved legroom for rear-seat passengers plus ‘perfect’ 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution.

Additional strengthening within the body shell produced a car that, according to BMW, was 70 per cent more rigid than the previous convertible yet only 55kg heavier. Extensive use of aluminium components maintained durability while shaving weight from the suspension and other structural areas.

An updated 330Ci that arrived in 2004 briefly took the price of a basic convertible past $113,000 and added in compensation an in-dash TV screen. More interesting was introduction a few months later of the SMG model with a
six-speed sequential gearbox that used an electronic clutch for lightning-fast up or downshifts but could also be used in fully-automatic mode.

In 2005 and accompanied by range restructuring that saw the basic 330Ci disappear and the cost of a standard SMG convertible cut by $3000, BMW introduced a Highline version that cost $112,100 and offered a staggering selection of goodies in a very appealing package.

ON THE ROAD
Older, E36 convertibles have plummeted in value with high-kilometre cars selling at less than ten per cent of their original prices. Providing they will be used sparingly and maintained properly these can still be reliable but repairing a poor-quality car could easily double the outlay and make a later, lower-kilometre 330Ci more viable.

Both the 2.8 and 3.0-litre engines will deliver abundant torque from very low engine speeds, so even in a five-speed manual car the driver won’t be snatching for the gear-lever while hoping the gap in the traffic doesn’t slam shut.

The manual is a strong transmission with a fairly heavy but very positive action and gearing that makes even these 1500kg convertibles feel like two-seat sports cars. The sequential shift available after 2004 and five-speed auto fitted to the majority of 328i/330Ci cars can be used in manual mode or simply left to its own devices without the effort of operating a clutch pedal in heavy traffic.

The steering should feel direct and responsive, with power assistance that adapts to speed and cornering forces to deliver maximum road feel. Suspension that errs on the side of handling will deliver a jiggly ride on bumpy roads but that’s a price that most owners are prepared to pay for the levels of grip and precision delivered by both the E36 and E46 chassis.

Wind noise and buffeting with the top down and side-windows up is minimal but dropping all of the glass sends eddies of breeze through the cabin, with particular impact on those in the rear section. Top-up these cars could be a coupe with no flapping or creaking.

Safety is a BMW strong point with 328i cars providing dual air-bags, ABS brakes and traction control. To this package the 330Ci added side-rear air-bags and stability control. The standard rubber and 17 inch wheels were a little skimpy for a car of the convertible’s weight and a lot scored wider, larger-diameter alloys from new.  

The leather-finished seats – electrically adjustable in the 330Ci – may be a little narrow for larger frames and the trim will crease and fade with use and sun exposure.

Rear seat passengers get a better deal in later cars as well.  In addition to the bit of additional leg-room, improved aerodynamics reduce buffeting when the roof is down and the stiffer structure and better damping means
less road noise coming through the seat and floor-pan.

If any aspect of the E46 version ages the design it is the dash and instruments. The four-dial layout provides drivers with plenty of information but bland, white-on-black lettering harks back to the 1980s. Later cars come with a colour, multi-functional screen and the steering wheel has controls that help keep the driver in touch with the road while setting temperature or checking how much fuel is being burned.

CHECK POINTS
- 1990s cars might be short on recent service history which could leave buyers with some expensive maintenance tasks.

- Fault codes that display in the dash readout should be noted and checked with a BMW specialist prior to purchase. Some issues can be rectified by routine procedures; others involve major work and cost to rectify.

- Mmost crucial when evaluating a convertible is to ensure the top can be folded and raised without flexing, shuddering or catching. Check the covering carefully for splits or marks indicating that sections of the top are binding or catching and the plastic rear window on 328 models for discoloration.

- The front suspension works hard so expect worn bushes and shock absorbers in cars that have travelled more than 80,000 kilometres. Disc rotors are likely to need renewal at 60,000 kilometres.

- The VANOS variable valve timing system suffers a variety of problems; most aligned to poor or delayed maintenance. These can produce stuttering under acceleration or, in extreme cases, cause the engine to stop. Excessive noise or misfiring indicates repairs or perhaps a replacement unit are required.

- Early versions of the SMG transmission suffered sensor failures that could leave the driver with no gears at all until the system was reset. Any reluctance when shifting from second to third gears or difficulty selecting reverse is a danger sign.

Used Vehicle Grading