[daveleach]

Does anyone know of a buyers guide for the convertible?
What sort of things sould I be looking for?
I'm considering a 335i. The only possible downside at the mo is the mileage.
It's currently a 58,000. On an 08.
Is that excessive?

[Kerr]

An 08 is 4 years old and given 12,000 per year is deemed average, 58,000 is not too far out the window.

Looking at the classifieds there is quite a few 335i heading towards 100k and there is two on here at 140 and 180k.

58k is nothing.

There is a couple of guys on here with E93 or had them.

I've read a few guys complain about rattles in the roof and you will find the car is heavier and not as rigid as your current coupe. The weight blunts the performance a little too.

[daveleach]

I was thinking it would drive different to my current car. Due to the roof weigh etc.
Not really sure what to do to be honest. Keep mine, or get 335i coupe, or the conv?

Kids want the conv, not that the roof will be down too much, at this rate!

[The_Bear_Yid]

In sure the vert will still be fun and powerful.

If the kids want it then you get a chance to look like a hero to them.

[daveleach]

Yes and then look a twat to everyone else! Roof down pissing with rain!!!

Also depends on what I get offered for mine.
I believe this dealer had the car I'm looking at for a while. So it could actually be a absolute dog!

http://www.heathrowautocentre.co.uk/...01216464177380

[Barlows]

You can see how heavy the E93 is by this pic...

[daveleach]

How?

[The_Bear_Yid]

Originally Posted by daveleach

Yes and then look a twat to everyone else! Roof down pissing with rain!!!

Also depends on what I get offered for mine.
I believe this dealer had the car I'm looking at for a while. So it could actually be a absolute dog!

http://www.heathrowautocentre.co.uk/...01216464177380

Ok. If 'everyone else' means more.

Hint: When the rain comes, press the button to make the roof go up.

[daveleach]

Yes I know that but kids will prob say just give us our umbrellas! Leve roof down!

[Barlows]

Originally Posted by daveleach

How?

The flat grass tracks

[daveleach]

Yeah nice 1!

[jada07515]

get it and keep the kids happy lol

[The_Bear_Yid]

Originally Posted by daveleach

Yes I know that but kids will prob say just give us our umbrellas! Leve roof down!

Lol. Then you put your foot down (metaphorically) and put the roof up.

Or just put your foot down (literally).

I'd like to own one at some point but just think I'd seldom have the roof down and it wouldn't be worth it.

[TripleBlack]

Hi mate, I paid more attention to this forum AFTER I got my E93 335i but I noticed if you searched correctly you can pick up a lot of information on the car, especially on things that could go wrong or options they regret not buying with the car.

I got a couple old BMW mags that have buyers guides on it, but I'm confident you'll find more information here. But if you want I can pull the mags out and tell you the issue numbers if you want to go buy them.

I've had mine now 2 months.
First major thing is the difference in road tax prices depending on the year. I think really late 2008's are cheaper.
Do a vehicle enquiry on this site to find out.
https://www.taxdisc.direct.gov.uk/Ev...skin=directgov
£400+ per year or £200+, up to you!


I very rarely hear creaking sounds with the roof up. If ever then it would be with all four windows down, so that lets a lot of outside sound in and is probably less stable that way.

I have had the odd leak from the drivers side. It falls around the lower thigh to knee area. 2 seperate times in 2 months which isn't bad considering how constantly bad the weathers been. it might have something to do with how the top connects each time you drop it and raises.

In comparison to yours my 57 plate was 41,000miles.

Filling the tank today would cost around £70. The computer will say 412 avg miles but that depends on how you drive and is likely to go up for a bit if you're nice to it. This would last me 10 days max.
Driving around town really drains the fuel unless you keep to lane 1 and drive like a learner.

What else do you want to know? I dont know it all but I can answer a few things if no one else bothers.

[daveleach]

I saw the difference in road tax. I need to have a look at tax disc or log book, when I view car to confirm registration date.
I had a few things I wanted when I bought my coupe. Heated seats, xenons and I drive the main ones.
it's had three owners already, which is also on my mind?

[TripleBlack]

...but say if you are browsing cars online atleast you can do a quick check on the tax price using the number plate and the DVLA site.

My one came fully loaded, just missing a few things like the split centre arm rest (not sure if thats an upgrade or a choice) and the uprated sound system.

I just spent the last 6 hours reading up on the cracked rims issue which has been around since 2007. if you're looking to buy one with 225m 19" wheels and run flat tyres, check the inside of the rims for any cracks and either ask for a replacement, considerable discount (about £550 each to replace) or walk away.
Just found out I got a cracked rim.

Also think about how you're going to secure the car with after market features. Theres a certain situation going around which you might want to read up on.

Obviously multiple owners get people worried, if thats the case arrange for a full car inspection by BMW or AA to be paid for by the seller.

On the other side of the fence this cars a great car to own if you got the cash to burn.

[daveleach]

Went to view the car.
And it's not the one for me.
No logic 7 audio
Chrome trim round windows which I dislike.
Front number plate has a massive crack in it. I know its only minor, but what has it hit to crack, any other damage??

[Guvernator]

I've had my 335i cab for about 10 month now so I'll give some insight. I'll get the bad bits out of the way first

Roof
Yes despite being a hardtop roof you will here a few creaks and groans, especially if you are on the orignal runflats and go over bumps\potholes. It's nothing to annoying and certainly not as bad as some other convertibles I have been in.

Also more than likely you will have a leak, usually around the door\windows seals or possibly even into the boot. This is more luck though, some people are fine while others have had issues.

It's quite a bit heavier than the coupe (100kgs I think?) so it will feel a bit slower, however even in cab form the 335i is plenty fast enough for most needs and if you get bored, you can always get a remap.

Apart from that you have to look out for the usual 335i weaknesses which can happen in coupe or cab form, i.e. HPFP problems, coilpacks, turbo's. Obviously quite a few scare stories around on the internet. The issues are overblown somewhat but I'd still not buy a 335i without a warranty for peace of mind.

Boot is a bit small

Good Stuff
During winter you'll wonder why you even bought a convertible but as soon as you get that first sunny day in spring and drop the roof you will KNOW you've made the right choice. Yes your kids will love it but you'll enjoy it just as much if not more. Had the roof down yestersay during the brief spell of sun we had and it really does change the driving experience immensely and the best bit is you get to hear that glorious engine all the better.

[Steve748]

Originally Posted by daveleach

Went to view the car.
And it's not the one for me.
No logic 7 audio..............

Get the alpine upgrade kit, far better

Originally Posted by daveleach

Chrome trim round windows which I dislike

.
.....they can be made into shiny black trim

Originally Posted by daveleach

Front number plate has a massive crack in it. I know its only minor, but what has it hit to crack, any other damage??

.....somebody reversing with a towbar...it could be nothing.

[zaheer]

Have had my e93 335i for over 2 years. Car is a 07 and has only jus hit 30k miles. Drives just like it did when i bought it. Have had issues with it.. Other then the wheels cracking which was a real pain in the ass.

The roof, had a few creaks 2 yrs ago but were sorted under warranty and now since then, no problems. Look for a lower mileage one you should be okay.

[mmmmQuattro]

I've had convertibles since I got my licence, a couple of MG's a z3 a 330 and noe the 335.
The biggest drawback with the 335 is that it feels big and heavy, a lot heavier than a coupe for some reason.
Having the too down in the right weather is lots of fun, oh and you are right, the kids do love it.
With the top down driving through the hills especially with the mods I have and the DCT, it's pretty damm good. You may not be going as fast as a coupe, but you feel so much more alive