Checklist for E36 Convertible

obersturm · #1 (**permalink**) 03-25-2007, 06:57 PM

Hi all,
great community you have here.

I am lookig at buying a 328i convertible. Does someone have a check list to go over prospects or is there anything special to look out for on these cars?

Does anyone here in Victoria have a convertible and can share some inside knowledge, please?

What other cars should I take into consideration? Is the 325 a good choice, aswell? What is the diffrence between highline and executive cars?

thanks and best regards

TMQ · #2 (**permalink**) 03-27-2007, 08:42 PM

It is the same with all cars make sure it has a good service history, i would make sure that the ragtop is in good condition, there are a lot of E36 Convertibles running around with stuffed tops and windows

Jaz18L · #3 (**permalink**) 03-27-2007, 08:48 PM

Put the roof up and down 5 times in a row. The mechanisms that fold the roof are prone to issues. Using the roof several times in a row should present a problem if there is one. Keep in mind this is VERY common, so don't worry too much if something is out of allignment...

Also, the difference between a 325 and 328 is the engine. A 2.5L vs. a 2.8L. Drive them both and that should make up your decision on considering a 325!

Highline and Exec refer to option levels in the two cars. I believe numbers of airbags, as well as use of chrome trim are 2 main differences... But it varies a lot between year models too.

stefan316 · #4 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 06:53 AM

Asides from the usual items to check as mentioned above, the one thing I will suggest to look at with great detail, is the roof actuator (motor). I saw this problem a fair few times during my time at BMW. Amazingly the E36 only has one actuator (under boot lining, left hand side), and these are prone to packing it in if the roof has been used lots. It's the plastic teeth inside the actuator that disintegrate, and the only fix is to replace the entire actuator (cannot be repaired). When the E46 convertible came around, the engineers wisely decided to install two actuators.

Another thing to look for is whether there's any bunching up of wires around the compartment for the roof/boot. This can lead to a few headaches if not sorted too. Last but not least, always test the roof in the wet weather...if it ain't raining, a high pressure garden hose also works. Look for vulnerable fitment in particular at the rear top corners of the front windows, and any stitching which looks suspect. Don't be afraid to haggle either coz of the weather and the fact that the E36 Convertable isn't as good a drive as the coupe or sedan (flexing body). Buy as much underbody and under bonnet bracing as you can.

Hope that helps!

stefan316 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaz18L

Also, the difference between a 325 and 328 is the engine. A 2.5L vs. a 2.8L. Drive them both and that should make up your decision on considering a 325!

Pssssst....funny but deadly true. They're exactly the same engine, just badged bigger to command more money from a more cashed up customer. Same as the new 116i and the 118i, they're still the same engine, just badged for differently cashed up clients. Kid you not!

obersturm · #6 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 08:27 PM

Hi,
thanks for your input. Keep 'em coming. It is highly appreciated. Keep up the good work guys. I will kepp you posted once I bought my own Bimmer....

SimonM · #7 (**permalink**) 04-04-2007, 05:39 AM

Early models don't have rollover protection - check the rear headrests.

Ours lost tension in the roof, and they had to unstitch the whole thing, cost buckets. Then it split on the new owner (warranty job for him).

Any rip in the lining means a whole new lining ($700 odd?).

Its all about the roof...

The E46 has extra cross braces on the diff, and is much stiffer - don't know if you can hook these up for E36.