Researching a 1996 328i convertible

[boilermaker99]

I am researching a high mileage (98,800) 1996 BMW 328i convertible. Any advice on what to look for other than the standard maintenance documentation and history of the vehicle?

The seller is asking 12,200; higher than the NADA value

10,875 w/o sport package

11,275 w/sport package

This would be my introduction to the BMW family.

Thanks

[RIBEMR26]

Convertible top repairs can be expensive...find out if the convertible top motor has ever been repaired (any previous problems with the top)...if the back window needs replacing, which most do (the plastic gets scratched after that many years) your looking at $300 for a factory replacement (e-bay), and I got mine installed ( I don't mess around with conv. top stuff myself) for another $200. Maybe use it as a bargaining chip?

[amancuso]

Might be worth it for you to ask to have the car checked by a BMW service technician... if there are problems, use the cost of repairs to offset the price of the vehicle... Also 98,000 miles is not high for a 96 model car.... he drove it approx. 12,000 miles a year, which is about average.


-Al.

[Rainman]

Good advice so far. As far as mileage goes, 98K for a 96 is about average, but...... Many owners treat convertibles as a second or third car and drive them far less than average miles.

A few months ago we started looking for a used BMW convertible. For our budget, 15K or so, we were looking at 95 - 98 models. Most had 50K - 90K miles depending on the year. All were in good to excellent condition.

Then we found our car, a 1996 328 convertible with 34K miles. The guy only drove it in the summer. It looked brand new. He was upside down with two mortgages and really needed the money. Convertibles don't sell fast in the Seattle area in February.

My point is if you are patient you might find a low mileage car for about the same price as a high mileage one. Have fun looking!!

[boilermaker99]

:lol: Thanks everyone, great advice so far, I appreciate your responses. Keep em' coming.