I'm thinking of buying a used 3 series convertible

[3 series boy]

Hi everyone, new here

I'm thinking of buying a used 3 series convertible...

I don't know much about BMWs

Is there a difference between 2001, 2002, 2003?

Probably either a 325ci or a 330ci whatever i can find that has what I want...

Thanx in advance

Oh and...are tehre a lot of problems with BMWs?
Especially if they are used?


2004 G35 Sports Coupe
1999 ML430
Soon: 330ci or 325ci Convertible

[bakasama]

woooooooo g35!!!!!!!

[Lex]

Problems with BMW's?

I've had a 528e, a 325is, a 328i convertible, and a 330ci sports. Nothing but love for em', and never had major mechanical failure.

That's in about 10 years of driving I guess.

Lex

[///M Power]

There are VERY MINUTE differences between those years. The biggest visual differences (if any) was from 02-03. All those years are considered very well and I dont feel that one of them is fa superior, except maybe the wear and tear you find on an older car. I posted a pic of the slight differences between the lights in the 02-03 years.

The clear tailighted ones are 2002. BUT THE 2002 DOES NOT COME STANDARD WITH CLEAR LIGHTS, it just the only pic i found. The clear lights are an aftermarket addon. But you can see the general changes int he lgith shape and amber signal location.

but now that i think about it.....the back lights didnt change in any CI's so just notice the front angel of lights changing. Still it is nothign big but just a minute difference.

Also the bigger diff i believe that staretd in 03 was the lower front bumper area became more spces out adn had triangels around the fog lights versus the wide lower grill with fog lights inbetween the lines. It is difficult to explain but do a litter research adn it will take you farhter than u expect.

ohh and ROCK ON, BIMMER PRIDE!!!

[Hoppy's535i]

i gotta ask... stick or auto? ether way its a good choice

[ss3964spd]

Boy,

Wife and I just bought a used 325CiC, a 2001 model. We got lucky because it only has 22k on the clock and is equipped with both the sport package and the premium package. She wanted a manual and we got lucky there too.

Very nice car. No issues yet but we've put less than 1k miles on it. My sole complaint - and I think that's even a strong word to use, is that the gearing is such that the engine is spinning over 3 grand at 70 MPH. I'd be happier with a longer legged 5th gear. The upside of the gearing is that the car is still reasonably responsive to the throttle in 5th at highway speeds. The engine is so smooth that it doesn't really bother me. The car is by no means "fast" but it's certainly quick enough and perfect for her. I can't comment on it's character change with an automatic but it's reasonable to assume that it would feel slightly less responsive.

I don't know if the 330's are geared differently but I suspect they are since the larger engine makes more torque. I do know gas milage between the two is very close. I'd guess the automatic is probably happier behind the larger engine.

Good luck, Dan

[pnoto521]

guys forgot one major thing.... remember they changed the steering racks in the 2001 3 series or convertible at least they were accused of bing to "grandma" and went back to the 99 and 00 racks in 02 03 and i belive o4.... i baught a 2002 330cic prem, sport, M3 package a month ago it is great but before that i looked at a 01 conv same 330cic but the steering was carbage for a sports car not beemerish.