I'm thinking about picking up an early to mid 90's BMW 3 Series Convertible if I can find a well maintained manual transmission car that does not have a million miles on it. I am just starting my research on the subject. Anyone with experience have an opinion? Is there any particular model year to avoid or one that is considered more desireable? AND the obvious question of what oil to use; I'm guessing GC from what I read on here. Thanks!
Older BMW 3-sries
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I`ve read on various forums where BMW owners use anything from 0W40-10W60.
JHZR2
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E30s should use a 40wt, E36s I believe are specced to 5w30.
ACEA A3 is my main concern. That said, non-A3 HDEOs have run great too.
My 91 318i has been an awesome car. I'd look for a CA or southern E30 vert myself...
ACEA A3 is my main concern. That said, non-A3 HDEOs have run great too.
My 91 318i has been an awesome car. I'd look for a CA or southern E30 vert myself...
I have a '98 323i Vert. Tried desperately to find one with a manual. Very difficult here in the interior west. I agree, hold out until you find one with a manual. But it's a dying breed.
Originally Posted By: NateDN10
I just happened to read an editorial on older European cars the other day.
Just FWIW.
Well after reading that (I had an 88 Jag so I know what he means), I might should rather look more seriously at a brand new Mustang GT Convertible (always wanted one of those too, but now really want one with the new 5.0). Decisions, decisions......
I just happened to read an editorial on older European cars the other day.
Just FWIW.
Well after reading that (I had an 88 Jag so I know what he means), I might should rather look more seriously at a brand new Mustang GT Convertible (always wanted one of those too, but now really want one with the new 5.0). Decisions, decisions......
JHZR2
Staff member
Originally Posted By: NateDN10
I just happened to read an editorial on older European cars the other day.
Just FWIW.
Sounds like a pitch to invoke fear and sell cars. My fleet of 20-30 year old euro cars cost no more than anything else.
And the cost of a mechanic working on a part on a honda is no more expensive than a BMW... unless youre trying to sell based upon fear.
I just happened to read an editorial on older European cars the other day.
Just FWIW.
Sounds like a pitch to invoke fear and sell cars. My fleet of 20-30 year old euro cars cost no more than anything else.
And the cost of a mechanic working on a part on a honda is no more expensive than a BMW... unless youre trying to sell based upon fear.
I think that article is for entertainment purposes. I'd rather have my $6K 3-series convertible than most new cars. Yes, I'd make an exception for a 'Stang GT Vert, but I don't want to spend $35K+ for it.
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: NateDN10
I just happened to read an editorial on older European cars the other day.
Just FWIW.
Sounds like a pitch to invoke fear and sell cars. My fleet of 20-30 year old euro cars cost no more than anything else.
plus 1
And the cost of a mechanic working on a part on a honda is no more expensive than a BMW... unless youre trying to sell based upon fear.
Originally Posted By: NateDN10
I just happened to read an editorial on older European cars the other day.
Just FWIW.
Sounds like a pitch to invoke fear and sell cars. My fleet of 20-30 year old euro cars cost no more than anything else.
plus 1
And the cost of a mechanic working on a part on a honda is no more expensive than a BMW... unless youre trying to sell based upon fear.
I went through something like what the editorial said except in reverse when I was trying to Dump Debt and do the Dave Ramsey thing. I had a 2010 Lexus IS 350C. it was smooth, beautiful, $800 a month, and somewhat boring to drive. I sold it after about 19 months and took the equity I had in it an bought a 1994 Jag XJS (and paid off my wife's 1997 MDX). I had the fears that the guy in the editorial is playing on - namely, it will be a money pit. Six months into ownership I've had some issues. I replaced the tires (biggest expense), done a tune-up, and taken care of some electrical gremlins. If I had taken it to a mechanic everytime, it would have been a money pit. Most of the problems, however, were fixed with very little out of pocket and generally no more than 4 hours or so of work. Some of the "repairs' ended up being just about 20 minutes to check and reconnect.
So after going done this road what do I think, I love my 18 year old Jag money pit and still spending way less than I did on the Lexus I just didn't care for that much. The Jag is a blast to drive and fun to work on.
So after going done this road what do I think, I love my 18 year old Jag money pit and still spending way less than I did on the Lexus I just didn't care for that much. The Jag is a blast to drive and fun to work on.
Oh and BTW, when I do the cost analysis. ~$500 for a replacement turbo (which is relatively easy to replace from what I've seen) compared to $25,000 or more for a new car. That's the real no brainer for me.
Originally Posted By: Vikas
Turbo? Where did that come from??
He must be talking about the Saab 9-5 referenced in the article.
Turbo? Where did that come from??
He must be talking about the Saab 9-5 referenced in the article.
Based upon my e36 experience over the past two summers, I'd highly recommend it.
For oil, the OM specs pretty heavy oils by current standards, and the engine in mine does seem to love Mobil 1 15W-50.
I believe BMW later said that any LL-98 or later spec oil was okay for these cars, so GC would be fine.
I agree with JHZR2 that A3 is the right default spec for these cars, outside of oils claiming BMW LL-98 or later.
Certainly look for a stick, which was fairly common in e30 and e36 cars.
Find one with ~100k that has been decently cared for and I'd say you would have a promising prospect to buy.
The condition of the top should be considered in making an offer on any car you are serious about, since they are about $1200.00 installed, and installation does not look like a good DIY project, since the top itself is ~$600.00.
For oil, the OM specs pretty heavy oils by current standards, and the engine in mine does seem to love Mobil 1 15W-50.
I believe BMW later said that any LL-98 or later spec oil was okay for these cars, so GC would be fine.
I agree with JHZR2 that A3 is the right default spec for these cars, outside of oils claiming BMW LL-98 or later.
Certainly look for a stick, which was fairly common in e30 and e36 cars.
Find one with ~100k that has been decently cared for and I'd say you would have a promising prospect to buy.
The condition of the top should be considered in making an offer on any car you are serious about, since they are about $1200.00 installed, and installation does not look like a good DIY project, since the top itself is ~$600.00.
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: Vikas
Turbo? Where did that come from??
He must be talking about the Saab 9-5 referenced in the article.
Yep talking about the article.
Originally Posted By: Vikas
Turbo? Where did that come from??
He must be talking about the Saab 9-5 referenced in the article.
Yep talking about the article.
The Automobile article is EXACTLY why I don't read that rag.
Poorly reasoned, tons of logical fallacies, and lots of apples-oranges comparisons.
If it was supposed to entertain, it failed.
Poorly reasoned, tons of logical fallacies, and lots of apples-oranges comparisons.
If it was supposed to entertain, it failed.
All good stuff. Thanks guys. I had free periodic use of a 1988 3 series vert back when I was too young to appreciate it. Only 2 things I didn't like about it; 1) black leather and a drop top are not necessarily a good combo and 2) I thought 1st gear (5 speed manual) was way too short.
Their is nothing wrong with buying and driving a properly sorted older German car. Just do your research and know what your looking at. Being a bit handy and being able to do minor repairs helps a lot to.
The horror story's come from people who don't know anything about cars, and fall in love with a beat to death something on a dealers lot, than cry when it needs a lot of work.
A mide 90's 3 series in good shape would be an excellent buy.
The horror story's come from people who don't know anything about cars, and fall in love with a beat to death something on a dealers lot, than cry when it needs a lot of work.
A mide 90's 3 series in good shape would be an excellent buy.
My experience is exactly the opposite. After 3 large (6 & 7 series) BMW's of my own and stories from my friends who bought brand new ones in the last ten years I would recommend extreme caution. I am a former NIASE certified mechanic with over 40 years of motoring pleasures under my belt, and I found them to be problematic and expensive. Just an opinion from an owner who really tried to like them. And we do almost all repairs under our own roof here.
Proceed with caution. Perhaps a good one is out there for ya, I must say they are a fine driving experience. You'll definitely enjoy that part.
Proceed with caution. Perhaps a good one is out there for ya, I must say they are a fine driving experience. You'll definitely enjoy that part.
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
My experience is exactly the opposite. After 3 large (6 & 7 series) BMW's of my own and stories from my friends who bought brand new ones in the last ten years I would recommend extreme caution. I am a former NIASE certified mechanic with over 40 years of motoring pleasures under my belt, and I found them to be problematic and expensive. Just an opinion from an owner who really tried to like them. And we do almost all repairs under our own roof here.
Proceed with caution. Perhaps a good one is out there for ya, I must say they are a fine driving experience. You'll definitely enjoy that part.
6 & 7 series BMW! That's the problem. Only a BMW mechanic should own these models
There are so many mechanical and electronic things on these cars that something is always on the fritz. New versions ALL BMWS (and Mercedes and Audi) are even more complex.
My 95 525i BMW is simple by comparison yet it requires more care than most people want or expect. I have had it for 9 years and 130,000 miles. However, I do much of my own work and enjoy it. So all is fine. However, anyone expecting Japanese like reliability best look elsewhere.
My experience is exactly the opposite. After 3 large (6 & 7 series) BMW's of my own and stories from my friends who bought brand new ones in the last ten years I would recommend extreme caution. I am a former NIASE certified mechanic with over 40 years of motoring pleasures under my belt, and I found them to be problematic and expensive. Just an opinion from an owner who really tried to like them. And we do almost all repairs under our own roof here.
Proceed with caution. Perhaps a good one is out there for ya, I must say they are a fine driving experience. You'll definitely enjoy that part.
6 & 7 series BMW! That's the problem. Only a BMW mechanic should own these models
My 95 525i BMW is simple by comparison yet it requires more care than most people want or expect. I have had it for 9 years and 130,000 miles. However, I do much of my own work and enjoy it. So all is fine. However, anyone expecting Japanese like reliability best look elsewhere.
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