Anyone own an E36 convertible or E46?

[M-technik-3]

How well does the soft top do at keeping out the elements? I am very well versed in most E36 miladies but have not owned an E46 so I can't imagine it's much more than a few extra sensors.

Still looking for a convertible for my gal.

Came across this decent looking 328i with reasonable mileage at 110K



Would leave it stock. I have enough modified toys.

[Josh-PA]

I had 2 e36 M3 verts and currently have a 135 vert. Assuming the top on the one you're looking at is in good condition currently, it should keep you dry inside. You should keep the top clean and treated with something like 303 https://www.googleadservices.com/pag...ECAIQDQ&adurl=

and keep the sealing surfaces like the top windshield cross member, the top window seals, and toneau cover clean and well treated with gummipfledg to ensure it stays water tight. I'd also suggest getting a car cover if you're planning on parking outside for long periods of time.

On E36s, the mid layer of the top seems to break down before the outer or inner layer, so you will get small pieces of black felt like fabric falling out from between the the top when you put it up and down.

E46s are nicer because they went to a glass rear window. The e36 plastic rear window is pretty crappy. It crazes, can crack and was the most prone place for leaks on mine.

[M-technik-3]

I have done the top cleaning back about a decade ago I had a few E30 verts. What about the electronics for opening and closing them. I hear they can be a pia? Thanks

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by M-technik-3

Came across this decent looking 328i with reasonable mileage at 110K

That E36 looks clean! Is it going to be a fun car, DD, summer DD, or ??? If it is just a fun, fair-weather weekend and errand car, an E36 would be a blast.

[M-technik-3]

Spring to fall here in Northeast, has heated seats a big plus and a backseat for granddaughter. Trying to arrange time to look at it while it's in storage.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by M-technik-3

Spring to fall here in Northeast, has heated seats a big plus and a backseat for granddaughter. Trying to arrange time to look at it while it's in storage.

Sounds good! Bring her car seat with you and make sure it fits. Those back seats are small!

[Mani59]

Originally Posted by M-technik-3

How well does the soft top do at keeping out the elements? I am very well versed in most E36 miladies but have not owned an E46 so I can't imagine it's much more than a few extra sensors.

Still looking for a convertible for my gal.

Came across this decent looking 328i with reasonable mileage at 110K



Would leave it stock. I have enough modified toys.

I cannot comment on the question but that E36 looks lovely!

[MJBO]

My dad had a 1999 E36 328i Highline convertible from new, and BMW replaced the plastic rear window at least three times in four years due to the stitching coming apart where it folded the window in half.

I had an E46 M3 convertible for a little over two years (95000km to 112000km) and never had any issues with the top. Well insulated and no problems with operation. Glass rear window is 1000x better than the crappy plastic one on the E36.

[Josh-PA]

I've never had an issue with anything electronic or mechanical on any of my bmw convertibles. Both of my e36s had over 120k miles when I sold them. My 1er has 125k on it now and the top is flawless. Study up on the rear window and look that area over closely.... Maybe even pour a cup of water alo g that area and see if any gets inside. If you're comfortable with that, I'd say go for it. I had 2x boosters in the back of our e36 without problems. Rear facing car seats might be a bit of a challenge. Having the top down makes it super easy to get kids in the back.

[M-technik-3]

She's 8 and just sits on a riser and uses a normal belt. It's going to be an issue in 4 years when she is taller, but she'll be up front with Grandma on the way to the beach.

She wants it for driving to work in summer and beach that's all. Sadly it's an auto but I have swapped about a half dozen E36 to manuals. It's about three days of work for me.

[Efthreeoh]

I owned an E46 330ciC for about two and a half years. Drove it numerous times in heavy central Virginia storms. Top was always weather tight. I had the car from 100,000 to 135,000 miles. Only issue I had was the windows rattled a bit. I never got around to adjusting them.

[jzeiler4]

My 2004 330ci never leaked a drop while driving or sitting and I put 98,000 miles on her over 8 years. Towards the end I could no longer take it to the car wash as the high pressure water would find it's way in over the top of the seals on the windows.

[IcewaterPete]

That looks like a fine example you’ve found and in a nice color. Now the big question is…can you resist swapping it to a manual? ��

[M-technik-3]

Good question. On that , Will find out after a couple of months driving it or sitting passenger while my gal drives it.

[ToddBlack88]

I find the e46 to be a drastically better car in almost every way. It just feeels more solid and is built better with better quality materials.

I had a 01 325 cab for a number of years, and never had a single issue with the top. No leaks, noise, and no mechanical/electrical gremlins.