Between selling the E4 M3 (sadly missed) and getting the diesel breadvan, I'm borrowing my mums car, an early E46 325i SE Convertible auto, with M sport suspension and 19" wheels.

Considering it's the "same car" as the M3, and certainly inside there's very little difference apart from the auto box and lack of certain toys, it really couldn't be more different.

The engine is quiet and refined, but doesn't have much guts until you rev it beyond about 5k. And when you couple that with the auto box which doesn't encourage you to rev it, it makes for a very odd driving experience. It doesn't really have enough low down power to "waft" easily. And when you put your foot down a bit more, it holds onto the gear too long.

but that's not the real problem I have with this car.

As you may have guess from the title, it's a big wobbly jelly of a car. You hit a bump and it's like slapping the belly of a fat man. The wobbles and ripples continue well past the time you've grown fed up with them.

This might be fine in the billiard smooth realm it's Bavarian homeland, but here where the local delicacy is Lancashire Hot-Pot-Hole, it's leads to a less than refined ride. Than an unsprung carthorse. With a limp. On a cobbled street. With most of its cobbles missing. etcetera...

But it does make you rethink your approach to driving. It's actually a reasonable motorway cruiser. It has good sound insulation considering it's a soft top, it's nearly 10 years old and has no appreciable rattles, and the quality of the interior fit is still good.

If this still had the SE suspension and some sensible sized wheels on it, I think it would have hidden some of the James Corden like ride tendencies.

I don't hate this car at all. I'm actually enjoying driving it, but I'm really glad I don't own it. It's deeply flawed. Like a cute puppy that has just pooed in your shoes. Lots to like, but still a way to do.

 

You were not to know this 'chilled' but your posting very helpful.
Probably within 12 months my circumstances will be such that a small 2 seater sports car will no longer be practical and a saloon based convertible needed.

With a budget of £20k and being fairly sure I want to avoid the Eos/AstraCC/Peugeot/Renault tin-top route, I'm left with Audi A3/A4 and BMW 1/3 Series.
The smaller dumpy Audi/BMW don't appeal, seem poorly equiped and silly prices, so I'm left with A4 & Series 3.

Reading numerous road test reports there seems little difference, although much is made of the BMW build quality & vast choice secondhand. To me that means they are a bit common and I admit to being reluctant to becoming a BMW driver - sorry but they do have a hint of Chav & BMW is no longer the aspitrational brand it once was, pre Series 1 and Series 3 Compact etc etc.
Audi does seem to have a bit more class.

Power? I want to waft so auto is essential, and I think Auid offer auto with sequential option. BUT having read your report I wonder if I will need 3 litres so I don't miss out on power having enjoyed the S for some time.
And then there are running costs which I want to keep sensible & maybe on reflection pure power is not that important if I'm doing short journeys and in no hurry.

Of course I shall conduct road tests and confer with other owners, a nice little project over the winter. Thanks for your posting though.

 

"Audi had more class"

That's gotta be quote of the moment!

The idea of slicing the roof off a saloon box is at best dubious.

The idea of slicing a roof off and then fitting rude boy wheels and spurt suspension is ludicrous.

Go for a small engine & wheels, slushbox & boggo suspension and you might just get away with it.

Otherwise don't cut bits off a car.

 

I'd slightly disagree with you nick. The 325 or 330 with a manual would be fine. The 330d would probably be fine with auto as it has the torque to overcome the perceived petrol issues. But yeah, SE suspension and 17" wheels would be the way forward.

And I do agree that ANY car, short of a ferrari or lamborghini or competitor at that level, that was designed with a roof, but has had its roof chopped off, will always be deeply flawed. I'd taken this opinion as my own previously, via received wisdom. But I can now genuinely take this as my own.

I personally don't think the 1er or A3 are particularly overpriced, depending on the engine you're interested in. Unless you pay full price. And if I can get a nearly £3k discount, then anyone can.

It's also worth noting the 325i has a "sequential" option. You can push the gearstick to the side and you can select the gears. But that entirely misses the point. You shouldn't have to fiddle, it should just work.

For clarity, I'm willing to admit that I may just be entirely biased. In the last 8 years, I've only really driven sports cars. MK3 Mr3, S2000, E46 M3, plus a host of track specials.

Convertibles: just say no.

 

Well, I don't disagree, in that a BMW without a straight-six is utterly missing the point and you might as well buy a Lloyd 300. Unless it's a BMW V8. I just think a proper slushbox discourages one from trying too hard!

 

Take the E93 with the 3ltr six for a spin.
Might be a pleasant surprise, especially with a re-map
Yes its heavy at over 1600Kg, but its not as flawed as some.

"The Convertible's platform is derived from the Coupe's, strategically reinforced to ensure that it is the stiffest, strongest and safest Convertible body-chassis unit BMW has built. In fact the E93 claims to be a whopping 50 per cent stiffer in the body than the previous model. All-up, the new Convertibles weigh about 1665kg and 1735kg respectively, or about 200kg more than the Coupes. "

Try one, I was very impressed with everything bar the price.
But hey, give it a couple of years and they will be sub 20k

Steve

 

Yeah, but it'll always be a poor sibling of the one with the roof.

I won't bother trying one, because I have an innate dislike of cars with roofs chopped off and have no desire to buy one.

I'll either buy a coupe and be happy with it, or I'll buy a car, like an S2000, that has been designed from scratch to not have a roof.

And 200kg heavier? fook me! That's nearly as much as having me as a passenger at all times

Coupe, saloon or estate for me. I didn't even consider the 1er convertible. Horses for courses, but this particular horse doesn't like the convertible course.

 

That is excessive mass for the car. Epic fail.

The XK was designed as a roadster & the roof added afterwards and it just about squeezes into my 1500 Kg mass limit. And it's got a V8 and class.

No thanks to German rubbish.

 

LOL.

And we all know how great the British Automotive Products of our time are right.

 

As you say; "British Automotive Products of our time are right".

Jag has shot right up JD Power again. How long they stay for, is another matter!

In fact, I'm also amazed by the new powertrains, etc that the MG boys in Brum are developing; practically all-new!