E36/46 M3 Convertibles

I'm looking for a second car- probably a commuter, needs to hold 4 people, but primarily me on a commute. I'd like it to be something interesting, and not interested in motorsport with this one. E36/46 convertibles seem to combine some fun and an open top I could run the family out to Napa for a nice weekend drive.

Anyone got intel on how the convertible tops and mechanisms hold up? Anything different I should look for on these vice the coupes? These are all going to be central valley CA cars I'm looking at, so rust should not be an issue. I'm trying to stave off the wife's interest in mid-00's Saab convertibles.

If you are looking at automatics, you may be disappointed in the E36. One of the most disappointing test drives ever. Maybe it was sick. The E46 SMG has reliability issues from what I read. I Have never driven the E46 convertible. Get a solara lots of room and just as disappointing

I am in no way looking at automatics ! Strictly clutched manuals (no SMG either). Ha ha on the Solara- the wife just mentioned a Sebring in a joking manner.

No.

E46 m3 verts are down on power compared to coupes which helps make the buy in cheaper. Be careful with top condition. 20 year old cars could need r&r that could rack up a hefty bill quickly and the top mechanisms can be fiddly to work on. I read something about the pop up roll bars having some issue I think it's some trick to getting them to retract...

It hasn't even been a year since you sold this beauty!

In reply to fiesta54:

My name is Brust and I am an addict. I hope she's working out for you!

Not an M3, but my wife's car is a 2001 E46 5-speed 330Ci with the sport package. The top is lined so it's quieter than most, and it's original. The wiring harness will break at the bend in the frame just aft of the driver's head. I repaired hers myself, but I also bought a new one to have on hand and it was only about $100. If you go to the dealer for repair, they'll try to sell you all new parts for the front latches and or motor without even checking the wiring. They quoted me $1,900 in parts that would not have fixed the problem. If you've owned other BMW's, the maintenance is what you'd expect. Her's is at 180k miles and burns a little oil between changes but still runs great. She just made a trip from SE Georgia to Allentown, PA & back with no problem. Plenty of DIY info at E46fanatics.

When I was looking for a convertible for the wife, every e46 m3 in southern California had a salvage title. Decided ton wait for the right car to pop up. Fingers crossed for a Jag.

Teh E36 M3 wrote: In reply to fiesta54: My name is Brust and I am an addict. I hope she's working out for you!

Ha definitely feel you on that one. Shes been great! I think the steering rack is about to give up the ghost and as of today my seat doesn't adjust so I guess I'll be riding like a gangster until then hahaha

How long is your commute? Do you really want to commute in a convertible?

E36 328 convertible owner chiming in here. Mine currently has 251K on the clock and is still a daily driver.

Teh E36 M3 wrote: Anyone got intel on how the convertible tops and mechanisms hold up?

The E36s have a plastic rear window that can deteriorate.

There's some parts in the power top mechanism that rely on rubber springs to lift up part of the top. These degrade over time. I've been meaning to replace them, but right now I'm giving the top a bunch of manual assistance. A manual top would be a bit less of a maintenance hassle.

Anything different I should look for on these vice the coupes?

The drivetrain is exactly the same. Just watch out for cooling system failures. Mine grenaded its radiator at 160K, and from what I've seen, that's a lot longer than most stock radiators go for.

Crosses fingers...., We've had hers long enough for me to replace the surge tank, thermostat and hoses once, and the surge tank a second time. 190k and still on the original radiator. Maybe I should start shopping? (likes living dangerously, via my wife's commute)

In reply to Teh E36 M3: You already know this since you owned an E36, but I would skip it for an E46 since the backseat space is tight for 4 people.

So the E46 back seat is bigger than the E36?

MadScientistMatt wrote: E36 328 convertible owner chiming in here. Mine currently has 251K on the clock and is still a daily driver.

Teh E36 M3 wrote: Anyone got intel on how the convertible tops and mechanisms hold up?

The E36s have a plastic rear window that can deteriorate. There's some parts in the power top mechanism that rely on rubber springs to lift up part of the top. These degrade over time. I've been meaning to replace them, but right now I'm giving the top a bunch of manual assistance. A manual top would be a bit less of a maintenance hassle.

Anything different I should look for on these vice the coupes?

The drivetrain is exactly the same. Just watch out for cooling system failures. Mine grenaded its radiator at 160K, and from what I've seen, that's a lot longer than most stock radiators go for.

The above is spot-on. Had a low-mileage E36 328iC with the fully automatic top for the wife a few years back. The stitching in the top had deteriorated to the point where the window was falling out. I re-stitched the top where it was missing, zipped in a new rear window, and added some strips of bicycle inner tube to help out the factory elastics. I also replaced the gas struts that lift the convertible top boot/cover/whatever since they weren't getting up that last inch. I didn't spend a lot of money, but I put a lot of time and sweat into the repairs. I had that thing perfect when my wife decided it wasn't her cup of tea. Too slow, she said. Sigh.

FWIW, I really liked the car and would get another one, but I'd pick the coupe over the 'vert. For me, the pluses do not outweigh the minuses. In addition to the necessary repairs to the top, the interior was a bit rough on this car, either from top down sunning, or rain, or both.

Yeah, now I see myself leaning coupe- convertible would be fun a few days a year, but would cost a lot in interior degrading, top mechanism, etc. Did GRM ever do a buyers guide for E46 M3? Can't seem to find one on the googles, and others are welcomed, if available. Seems like what I've seen is that all varieties suffer the same issues- RCABs, cooling systems, rear shock mounts, etc.

Not GRM's, but the one below gives you the gist of what all the sites say. One with records could save headaches down the road. FWIW I had a 2002 E46 325 convertible and loved it. A 330 ZHP convertible is on my short list when I relocate out west in 2 months. I've had 3 E46's in various styles and all have been dead reliable with normal upkeep and maintenance. I also had a 2002 9-3 convertible and that was a bit more finicky and loved to throw codes.

Ultimate E46 M3 Guide

In reply to Teh E36 M3: From what I remember, it's only an inch or two more in the rear leg space, but that's enough for most people to need the E46.