[atariboy]

Hi Guys I am new to this forum and enjoyed the last few days reading through it and love the sense of humour that you guys inject in to it.
.
Anyway I owned three company BMWs before moving away to a Passat (no comments please) and, as my car is up for change in October (thank god), due to a possible mid life crisis...and pressure from the wife, I thinking of ordering a 320 SE Cabriolet.
My previous BMW's that I have had on the past have never given me an ounce of trouble and I never had issues with stoned alloys, paint chips, windscreen damage or anything mechanical so I am a little concerned by some of the issues I have read on here.
Therefore simply put, in your opinions just how good is the new 3-series range in comparison to the last generation and in particular the new cabriolet if anyone owns one.

Thanks Chaps

[CrimsonRedE93]

I cannot comment on the previous 3 series range this is my first one.

I like the 320i E93, the problem I have is the engine is a bit gutless, It may be down to the 'problems' people are having with the 320i though which may be affecting mine but not too badly.

I would go for the 320d E93 it has a very good engine I have driven both and regret getting the 320i (I was on a budget at the time).

The suspension is a little hard compared to other cars I have had but this is the BMW way

It is frustrating that the top can only be opened when standing next to the car unless you have comfort access or a SmartTop fitted.

[AlanQS]

Originally Posted by CrimsonRedE93

It is frustrating that the top can only be opened when standing next to the car unless you have comfort access or a SmartTop fitted.

Explain please. Does this mean you can't open the roof when you are in the car? What does comfort access or smart top add?

[Atari Boy]

Can't comment on car but I like your user name, simalar to mine.

[atariboy]

Originally Posted by Atari Boy

Can't comment on car but I like your user name, simalar to mine.

lol yes snap.
I hear there are lots of issues with the 320i....engline lights, software issues....are those still apparent?

[dxb335d]

Firstly i cant comment for the saloon e90.

But the coupe (E92) is leagues ahead in build quality and refinement over the E46.

Whats its lacking is

1) decent paint, stuff which is bad for the environment would be much better.
2)Decent seals for the windows (excessive wind noise).
3).......... uh thats it!


Carlos

[DervFan]

Originally Posted by atariboy

lol yes snap.
I hear there are lots of issues with the 320i....engline lights, software issues....are those still apparent?

Are you two related? E90Post's first twins

[roofer]

The car is too heavy for the engine in that guise.

[CrimsonRedE93]

Originally Posted by AlanQS

Explain please. Does this mean you can't open the roof when you are in the car? What does comfort access or smart top add?

You can open the roof when in the car but it takes 25 seconds, so you get in the car and then sit waiting for the roof to open, with the CA option of adding a SmartTop you can open the roof from from the remote at full distance so its finished opening by the time you have your saet belt on, the other problem is you have to keep the car running to close the roof where the SmartTop will enable you to turn off the car and close the roof and lock the car while the car is still moving and after you have got out.

Maybe I am lazy but it is much better usage of the roof.


Roofer is right about the weight, the 320i convertible is 235kg heavier than the coupe (cab is 1700kg)

[DervFan]

Originally Posted by CrimsonRedE93

You can open the roof when in the car but it takes 25 seconds, so you get in the car and then sit waiting for the roof to open, with the CA option of adding a SmartTop you can open the roof from from the remote at full distance so its finished opening by the time you have your saet belt on, the other problem is you have to keep the car running to close the roof where the SmartTop will enable you to turn off the car and close the roof and lock the car while the car is still moving and after you have got out.

Maybe I am lazy but it is much better usage of the roof.

CA and SmartTop sound to me like standard functionality. Why BMW don't offer this as a 'standard' option is beyond me Apart from the revenue generating one

[atariboy]

Originally Posted by CrimsonRedE93

You can open the roof when in the car but it takes 25 seconds, so you get in the car and then sit waiting for the roof to open, with the CA option of adding a SmartTop you can open the roof from from the remote at full distance so its finished opening by the time you have your saet belt on, the other problem is you have to keep the car running to close the roof where the SmartTop will enable you to turn off the car and close the roof and lock the car while the car is still moving and after you have got out.

Maybe I am lazy but it is much better usage of the roof.


Roofer is right about the weight, the 320i convertible is 235kg heavier than the coupe (cab is 1700kg)

I was thinking about having CA as an extra plus the usb connector. I am concerned about the 320i though but my company wont let me have a bigger engine

[Atari Boy]

Originally Posted by DervFan

Are you two related? E90Post's first twins

Twins, no but we both have left VAG for BMW 3 series.
I registered first though

[CrimsonRedE93]

Originally Posted by atariboy

I was thinking about having CA as an extra plus the usb connector. I am concerned about the 320i though but my company wont let me have a bigger engine

Thats where the 320d E93 is a lot better it has the torque to appear much more responsive and then you could get the add on box to take it to over 200bhp.

I think CA is a BMW con as Derv suggested, the money is probably spent better elsewhere.

Sports seats is a good addition they are much more comfortable than the standard ones.

[ShereKhan]

I defo agree about the seats - I've been driving an SE for last two weeks and my posture has been quite bad, I've also got some backache.

The SE seats just don't hold you in well - Unless you are a large in your dimensions - which I am not.

[330cdsport]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

But the coupe (E92) is leagues ahead in build quality and refinement over the E46.

Carlos

Have to disagree with you there Carlos. I came from a 330cd sport to the 335d and I would say there is little in it.
My E46 was very well put together and rode very well on the 18" rims.

In fact it was probably more comfortable and felt more compact than the E92.

What bad experiences had you with the E46?

[chrisbin]

Don't get a 320i petrol...........................

[Hotcoupe]

atariboy Quote:
I was thinking about having CA as an extra plus the usb connector. I am concerned about the 320i though but my company wont let me have a bigger engine (killjoys)

I was going to suggest the 325i as it's only 300 quid approx more expensive then the 320D, but then read the comment above.

I'd try and sell the company the idea of the 325i, as the cost of diesel is getting *ucking silly!!

If that fails and given your concerns about the 320i, and as others have said the 320i would be a tad underpowered, I'd go for the D and get it remapped (always more then one way to skin a cat )

[SoYank]

Originally Posted by Hotcoupe

I'd try and sell the company the idea of the 325i, as the cost of diesel is getting *ucking silly!!

If a diesel goes 700 miles on 61 litres and a petrol goes 400 miles on 61 litres, the cost of diesel would have to be £1.92 per litre to match the cost per mile of petrol at £1.10 per litre. Is it there yet?

[Fatbloke]

Originally Posted by ShereKhan

I defo agree about the seats - I've been driving an SE for last two weeks and my posture has been quite bad, I've also got some backache.

The SE seats just don't hold you in well - Unless you are a large in your dimensions - which I am not.

I am!! and they're great.

[gIzzE]

The new 3 series chassis is more refined than the older 3 series, but I would not say that it is better in any other area, quality in the E46 was spot on, materials used were as good and the overall layout was more driver orientated, but the new 3 is very nice and a step up from your VW that's for sure.

[atariboy]

Thanks for all the info guys. Not sure that I do enough mileage to justify the saving in fuel with a diesel. Never had a diesel before but had a 1-series for the day and that was a diesel and i found it a little tractor like at tickover...no offence of course.
As my car is not due for change until oct'08, when does the 2009 model come out because normally they stick a few extra toys in the car dont they.

[tisme]

Originally Posted by atariboy

Thanks for all the info guys. Not sure that I do enough mileage to justify the saving in fuel with a diesel. Never had a diesel before but had a 1-series for the day and that was a diesel and i found it a little tractor like at tickover...no offence of course.
As my car is not due for change until oct'08, when does the 2009 model come out because normally they stick a few extra toys in the car dont they.

I'm driving my first BMW and it is also my first diesel. In 2-3 weeks I'll be ordering another BMW, and it will also be a diesel. The main reason for this is the extremely relaxing ride. My 320D goes from 1500rpm in any gear; enormous amount of torque meaning few gear changes. Try a test drive in one.