Questions: Buying a 3-convertible

[deepgreen]

Hi guys,

So I'm thinking about buying a new 328iC or 335iC, I've been out to do the test drives but I had some questions I thought I'd run by the forum first.

My current ride is a '95 M3 automatic; I love everything about it except the ground clearance and the steel top (i.e. it's not a convertible), but it's getting old.

I mostly commute on the highway, about 60 miles a day round trip between San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria here on the beautiful CA Central Coast. So my first question is what kind of highway mileage do these cars get at 75 mph, real-world?

Next: the build-to-order website suggests a convertible can be had in deep green/saddle, but I've never seen one that color yet and I've been keeping my eyes open on dealer sites for about 6 months. Would it have to be special-ordered? How much more does it cost to special order a car than to pick up a piece of stale inventory off the lot? How to get the best deal?

Is there an option that doesn't include run-flats? Can you fit a spare in the trunk of the iC, or does the convertible mechanism make it impossible?

What else should I know about these cars? Are there durability issues with the turbo? My hot rodding days are over; I am going to be cruising with an automatic, digging the tunes on the sound system, so I'm not really sure I need all those extra horses. But when I drove the 335iC, it didn't seem any faster than my M3, which is rated at 240 horse (the extra weight probably had a lot to do with that.)

Any thoughts, opinions, advice is appreciated.

[ibimmer346]

So my first question is what kind of highway mileage do these cars get at 75 mph, real-world?


High 20s. Maybe low 30s if you're lucky. Same for the 328. The 335 engine feature Direct Injection, the 328 doesn't. So whatever the 328 gains from not having turbos, it loses in not having Direct Inject.



Next: the build-to-order website suggests a convertible can be had in deep green/saddle, but I've never seen one that color yet and I've been keeping my eyes open on dealer sites for about 6 months. Would it have to be special-ordered? How much more does it cost to special order a car than to pick up a piece of stale inventory off the lot? How to get the best deal?
I'm gonna guess that green/saddle would probably have to be ordered. Ordering just costs time. Assuming the dealer has a production slot available, count on about 6 weeks to California. I ordered my E93 for 2 reasons:

1. There weren't any 335 convertibles on the lot anyway. :)
2. By ordering you get exactly what you want.



Is there an option that doesn't include run-flats? Can you fit a spare in the trunk of the iC, or does the convertible mechanism make it impossible?
All 3-Series come with RFTs. I don't see how you'd get any kind of spare in that trunk. Especially with the top down. The only alternative is to buy non-RFTs and one of those quick tire-repair kits. Remember, all new BMWs come with 4 years of Roadside Assistance as well.



What else should I know about these cars? Are there durability issues with the turbo?
I seriously doubt there will be any problems with reliability of the turbo.



My hot rodding days are over; I am going to be cruising with an automatic, digging the tunes on the sound system, so I'm not really sure I need all those extra horses. But when I drove the 335iC, it didn't seem any faster than my M3, which is rated at 240 horse (the extra weight probably had a lot to do with that.)
I would think the torque in the 335 should be quite a bit higher than what's on tap in that M3. I'd make sure to get the Sport package. The seats alone are worth it. If you considering the 328 over the 335, here are 2 things to think about:

1. The Steptronic auto in the 335 is different than the one in the 328. I have the 335 and the auto is awesome. I've heard the 328's isn't as nice.

2. If you think you are ever going to have plans to buy any performance mods for the car, be sure to get the 335. There isn't any market for performance mods for a 328. There are all kinds of products for the 335, though. Some more potent than others. Personally, I don't have any of them since I leased my E93.

Oh, and one more piece of advice, get the 6FL option (USB/iPod integration). If you don't have an iPod, you just plug a USB flash drive into the car. Fill it with MP3s, and you're good to go. I have a 32GB flash drive in my car.. holds my entire collection. It can't be retrofitted later. It must be installed at the factory.

[PeterC4]

Certainly my real world fuel economy is no where near the claims on this board. I live in Toronto, a big city with dense traffic at times. Our 328xi auto gets 16 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway. On a highway jaunt, with a modest highway speed, clear conditions, no traffic jams I might be able to get 28 mpg...driving at about 60 mph. Some people claim in excess of 20 mpg in the city. I have never been able to do that in the 18 months we've owned the car. Overall, a great car, excellent handling, good power, and I personally like iDrive. The 328's auto is great from my perspective, fast smooth and fun.

[ibimmer346]

Our 328xi auto gets 16 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway.

Probably because it's the xi. I bet that makes a significant difference. I get 19-20mpg with mostly city driving in my 335i E93. And that includes plenty of jackrabbit starts. :firedevil

[deepgreen]

Thanks to all for your comments - keep 'em coming.

[mryakan]

This may help with your mileage question, you can click on the poll stats to see who voted and what they drive.
Forgot the link, here it is: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=972289

[PeterC4]

Probably because it's the xi. I bet that makes a significant difference. I get 19-20mpg with mostly city driving in my 335i E93. And that includes plenty of jackrabbit starts. :firedevil
Well, according to BMW there should be about 1 mpg difference between a 328i and xi at somewhere between 22 mpg and 23 mpg. In any event, I don't know what city driving means to BMW but I clearly don't fit into that category or I have hole in the gas tank. :lol Mind you compared to the fuel economy in my Carrera 4S during city driving, the BMW is a hybrid.

[eastbayref]

i have a 2007 328i convertible with sport and premium package. i love it. oh man i love it. i especially love all the comments i get from total strangers on what a great looking car it is. you will have a blast driving it in SLO. personally, i wish i had gotten the 335. Also, get the 19" wheels. sitting next to the same car with 18" wheels, it looks way better. As for RFT, just enjoy them. it's nice to know you can always drive to the closest dealer for a fix rather than waiting for roadside assistance, even if it is free.



have fun!

[deepgreen]

Just to follow up, in case anyone ever reads this again, I am indeed having a blast in my 335i convertible, which is not green :)

I get about 22 mpg combined, and that's about 75% highway cruise at 75mph. If I leave it in sport mode and lead-foot it, I can knock that number down plenty!

[335inTO]

Have you considered the 1-series convertible as well? You get the same engines but in a lighter, more nimble package and a trunk that you can actually use. Fuel economy should be a little better as well.
Man, I wish that I had your commute...

[jibaholic101]

if you are going to be getting the convertible, i highly suggest you get the 335i. the 328i would be underpowered with the weight of the top. these arent soft tops, so the retractable roof has to be thicker, more substantial in pieces and there has to be all these robotic arms which can get heavy.

[deepgreen]

Pay attention, I already bought the 335i convertible :) I was just trying to close out the thread. Not like anyone is paying attention. Maybe we should discuss the Philadelphia Eagles' O-line instead.