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Thread: Convertible; 1 series softtop vs 3 series hardtop

  1. #1
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    1976 320i

    Convertible; 1 series softtop vs 3 series hardtop

    Hi,

    New here and, hopefully, returning back to BMW asap. My fist car was an old 320i and I really miss the RWD!

    Your knowledge and advice on the following would be appreciated. My next car should be a convertible, to make sure I see a bit of sunlight after a day in the office. I live in the Netherlands; winters are not that harsh (anymore) but they are wet. SNow usually only a few days a year. The same is true for summertime; not too extreme. What would be best in terms of weather-resistance? I don't live in an area where it's likely people would cut through the softtop. Can a softtop be opened in the morning when it's moist?

    To be more specific, it would probably be a 120i vs 325i with comparable specs on paper. The difference in running costs would allow me to buy a new softtop everry year, but I won't have a six cillinderr sound... Are any of these known for leakage issues?

  2. #2
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    Based on my experiences at work, the hard top is more prone to leaks and malfunctions than the soft top of the 1 series. Why can't you get a 1 series with a six cylinder?
    ASE and BMW Master Certified Technician

  3. #3
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    1976 320i
    Quote Originally Posted by White94RX View Post
    Based on my experiences at work, the hard top is more prone to leaks and malfunctions than the soft top of the 1 series. Why can't you get a 1 series with a six cylinder?
    I could get the 125, but it's not too common here. Maybe still a better choice if reliability is better. It's probably great fun as well!

    There is absolutely no need for extra power as the highway speed limit is lowered from 80 to 60 mph this month..

  4. #4
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    Wow, that's lame! Here in America, some highway speed limits are getting increased from 70 to 80.

    And there's always a need for extra power. Ha!
    ASE and BMW Master Certified Technician

  5. #5
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    1976 320i

    Fuel consumption

    Quote Originally Posted by White94RX View Post
    Wow, that's lame! Here in America, some highway speed limits are getting increased from 70 to 80.

    And there's always a need for extra power. Ha!
    In addition to that, but nothing to do with the top. Since you are a mechanic working on these you may now.

    How come the practical fuel consumption is so much higher (15%, spritmonitor.de) for the auto vs manual versions? The ZF gearbox has a torque converter lock-up so i don't know a technical reason. Is it the right foot or a different type of person driving it?

  6. #6
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    I wouldn't ever expect that the fuel economy would be that much different between the same car, one with manual, one with auto. Maybe the slip of the torque converter since it doesn't lock up until 3rd or 4th gear and higher.

    I doubt real world experience would show much difference in fuel economy.

    Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
    ASE and BMW Master Certified Technician

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