2006 325ci convertible - E46 or E93?

[Slingerland]

I'm going to look at a used 325ci convertible in a couple of days. Hard top convertible, 66k miles. Current owner has already redone the valve gaskets, water pump and has all service records. Is there an easy way to determine whether it is an E46 or an E93? I'm reading a lot of threads here, and it looks like the E93 started in MO 2007?

I've also seen MANY web articles saying to "run away screaming" from the 2006-ish convertibles. Is that an accurate statement?

My current car is a Z3, looking to upgrade due to muscle/nerve issues in my arm (I have problems driving a stick.) I truly appreciate any advice!

[All2kool]

Hardtop Convertible = E93. The first model year was 2007 even though sales started in late 2006. It's a gap year so to speak in that you could buy a new E46 or E93 in 2006.

I've been wanting an E93 for some time now but the only concern I have is with oil leaks seeming to be a common problem with the E9x based BMW.

[Slingerland]

Hardtop Convertible = E93. The first model year was 2007 even though sales started in late 2006. It's a gap year so to speak in that you could buy a new E46 or E93 in 2006.

The owner sent me more photos and I must have misunderstood him when we spoke. This is NOT a hardtop convertible, it is a soft top. And maybe he had the model year wrong and it's a 2005?

Here are the photos:

310020514_6062712300408956_4483329972292954438_n.jpg 312216451_6062712513742268_6563734045283040839_n.jpg 311775057_6062712490408937_3196279583440417579_n.jpg 312133187_6062714747075378_3741172896382596435_n.jpg 312049279_6062712450408941_3146467535506274789_n.jpg

He's asking above KBB price, but maybe it's worth it.

[E39 Newbie]

The owner sent me more photos and I must have misunderstood him when we spoke. This is NOT a hardtop convertible, it is a soft top. And maybe he had the model year wrong and it's a 2005?

Here are the photos:

310020514_6062712300408956_4483329972292954438_n.jpg 312216451_6062712513742268_6563734045283040839_n.jpg 311775057_6062712490408937_3196279583440417579_n.jpg 312133187_6062714747075378_3741172896382596435_n.jpg 312049279_6062712450408941_3146467535506274789_n.jpg

He's asking above KBB price, but maybe it's worth it.

That's definitely an E46. Looks like he put an M-Tech front bumper cover on it, but kept the stock rear. LED taillights and CHMSL.

[Slingerland]

That's definitely an E46. Looks like he put an M-Tech front bumper cover on it, but kept the stock rear. LED taillights and CHMSL.

Thanks! The M-Tech front bumper threw me off. From what I've read, I'd rather have a final year of the E46 than the first year of the E93 .

Still trying to decide... do I want to give up my Z3 for this car? I can find Z3/Z4s with automatic transmissions, although none of them are local. Add to that I'm not a BMW mechanic (in fact, haven't worked on cars since I owned Alfas in the 1990s and early 2000s) so any work will be done by checkbook. My Z3 is sorted out and running well, but my arm is getting worse.

Sigh... first world problems, right?

[All2kool]

And maybe he had the model year wrong and it's a 2005? He's asking above KBB price, but maybe it's worth it.

It's impossible to tell the year from the photos but it's definitely a 2004-2006. With full service records and just 66k miles, I would put the value at about $9000 if if it has a CLEAN title.

[E39 Newbie]

Thanks! The M-Tech front bumper threw me off. From what I've read, I'd rather have a final year of the E46 than the first year of the E93 .

Still trying to decide... do I want to give up my Z3 for this car? I can find Z3/Z4s with automatic transmissions, although none of them are local. Add to that I'm not a BMW mechanic (in fact, haven't worked on cars since I owned Alfas in the 1990s and early 2000s) so any work will be done by checkbook. My Z3 is sorted out and running well, but my arm is getting worse.

Sigh... first world problems, right?

Yes, which is better? The devil you know? If you can afford to farm out the maintenance and repairs, then I think you'll love the E46 'vert. I really like mine. But if I couldn't afford the car if I couldn't do my own work.

[HaveBlue]

Looks like the Refresh 2006 e46

[martwauto]

E46 Convertible.
Cant beat them, lots of spares around and very well proven at that age too.
Red 1.jpg

Mart.

[Slingerland]

Just a follow-up,

First, I ended up finding and buying a 2005 Z4 automatic with 10k miles from Plaza BMW in St. Louis. But even with a practically new Z4, I kept thinking about the 325Ci as well. I have granddaughters who want to ride in my cars with me, and it's hard to pack em all into a 2 seater .

Over the holidays I drove the 325Ci and it's nice. The owner liked my Z3, so we pretty much swapped cars (a little cash, too.) We're doing the actual trade tomorrow and I'm looking forward to having a new toy to play with. The Z4 can stay low mileage, semi-collectable, and the 325Ci can be a fun drive it into the ground car. I didn't plan to buying two BMWs, but hey, it's Christmas!

Thank you again, everybody!