Item: Used BMW 3 Series Convertible 2000 - 2006
Author: Steve Huntingford

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Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

3 SERIES

The BMW 3 Series convertible is good to drive, desirable, roomy and comfortable.

Used BMW 3 Series Convertible 2000 - 2006

It'll cost a fair whack more to buy and run than a 3 Series saloon, but it makes a lot more sense when you compare it to other posh-brand drop tops.

Prices are high and demand higher, so act quickly once you've found what you want – and don't think that you'll score a bargain by buying in the depths of winter, because prices dip little with the seasons. Its popularity, though, means that you'll see a good price come resale time.

Main dealer servicing is expensive, although prices drop for cars past their fourth birthday, and insurance is costly, too. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m3/saloon/review/n135">M3</a> will be the most expensive in this regard, while the 318 is cheapest.

The 320 diesel promises up to 45mpg and the 318i 36mpg, but the others will rarely touch 30mpg, while the M3 dips below 15mpg in town.

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The BMW 3 Series convertible is good to drive, desirable, roomy and comfortable.


If you can, go for a model with a six-cylinder petrol engine, a 320i, 325i or 330i.

Which you buy will depend on your wallet, but we prefer the 320i because it has enough power to make for an enjoyable drive, is affordable and there are plenty for sale.

Other petrol engines include the high-performance M3 and the four-cylinder 318i; the first is a great car, if costly, the second not cheap enough to make it a value buy.

There are also 320 and 330 diesels, which can return 45mpg. Manual or auto gearboxes are available throughout.

Choose between SE and M Sport trim. All have alloy wheels, climate control, powered driver's seat adjusters, electric windows and a CD player. M Sport lowers and hardens the suspension, but we prefer the softer ride of the SE. Buy from main dealers for best choice and aftercare.

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What we're looking for:<ul><li>Wind-in-the-hair excitement</li> <li>Roof that’s quick and easy to raise and lower</li> <li>Comfortable seating for four adults</li> <li>Sufficient practicality for everyday use</li> <li>Little wind buffeting</li> <li>Quietness, whether the roof is up or down</li> <li>Minimal shaking and shimmying over bumps</li></ul>

Despite the British weather, UK car buyers are among the biggest enthusiasts for wind-in-your-hair motoring, so convertibles have always been surprisingly popular here. It’s best to be able to react to the fickle climate, though, so we’re after a roof that opens (and closes) slickly and quickly and good top-down cruising refinement.

There are precious few bespoke drop-tops these days, so your choice of models is generally limited to soft-top versions of existing models. Mini will sell you a drop-top version of its style-focused hatchback, if you’re after a bit of flair.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a5/sports/review/n17253">Audi A5 Cabriolet</a>, meanwhile, brings all of the benefits of the regular <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a5/hatchback/review/n170">A5</a> – refined engines and a beautifully finished interior. Alternatively, the much more expensive <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bentley/continental-gt/sports/review/n24424">Bentley Continental GT Convertible</a> is one of the most luxurious convertibles on sale.

Convertible

The biggest risk you face is buying a car that has been previously stolen or crashed. A data check with a proper company is therefore a must, and do it yourself rather than take a dealer's word – that way you are compensated if the info you get is duff.

That aside, watch out for personal imports with less kit than UK cars - these will be hard to resell later for a good price.

A full service history with a main dealer or recognised specialist is essential for a good, fuss-free buy. And, while big mileages also hammer down future values, they can be a useful tool when you're negotiating a lower purchase price.

The BMW 3 Series is durable and can cover big mileages without needing much work. They've rated well in successive JD Power customer surveys and also on the What Car? Reliability Index.

Tracking on Sport models is sensitive and easily knocks out of true, ruining handling and wearing tyres fast. SO, be sure to give any Sport model a thorough test drive.

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The BMW 3 Series Convertible is totally classy, whichever model you choose and no matter how old it is. The interior and dash are just like those in any 3 Series of the era – well-made and efficient, if sombre. The driving position is spot-on and the positioning of the controls is A1, too, although the stereo switches are fiddly.

The cabin is spacious, but strictly for four (not five) and the boot space is reduced once you've dropped the electrically operated roof.

Driving with the roof down is a serene experience, although rear seat passengers are a little exposed to the wind at speed. Put the hood up, and it's so quiet you could almost kid yourself you were in a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/coupe/used-review/n256">3 Series Coupe</a>, the Convertible's closest tin-topped relation.

Step into one straight from a Coupe, though, and you'll notice that the extra bracing fitted to limit the body shake also adds enough weight to obviously limit the car's performance. Press on, and you will also be able to feel the body flexing through the steering. It's only slight, admittedly, but it's there, and that might put off some people.

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Used BMW 3 Series Convertible 2000 - 2006 review

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