320iC

Much as I hate to encourage him, I have to say that occasionally Hartage gets it right - this is one of those times. As a generality they are better cared for, because of the type of people that own 'em and because they just have to be properly looked after.Convertibles are simply 'different' (in a positive way) and I'm more than happy to take anyone who fancies the experience for a trip around the block in mine; pick a good day - for obvious reasons - and call me.

Clearly this really is a matter of opinion, and I'm fascinated by the number of folk who are prepared to express an opinion on a type of car of which they admit they have little or no experience - makes the results pretty shallow if you think about it. I have an '88 320i convertible with 177k on the clock and it's a darned nice car, whch DOESN'T leak - no reason that they should if properly maintained - and the fresh air opportunities are just too good to be missed. I love it, my wife loves it and no-one elses' opinion matters a damn. We may be eccentric old farts (or so we've been told more than once) as we have two other open cars that are not convertible - that is there is no roof at all. If you have ever ridden a bike (Beemer or otherwise) you'd realise that a drop of rain doesn't actually do you any harm. Buy a tin-top by all means if you have to commute in the thing - but if you really want to enjoy the driving experience get out in the fresh air!

Anyone out there have a boot lid badge 'AC Schnitzer' to match with existing '320i' badge on my E30 convertible - or know where I might find one? I thought it would add a little since I have acquired a set of Schnitzer wheels.

One more, for what it may be worth. I have a E30 convertible with engine bay mounted battery; the battery space in the boot contains a lead weight ( to compensate for battery relocation?)underneath a pressed metal plate. Removing all this lot eventually revealed a small, noisy, spanner and a ball pen down in the bottom of this recess...