Haggis

Thanks for the replies... I've realised it was a pretty vague question and that I really just need to drive one. However it's good to hear that it's nothing related to the E38 box. I haven't seen a single manual for sale in the (short) time I've been looking so pretty much resigned to auto. Will post back once I've driven one!

We're interested in getting an E46 convertible but they're (virtually) all autos, and I'm a little worried that I might hate the gearbox. I'm pretty uninspired by some auto boxes I've driven. The only BMW I have ever driven was an E38 730i — about 10 years old at the time. The little V8 was lovely, and I was very surprised by how beautifully it handled for such a big car. But the thing is, I couldn't buy it for one reason — for me, the auto was horrible. It felt like you'd put your foot down, count to three, and then off you'd go. (apologies to anyone here who owns one of these lol) So instead of the 730i we bought an Alfa 156 2.5 with the Q-system auto, owned for about 10 years (in Australia, sold this week) which even with my preference for manuals I thought was really a very good automatic. It was always in the right gear, kicks down as your speed drops, holds on appropriately if you're pushing it. Likewise the little A-class 5-speed auto we had seemed fine to me. So... just wondering if anyone has driven both the E46 and an Alfa with auto? If I liked the Alfa's auto will I like the E46? I'd just go for a test drive in an E46, but being in Oamaru it's kind of a long drive to anywhere with a dealer currently advertising an E46 Anyone live in/near Oamaru and willing to give me a drive?

Thanks @qube — pretty much what I'd been thinking then.

I'm looking for an e46 convertible. There are a few 325/330's on trademe at around $10–15K — but almost all of them seem to have been there a while and the only couple I've seen that were offered as an auction failed to meet the reserve. e.g. the first couple of times around this one got to about $3K and stalled http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1193283076.htm There's one in Christchurch (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1193998240.htm) that hasn't sold and it's offered for only $7,200. Anyone have any opinions on the actual value of these? I haven't been looking long enough to really know what they end up selling for I guess.