Does it make sense to buy an 8000 km run BMW 330D convertible

The 6 cylinder engine and gearbox are known to be reliable and with this lower state of tune and with the low mileage run, there can’t be too many issues on the engine and gearbox front.

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330d, Hard top convertible, E 90, 2 doors, CBU, 6 cylinder diesel, 254 BHP, 413 Nm torque in a car that weighs a lot less than a 5 Series and has the best of BMW’s “driver’s car” handling characteristics.

The 6 cylinder engine and gearbox are known to be reliable and with this lower state of tune and with the low mileage run, there can’t be too many issues on the engine and gearbox front. A lot of parts would be common with the 530d too.

The difficult areas would be the failure of the hard top, some bits of the suspension and the fact that it’s a 2 door car would make some parts difficult to come by.

I’m okay with the two doors, and the lack of space at the rear as it wouldn’t be used most of the time except to put luggage.

The car has been maintained in stock condition without any modifications or remaps done to the engine or suspension.

This is a 2012 / 13 model year car. History of the car and the owner is known from the day it was taken delivery but nevertheless all sanity checks (including mine) would be done.

Does this car make sense given the low mileage, single owner and well maintained status?

Looking for opinions in case I’ve missed out anything apart from the prices and availability of spares. Thanks in advance.

Here's what BHPian GTO had to say on the matter:

I'd say you should go for it if the price is right + it clears all the checks (including PPI) and you can live with the 2 doors. The E90 4-door 2.0L was so much fun, I can only imagine what a 2-door 3.0L is like. But the price had better be right. The car will have depreciated massively and you will either be the last or second last owner of the car. These complex cars are built just for 10 - 15 years life. They become too much of a headache after that and the cost of repairs can be too high compared to the book value. Just as an example, there is not a single E60 in my group anymore, not even in extended circles.

Here's what BHPian ajmat had to say on the matter:

Having driven a 330i convertible in the UK, first thing you will find that it is ponderous at low speeds due to the weight, however being a diesel, this is mitigated.

The convertible actions need to be checked. If you do buy the car, do open up the roof a couple of times a week to avoid stuff seizing up. Get familiar about the microswitches and the hydraulics. Latter is easy, if you can stock a spare microswitch or two, nothing like it.

Like I said, it is heavy due to the roof mechanism and underfloor bracing so check suspension thoroughly. If you do buy, budget for a suspension overhaul even if car has not been used much.

Engine wise - do a complete fluid change and plan for a cooling system overhaul. It is the most fragile part of the car. The other area are the swirlflaps on the Diesel engine which could break and get ingested in the engine.

PS - If you do pass on this, please let me know, I might be interested.

Here's what BHPian Akshay1234 had to say on the matter:

It definitely does make sense, if its coming at a good price. The engine spec is 245 BHP and 520 Nm I believe. Also the hard top will make a fair bit of sound, that's the only downside. I know enough people running similar vintage M3s without any major issues, just small electronic niggles.

Here's what BHPian dipen had to say on the matter:

Europeans are best when they are run. This car seems standing / idling for long (1k km in 1 year). But as long its serviced on time; it should fine.

Get the car inspected at BMW and if it checks out well, yes it makes sense. With a change of every fluid and some not so big expenses recommend by the BMW service, you should be rolling well as long as the price is reasonable.

For such a car coming from a from a known owner, don't hesitate a 5% premium as well.

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