E30 converible or newer 528i?

[bmwperformance]

Fellower beemer lovers,

I would appreciate some opinions/advice. I currently own a 1998 528i which I've owned for
about 4 years and love it. I've had several converibles over the years and I'm getting a
hankerin to get another one. I live in Raleigh so the wheather is pretty mild most of the
year which is perfect for a convertible. A friend of mine just bought a '90 325IC and he loves
it. I love the old E30 cars and they drive great - even compared to my newer 528!

So here's the delema... I can't justify owning two cars so I would have to sell my 528 to get
a either a really clean E30 convertible. Have I lost my mind to consider selling my reliable
(paid for) 528i for an older E30 convertible? Would a 1990/92 325IC be a reasonable daily
driver? Or should I consider a newer (1997-98) 325 convertible? I really like the classic look
of the older E30 though.

Thanks for the sanity check!

 

[codex57]

They're fine as a daily driver. It's just a matter of if you need the extra room or not? I mean, since it's your only car, do you carry a lot of people and luggage or is it just you?

 

[bmwperformance]

Thanks for the reply. I have two teenage kids so I HAVE to have a back seat.
Since my wife has a four door with a reasonable size back seet, I think the
325IC will work for driving the kids around town.

This is more of an emotional decision than a practical one. If I were to be practical
I suppose I'd keep the 528i, but I love driving a convertible and there's something
about the old E30s.

Thanks again for the reply!

 

[codex57]

Well, since your wife already has a 4 door, go with the 325 if you can afford it. I've put a baby seat in the E30 325 coupe before (friend's car). It'll work fine. Don't think the cab is much different from the coupe. I always wanted a convert but with only one car, I have to stay practical for now.

 

[Pink_Floyd]

I'd say go for the classic. You will save money going for a 1990 e30 convert over a 1997-1998... a LOT of money. I'd say get a really clean e30 and upgrade and replace a lot of the common wear parts right away. With the cost difference between the 90 and 98 you should even be able to get the engine rebuilt if you really wanted as well as take care of a lot of other aspects of the car.

 

[MrElussive]

What I have personally concluded is that what your car offers, there will be a demand created for it. For example, you have a 528i 4-door right now...seats 4 people comfortably and has a nice trunk. So you are probably using and enjoying its passenger/cargo capacity skills right now. If you get a convertible, you will find that since the car offers less room, there will not be as much of a demand for extra passenger and cargo capacity. My point is that if you really want a convertible and you THINK you can deal with the sacrifice in practicality, then you definitely CAN deal with it, and you definitely SHOULD go for it.

 

[KevRC4130]

How about you get the E30 for yourself, and give your wife the 528

 

[bmwperformance]

So...it sounds like most of the replys are saying to get the E30 convertible.
So...which car would you prefer to have:

1. 1998 528i
2. 1990-92 325IC with some performance upgrades
3. 1997-99 328 convertible

Thanks for the info.

 

[codex57]

The 5 series. I think that car is just about the ultimate expression of what a sedan should be. But I'm not in the market for a convertible and most people don't hold THAT high of an opinion for the E39 5 series.

 

[BMWdude]

So...it sounds like most of the replys are saying to get the E30 convertible.
So...which car would you prefer to have:

1. 1998 528i
2. 1990-92 325IC with some performance upgrades
3. 1997-99 328 convertible

Thanks for the info.

if the 99 328 is E46 body style than that. If no than the 98 528i

 

[SoonerE39]

I would keep the 5 series and instead look for an inexpensive alternative that would let you still have convertible time. Maybe a well used Miata or Jeep or early 70's GM intermediate. 2 cars are better than one, especially when 1 of them is a Bimmer.