B3S Cabriolet

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graemel
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B3S Cabriolet

Post by graemel » Mon Feb 17, 2014 1:18 am

There is what looks to be a very nice low mileage B3S cabriolet for sale. Looks like a mint car with very little miles on it.
I would imagine that the E46 cab does not suffer from scuttle shake but my question is what are they like when the hard top is fitted. Do they suffer from squeaks or rattles or are they as I hope nice and silent.
I guess the hard top keeps them nice and dry in the winter. But for a car that will live outside in the elements are there any issues leaving it without the hard top fitted.
Many thanks Graeme

Ikule
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Post by Ikule » Mon Feb 17, 2014 2:19 am

A hard top definitely makes them more user friendly in the Winter months and firms the shell up a little bit as well,
my Uncle runs a 320ci convertible with a hard top for those dark and wet months and I've driven it in both configurations,

There is a very small amount of scuttle shake but nothing that detracts from the driving experience with the hood down In my opinion
and the hard top certainly makes for a quieter more refined drive, the only pain is having somewhere to securely store it during Summer,
from experience they aren't the easiest things to help the owner drag up a flight of stairs....... (I kid you not :roll: :lol: )

As for leaving the soft top up in the Winter, it shouldn't be a problem as long as you treat it with a cleaning and protector kit,
we used the Autoglym version and it seems to do the trick during a typical English Summer downpour (a hard top would still be my choice for Winter though).
Steve C



'98 B10 3.2 #88 (for summer cruising)
'04 Mini Cooper S (commuting/sacrificial shopping trolley target....)
'94 325i Coupe SOLD
'88 Vauxhall Senator 3.0i SOLD
'90 Astra MkII GTE 16V (Turbo conversion) SOLD

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Post by B10BRW » Mon Feb 17, 2014 3:53 pm

I had a Hard top with my B3S Cab, once it was fitted it felt as solid as a coupe, I had no squeaks, rattles or leaks.
As mine was garaged I did find it surplus to requirements as the lined hood was more than adequate for day to day use.
Too be honest I found it more trouble than worth, it is so big that I struggled to fit it in my garage as I have a low roof, also there is no way I could manage to fit or remove it by myself, had to rely on friendly neighbours :D

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Post by rc944 » Mon Feb 17, 2014 7:43 pm

Porsche 997.1 GT3 CS I Alpina E46 B3s Coupe I Alpina E46 B3 3.3 Touring I Ducati 749S Mono I Ducati 748R I Ducati 749 Track Bike I Ducati 916S

simon13
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Post by simon13 » Mon Feb 17, 2014 9:16 pm

i can't agree i'd pay the extra for the low mile cab myself. 32,000 miles! Its had enough use to be ok and low enough to mean it should be nearly as new

That coupe is nearly on 80k Which is potential headgasket or torque converter trouble or both. The shocks will be past it nearly also. Theres bills coming up on this if you used it that you won't be having on the cab.

None of that is bad but if you suffered 1 or 2 of those problems the £3000 price difference would be gone in a flash
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Post by rc944 » Mon Feb 17, 2014 11:49 pm

but how much of a dead cert is TC and HG failure at the mileages that everyone seems to think they will go at.... you only ever hear the horror stories so im wondering whether statistically these things happen more often than not

its clear that when they do it hurts but im wondering whether these things happen as often as this forum suggests?
Porsche 997.1 GT3 CS I Alpina E46 B3s Coupe I Alpina E46 B3 3.3 Touring I Ducati 749S Mono I Ducati 748R I Ducati 749 Track Bike I Ducati 916S

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Post by simon13 » Tue Feb 18, 2014 6:47 pm

my headgasket was gone on about 113,000 so longer than alot of cars. The torque converter was out of its brains by that milege

My brother in laws B3s saloon is on 100k it runs fine hasn't suffered gasket failure in the past either, however his torque converter isn't at its best either.

I wouldn't say its internet myth, the engine is on the limit in terms of capcity Alpina couldn't take it any further, if you saw the headgasket on the fire rings they actually last very well! The torque converter is uprated from the standard BMW part but again wears out
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graemel
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Post by graemel » Tue Feb 18, 2014 11:18 pm

Thanks for all you help with the advice guys. Done the deal on the Cab today, should be with me early next week :)

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alpinab3
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Post by alpinab3 » Tue Feb 18, 2014 11:50 pm

Who the hell orders grey leather?
56 Mercedes Benz CLK 220 CDI Avantgarde with sports pack

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Post by Fast3000 » Thu Feb 27, 2014 4:56 pm

graemel wrote:Thanks for all you help with the advice guys. Done the deal on the Cab today, should be with me early next week :)
I missed out on one early feb, same mileage...
Possible the same b3S Cab. PM me I have an inspection report!

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