325i M Sport 2dr Convertible

Superb long distance tourer

I bought this 3 year old 21k manual from the local BMW dealer with a 2 BMW year warranty(which proved a blessing). Initial impressions were good, but found it a bit underpowered having driven MINI Cooper S's for the previous 5 years. Gearbox can be a bit notchy too, so maybe I should have gone for the 330i, same engine, but higher state of tune and an auto box. I suspect the previous owner used the car for short local runs using supermarket petrol. That's maybe why the only problems I've had relate to injectors, coil packs and recently the catalytic converter. After all 6 injectors with coil packs were replaced under warranty, the change in the car was amazing. The next problem was the catalytic converter had to be replaced.....after considerable efforts by the dealer, BMW paid for 90% of that work. I always use Shell V Power in my cars (following HJ's advice)and the mpg has changed from about 29 to now mid-30's quite easily - on a motorway run up to 37 even when 'keeping up with the traffic'. After 2 years the car is now running as it should - now with 45k on the clock. If the car is used for a lot of local runs it naturally affects the mpg, but it's generally used for longer journeys so not a problem for me. Following 80 miles of local journeys, mpg today after a 90 mile journey at end of cold January is 34, pretty good for a 3 litre petrol engine. Car is smooth, very quiet and as other reviewers have said people do not realise it is a convertible until you put the roof down. Wind deflector makes a big difference and worth the cost, buy one on ebay, there are plenty around in as new condition. General servicing costs under the BMW 4plus scheme work out the same as local independents. I always have the oil changed annually, although under cbs it would be two years before it's due.
Overall a great solid feeling car, that is fun to drive.

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