Newbie here. Just found this forum. My wife's fun car has been a 2001 BMW 330CI. Convertible with 5 speed. I think its time to be replaced. The newer (but used) beemers seem to be maintenance nightmares. We'd like to find a 2011 to 2013 G37S with manual transmission.

What can you folks tell me about the reliability and maintenance on these vehicles. And, how the heck do you fit anything in the trunk with the top down?

Any guidance will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

Hey crash welcome to the forum. I can't speak on behalf of the convertible guys but as a coupe owner our cars are great and extremely reliable!

Try to aim for a 2012+ bc pre 2012 has a RARE timing gasket issue where if not covered under Der warranty can cost in the ballpark of 2grand to fix. Again it's very rare but to give yourself piece of mind just go with a 2012+.

 

Congrats on the Convertible. You will love it!

 

You can fit a umbrella or maybe a pair of shoes in the trunk with the top down. But a very small price to pay for a fantastic and fun car to drive. My buddies have an Audi and a Jag and still tell me how much the wish they had a G37 vert. Their wives wouldn't allow it as its not a practical car. Ha!

 

Need more convincing.

We drove a 2013 with just 15,000 miles. My wife stopped by the local Infinity dealership and brought the car home. The hood needs painting. Both outside door handles need to be replaced. The drivers door handle (inside) needs to be replaced. The drivers seat bolster had more dirty wrinkles than my mother in law. Two rims were badly damaged.The car shook violently at speeds from 25 to 60 mph. The roof rattled incessantly and drove us nuts. Funny thing is, the Sales Manager assured me over the telephone that the car was "mint". Her 2001 BMW is considerably nicer.

Please tell me this is very unusual. Tempted to look at a new BMW 228 vert.

 

Sounds like you wanted the bwm since you first started this so why dont you just go buy it? Of course this isnt normal but with every used car regardless of mileage u have no idea how it was treated and maintained in some cases. Im on my 3rd infinity and my wife has one too. We always got new ones except my ipl was a nissan corp car before me.

 

Actually, it's not what I want, it's what wifey wants. BTW, my wife also has a 2010 EX35 that she loves and does want to replace. That's why she is interested in the G37/G60.

We are going Wednesday to look at 2014 G60S (manual transmission of course). Hopefully, this will be a lot better than the last one we looked at.

 

Cosmetic appearance is just like with any other car. If the last owner wasn't mindful then the car will have the various damages you describe above. Going on 4.5 years now, no dings in the doors, handles intact and not a single scratch on the hood. Some rock chips from highway driving on the front bumper cover.

I think you will find more rattles in a convertible. Just the nature of the beast.