Re: Need some convertible info.... (archive)

I was recently involved in a very unfortunate accident which destroyed my 1994 Saab 900S. I enjoyed driving the Saab, but it lacked the soul that my old 1986 325es had. I am considering the purchase of an E30 convertible as a replacement. I have several questions before I begin my search for the right car. What was the first year for the convertible, '87 or '88? When did the bumper style change (I know the hard-body models changed in '89, but it seems that later convertible's didn't get the changes)? What models have the power top? Is the power top a trouble prone area that I should avoid? With the power top do I can I lower without leaving the seat? What is involved in lowering a manual top? I definitely want a 5-speed,but am still undecided about which engine. I know the the inline-six is extremely durable and fun to drive since I have owned one. Is the four better, due to its more modern design with dual camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and self-adjusting valves? Does the four cylinder have distributorless ignition? How often do the tops have to be replaced? Is the hard-top still available as an accesory? Any other information would be much appreciated. Thanks for all your help!

I would stay away from the power top, (read post above), basicly my friends dad had one and it was nothing but trouble. If you want to go with the new (euro) bumpers, one thing you might want to consider it buying an 87,88,89, and getting an M-tech or AV3 kit from autovoge through ABT tuning (ling Below) both kits look great on convertibles (I was thinking of selling my M3 and getting a conv. with AV3 kit myself) you can also get a hard top from ABP, look under specials.
I don't know about the 318is engine but I'll tell you that I miss the tourqe that my old 325es had (compared to the S14 M3 engine) I personally would stick to a six, but the 318 does get great gas millage!
hope this helps
Eric
88M3

http://www.abptuning.com/

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