Guide to buying an E93 - things to look out for.

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The E93 is a 3-series convertible that falls in the category of compact executive cars of the fifth-generation BMW 3-series. It proved to be quite popular and has won many fans.

It is a two-door four-seat cabriolet offered in the years 2007-2010, then after the facelift, the post-LCI models - E93N - were on the ground between 2010-2013.

Since 2013, the convertible has been marketed as the BMW 4-series.

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After the 2010 facelift, the highest power model 335i got an engine update. It converts from an N54B30 single turbo engine to a twin-turbo N55 engine.

The facelift announcement also included an official addition of a dual-clutch semi-automatic 7-speed gearbox in place of a 6-speed gearbox in this model. Also, some renovation was done on the front and tail lights.

BMW 4-series convertible was marketed as F33 from 2014-2016, then after the facelift, it was sold till 2020 with the top output figure of 326 hp. And now the marketing of all-new BMW 4-series G23 convertible is continued from 2020 till now.

BMW E93 Models

If you are searching an E93 model of 3-series, then we’d recommend you to consider Post-LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) model. The high-performance engine options in this model line up are as follows and all offer good returns if you are tuning an E93:3.0-liter

• 335i 2010-2013

N55B30 Twin-Turbo  inline-six
RWD engine power 306 hp and 295 lb-ft

• 330i 2010-2013

N55B30 NASP inline-six
RWD engine power 272 hp and 236 lb-ft

• 330d 2010-2013

N57D30OL Turbo inline-six
RWD engine power 245 hp and 383 lb-ft

E93 Specifications

The E93 was the first model in BMW 3 series to provide a “Comfort Access” option for a folding metal roof, in fact, it was the first vehicle in the list of retractable hardtops.

BMW has enhanced the visibility via a 30% increase in the size of the side windows of E93 as compared to its E46 convertible predecessor.

The clean and sleek interior is nearly identical to the premium package of the coupe.

Front power seats along with the head restraints, the armrests, and the gear selector are designed to reflect the IR radiations through Sun Reflective technology.

Other power features include a power trunk lid, a dual-zone automatic AC, a telescoping steering wheel, and a master power window switch that moves all the windows at once.

There is a decent backseat headroom, a knob-based control system to operate navigation, and a CD audio system.

Plus points on the E93

The sporty handling, gorgeous looks, and power-happy twin-turbo engine of 335i are enough to attract enthusiast drivers.

The vehicle’s engine with a dual exhaust system makes a sweet sound.

It was pricier than its rivals but reviewers have praised its body frame rigidity, weight, driving dynamics, and. spacious interior with ample passenger/boot area.

This hard-top cabriolet can brilliantly compete with soft-top cabriolets like Mercedes-Benz CLK350, Audi A4 cabriolet, and Porsche Boxster.

The E93 aesthetic appeal surpassed other rivals as being a best-looking retractable hardtop due to its short rear quarter.

The comfy cabin and compliant suspension tuning provide a quality ride.

Weak points and problems to look out for on the E93

• The 18-inch run-flat tires had little patience for potholes.
• The structural rigidity is slightly disappointing but see our E93 tuning guide to address this
• Weight is about 400lb more than the coupe, something you notice when comparing the drive of these two models.
• Seals are not designed to bear high pressure during a car wash.
• The roof is sometimes locked when down. Using dust off around the mechanism in the trunk will resolve the issue.
• The pin of the fuel cover may stick sometimes and not lock properly. Clean your car regularly.
• Electric water pump when fail also harm the thermostat near it.
• When the top is down, the rough roads make the vehicle’s A-pillar shudder slightly
• Injectors and High-Pressure Fuel Pump may tend to fail and need replacements
• Automatic trans fluid may leak out into mechatronic sleeves.
• Filter and Fluid change may need the replacement of the whole assembly of the oil pan gasket with filters.
• Valve cover gasket may leak sometimes and need replacement.
• Black fabric strings that run down the C-pillar area may turn white, and prone to breakage. To save headliner damage, replace those strings.
• Some cars may give a resonance helicopter type of sound. Look for spray foam in the lid cavities of the trunk.
• Sometimes the roof may start hitting the top of the windshield, it needs some alignment.
• Rear-seats are not much comfortable as the rear backrest cause seating at an upright angle.
• High-mileage cars may develop carbon-buildup and then walnut blast is needed to clean the intake valves.

Here are some suggestions before buying a used E93

• Always make a test drive on a rough road with a closed roof and windows to listen to any rattling sound. If any, find its cause.
• Carefully monitor the movement of the rooftop while opening or closing. Check if at any point it gets stuck.
• See the drips on the plastic around the window, there you may find potential leaks.
• Look for any oil leaks in the engine bay.
• Last but not least, Check the Carfax. Don’t purchase a car with a history of any accident.

BMW’s Steptronic clutch less-manual mode put a choice in front of buyers for a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

We recommend choosing the automatic one. Frankly speaking, our first choice among the models of BMW 3-series E93 would be the prestigious 335i model.

An E93 convertible is not a cheap car to maintain but if you enjoy driving and appreciate fine automotive engineering, I assure you, you won’t regret putting money in it.

For more information on Tuning your car please join us in our friendly forum where you can discuss E93 options in more detail with our E93 owners. It would also be worth reading our unbiased BMW tuning articles to get a full grasp of the benefits and drawbacks of each modification.

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This article is flagged for an update, so please pass on specific tips below that I can include. All articles, and content was written by me, Waynne Smith TorqueCars founder. Some outlines are just too general so I appreciate your feedback and suggestions. This entry was filed under BMW. You can leave a response below or join our forum to discuss this article and car modification in detail with our members.

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