2002 BMW 3-Series

Convertible

Automatic

WBABS53482JU92558

Clear

Gasoline

I am reluctantly parting with my gorgeous 2002 330ci convertible because of that oldest of car-lover’s realities: I am out of space in the garage (I got a 2016 Mini). I am the second owner of this cream puff, and as you’ll see from the well-kept records, the first was as obsessive about maintenance and upkeep as I am. This car has been garage kept its entire life, never met a smoker, has sipped only premium gasoline (93 octane or higher, and as BMW pamperers know, these finely tuned engines really can sense the difference between true premium 93-octane gasoline and the mid-level premium at 91). Everything in this car works exactly as it should. Every indicator beep, every bulb, every feature, every heated and motorized seat and every powered mirror; the cruise control and all the rest. The top is in perfect condition, no tears, and operates smoothly and quickly at the touch of a button. It’s very possible to get it either up or down during a stoplight. I have owned five different 3-series bimmers. They really are the best cars ever made, and it’s an enduring mystery of competitive capitalism why they have not been successfully duplicated. That’s for someone wiser than me to ponder, but you really can’t argue with how fun these things are to drive. I need to talk a little bit about the sound system. I am constructed such that I require a convertible because I need to feel the sun and the wind during the spring, summer and fall. But I also require maximum fidelity for whatever I’m listening to, whether it’s music or on audiobook or podcast. If you love convertibles, you know that drill. You either have to turn the sound up so loud that it hurts your ears and attracts irritated glances at stoplights. Or you miss nuances of whatever you’re trying to experience. The sound system in this car is so beautifully organized that you don’t have to make that trade off. While that is increasingly common with today’s wind-tested, computer-engineered audio, in a 2002 model, it was unheard of. This Dynamix system is not some cheapo aftermarket radio that you’d pick up at Best Buy. It was specifically made for BMWs. The original steering wheel controls work perfectly on this sound system, and it even matches the distinctive orange interior lighting scheme of the rest of the car. It’s got flawless navigation, bluetooth (your phone is held in a convenient cradle that can be positioned however you like and charged while you drive), and all the other modern features. But the real beauty of it is that because of the sub-woofer and amp—professionally installed in the backseat so as not to rob you of any room, you can actually hear and enjoy whatever you’re playing with the top down. This is a major advantage, and I urge you to demand it in any convertible you buy, weather from me or someone else. I’ve got the original radio with its built-in CD player and all the hardware. If that’s your preference, you can have them. As you can see by the way the manuals and the repair records and all the original sales literature, spare key, this is a car that’s been loved and valued. I’m hoping whoever purchased this this from me will do the same. There is zero rust on this car, as you can see. On the other hand, this car is 16 years old, so don't think you're magically going to stumble upon a pristine showroom number that's been in suspended animation, logging 73,000 miles on an indoor treadmill. I posted a ton of photos so that a bidder can have maximum knowledge. I'm an adult, basically nerdy – I don't smoke, speed, and never drove the car hard or inappropriately. When I listed it the first time, ebay indicated that it had a "minor" incident in its past. That's just not the case, to my knowledge. Certainly not during my tenure and I don't believe during the sole previous owner, either. The car drives perfectly, handles perfectly and looks immaculate, as I've done my best to demonstrate in photos and in my lengthy description. I set no reserve price. I believe in the efficiency of free markets. I rely on ebay and its educated buyers to deliver the amount this convertible is "supposed" to fetch. This car was listed two weeks ago. A super friendly fellow won it, sent me $500 deposit, made plans to take the train to NJ, and then ... kinda ghosted me. One last caveat. I will not ship this car. If you win, you'll have to come to beautiful Maplewood, New Jersey, and drive it away, preferably with the sunroof open and the radio blasting. I don't want to meet you at the train or drive you to the DMV. Please organize the details yourself and don't bid if you're not willing/able to do so. A $500 down payment is required within 48 hours of auction end. The remainder is due within a week of auction close, and I'll accept PayPal, certified check, or cash.