Looking for a fun convertible.....E30 or R231 Mercedes SL?

mjr24 · 07-20-2025, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bald Guy

Also look into a Miata, s2000, Corvette, Z4, mustang, etc. All convertible versions and options.

Not interested in literally anything else except for the two cars I listed.

Bald Guy · 07-21-2025, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjr24

Not interested in literally anything else except for the two cars I listed.

SL550.

mjr24 · 07-21-2025, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bald Guy

SL550.

I’m just partial to those two cars because I’ve had them before, nothing wrong with the other choices.

AmuroRay · 07-22-2025, 09:20 AM

E30's are God's chariot. You know what to do.

TriumphTim · 07-23-2025, 06:35 AM

Yeah if going for a weekend driver, the E30 is my opinion. I think all the cabs came with M20 sixes so you should be fine, my coupe has plenty of power stock but 100% maintained.

I am BMW biased but have driven a lot of SLs, 320s, 500, 550s. They are ok but seem softer and less sporty, better cruisers.

Really depends on how you plan to drive it. E30 all day for back roads and twisties, SL for highways and long range comfort.

mjr24 · 07-23-2025, 05:37 PM

Yeah I’m leaning towards a really well maintained E30 at this point…..although these seem to be steep price-wise.

Mason Hatcher · 07-23-2025, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjr24

Looking to add a convertible to my stable for $20k-35k.....

Either a really good condition E30 or a R231 SL550 (2013-2016).

Any thoughts on this? My first BMW was a E30 (not a convertible) but they always have had a soft spot with me. The issue is finding one that doesn't really need any work as I don't really have a ton of time to be restoring it.

I've had 2 R230 SL's and liked them, too. I like the hard top. You can find a nice SL550 for under $35k. I have heard the R231 is pretty reliable (this is why I don't want a SL63....because it has the ABC suspension standard and I still have nightmares of dealing with that on my R230....even though it's supposedly less problematic in the 231).

Any thoughts?

What’s an E30? Why do people use code?

Sedoy · 07-23-2025, 06:37 PM

Because you are on BMW forum. It's much easier to say E30 instead of 1982-1991 3-series, plus model year can vary by market or country.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mason Hatcher

What’s an E30? Why do people use code?

Davil · 07-23-2025, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmuroRay

E30's are God's chariot. You know what to do.

They are with a roof. Without it’s a wobble fest.

07-23-2025, 06:35 AM	#27
TriumphTim Private First Class 138 Rep 124 Posts Drives: 2008 328xi Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Perkasie PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 1988 BMW 325is [0.00] 2008 BMW 328xi [0.00] 2005 BMW 325ic Coupe [0.00]	Yeah if going for a weekend driver, the E30 is my opinion. I think all the cabs came with M20 sixes so you should be fine, my coupe has plenty of power stock but 100% maintained. I am BMW biased but have driven a lot of SLs, 320s, 500, 550s. They are ok but seem softer and less sporty, better cruisers. Really depends on how you plan to drive it. E30 all day for back roads and twisties, SL for highways and long range comfort.
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07-23-2025, 05:37 PM	#28
mjr24 Brigadier General 2553 Rep 3,089 Posts Drives: 25 X7, 24 I7 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	Yeah I’m leaning towards a really well maintained E30 at this point…..although these seem to be steep price-wise. __________________ 2025 X7 40i, 2024 I7 60i, 2022 M8 Comp GC, 2021 AMG GT53, 2022 X5M Competition, 2021 X7 40i, 2019 M5, 2018 M550I, 2017 Audi Q7, 2014 M6 GC, 2013 Mercedes CLS550, 2011 750LI, 2008 M6 Cabrio, 2008 Porsche Cayenne S, 2004 Mercedes SL55 AMG, 2003 Mercedes SL500, 2000 Mercedes CL500, 1993 Lexus SC400, 1989 525i, 1985 318i
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