how about some help for a newbie?

[CDNBMWnewbie]

This is my first post here so please bear with me...

I am newly posted to Germany (July this year), and need some BMW advice... I am presently driving a 325i, but this is only my starter car (dont get me wrong, it blows my old car away, even though it is an 89... What I want though, is a Cabrio, and to avoid paying duties and making expensive modifications to the car when I return, it must be a 92 or older (15 years old when I go back). When looking at one of these cars, what should I be looking for, and what should I watch out for? The last thing I want is to end up with a lemon, and 85 to 92 Cabrios are so common here, I dont know where to start... Any advice, recommendations on pricing, or helpful web links you can give me would be much appreciated.

Cheers...

[blacksheep-m3]

i am partial to the e30 (pre '92) body style, as i drive an 88 m3. i would say if you want a sharp convertible, look for an 88-91 325i after about halfway through the production year (88). there were not too many mechanical changes other than power tops that can and should be converted to manual (they break down and are both hard and expensive to replace), but the bumpers are almost flush with the front clip, and the taillights look much nicer. its a nicer looking car. stay away from 318's unless you want to get smoked.