Things to watch out for

Hasselblad100 · Post by **Hasselblad100** » Wed Aug 17, 2022 1:55 pm

Hi,

New to forum. I’m looking in Auto Trader at E89…budget is up to £12k, so probably looking at 10-12 plate. Are there any big watch outs to be careful of before parting with cash

Cheers
Paul

B21 · Post by **B21** » Wed Aug 17, 2022 3:01 pm

Depends what engines you are looking at?

N52..ie old 23i or 30i

N54 ie 35i or 35is

N20 ie 18i 20i 28i

??

Hasselblad100 · Post by **Hasselblad100** » Wed Aug 17, 2022 3:25 pm

Thanks…probably 23i, pref 30i with auto box

Pondrew · Post by **Pondrew** » Wed Aug 17, 2022 4:24 pm

Hi and welcome.
If you can find a car in the for sale section on here, it will generally be a much better one than most on AT or the 'Bay TBH.
Have you seen this one?
viewtopic.php?t=130776&start=60

edit: sorry just noticed you want an auto.

Hasselblad100 · Post by **Hasselblad100** » Wed Aug 17, 2022 4:30 pm

Thanks…could be persuaded on manual for the right car. This looks nice but a bit of a distance to travel.

B21 · Post by **B21** » Wed Aug 17, 2022 4:41 pm

Hasselblad100 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 17, 2022 3:25 pm Thanks…probably 23i, pref 30i with auto box

30i auto is a pretty bomb proof version of the E89 family..

Having said that in no particular order..

Lot of engine plastics age and then cause issues..cam box cover and its gasket, oil filter housing and its gasket

Waterpumps fail as do thermostats see plastics ageing

Apart from that its wear relatec matters..

Suspension components

A good service and a change of ALL the oils and fluids usualy is a good idea, especially with an auto..

Hasselblad100 · Post by **Hasselblad100** » Wed Aug 17, 2022 4:48 pm

Thank you

Hasselblad100 · Post by **Hasselblad100** » Wed Aug 17, 2022 4:48 pm

Thank you

Zed Baron · Post by **Zed Baron** » Wed Aug 17, 2022 6:22 pm

Hi, Ive had an auto 23i for 7 or something years now and it's been pretty bomb proof (touch wood) apart from replacing the two rear springs, couldn't find many 30i with the mileage and spec I wanted at the the time. Plenty of oil and brake fluid changes and some preventative stuff like a gearbox service (even though its meant to be a lifetime unit), roof relays etc. Check the roof works ok (no oxidisation on the aluminium roof panels) and that the alloys aren't cracked! You've got a healthy budget, look for a car with some whistles and bells and a decent service history.

Hasselblad100 · Post by **Hasselblad100** » Wed Aug 17, 2022 6:46 pm

Thank you

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Wed Aug 17, 2022 7:27 pm

It looks like you've had some good advice, so welcome to the forum and good luck finding the right one.

Marcoose · Post by **Marcoose** » Wed Aug 17, 2022 9:14 pm

Stay away from whippie aerials. And yellow cars. Two no-no’s.

Hasselblad100 · Post by **Hasselblad100** » Wed Aug 17, 2022 10:09 pm

There was a yellow one on AT recently…thought it looked quite nice

Marcoose · Post by **Marcoose** » Thu Aug 18, 2022 5:47 am

If you want a career in the entertainment industry, then yellow.

Hasselblad100 · Post by **Hasselblad100** » Fri Aug 19, 2022 3:57 pm

Is this a reasonable price for this? Feels a bit high. It does have bmw s/h

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... 8138749479

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