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CAR NOW SOLD E85 Roadster auto 3.0 SE Merlot Red 42111 miles

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2019 1:06 pm
by Archer17
CAR. NOW SOLD[/

Regretfully selling my roadster, every time I drive it I smile, however, as I ‘mature’ I believe I might find driving something a little softer like a non M E89 or a 3 series convertible more pleasurable. The lack of Bluetooth and other mod cons sometimes intrudes too. The mileage will rise as the nice days appear.

Since 2007 the car has been garaged when not in use, indeed for much of that time it has been effectively in storage.

Service History.

20/10/03 Pre delivery check Specialist Cars Ltd Luton

11/10/04 Oil Service Mileage 13840 Specialist Cars Ltd Luton

21/08/06 Inspection 1 Mileage 27519 Specialist Cars Ltd Luton

At this point the car was sold to the second keeper who carried out the fluid and filter services himself. Until 2013 was MOT’d and any faults or new parts dealt with at Soper BMW Lincoln, as follows front fog light replaced 2008, brake pressure sensors and fluid replaced 2012, new battery 2012. I have all the receipts and Mot’s for its entire life.

MOT certificates from each year show a very low use. The first MOT in 2007 has the mileage as 31608 and when it came into my possession in 2017 it was 38514.

I purchased the car from the previous keepers daughter who had inherited it after her fathers death. She confirmed it had been kept garaged on a charger and used very rarely on warm days or to take to the MOT station. I am therefore the fourth owner.

On my initial drive I had noticed the steering was sticky, so prior to my purchase the car was taken to Soper BMW at Lincoln for a full inspection to ascertain if there were any other issues due to the long storage. The tyres being 12 years old was the only other issue found. The steering column was replaced and a full Inspection 2 carried out on 04/07/17.

All this is not to excuse the apparent lack of normal service record, just to inform a potential buyer of its history

During my ownership the car has rarely been used in the rain and has never missed a beat. I bought it as a car to keep and the money spent on it since has been because I wanted to get it into the best condition I could.

So,

05/03/18 2x 225/40/R18 & 2x 225/35/R8 Pirelli P Zero run flats Bush Spalding

12/03/18 4 wheel alignment (Dexter BMW Spalding)

07/05/18 Bonnet Alarm unit (Dexter)

14/05/18 4 Hub cap covers (Lister BMW Boston)

14/05/18 Style 108 4 wheel refurbishment, strip, dismantle, bath, powder coat, diamond cut ,lacquer, re-build and re-balance.

11/06/18 Polybushes, door soundproofing, MOT – no advisories (Dexter BMW)

01/08/18 4x Koni adj shocks, 4 BMW springs, brake caliper retaining clips, paint calipers and hubs, 4 wheel alignment. (Dexter BMW)

11/09/18 2x Osram Xenon bulbs/repair sensor h/lamp/Alignment (Dexter BMW)

02/10/18 Paint to correct minor scrape and scratches front valance, chips front wings, scratches drivers door and boot lid.

06/02/19 New battery with 5 year warranty


The suspension was changed because when the original shocks were taken off to inspect them two of them had failed even though the car had recently passed its MOT. Although the springs were only lightly corroded they were changed as well. We could not get OEM shock replacements and at the time the Bilstein B4 F/N/S was unavailable. I didn’t want to go the B6 route so went with the Koni’s that are far superior to the originals in any case (as they should be).

Specification

S205A Automatic transmission
S224A Driving Dynamic Control
S255A Sports leather steering wheel
S302A Alarm system
S313A Fold in outside mirror
S345A Chrome Line interior
S350A BMW composite style 108 wheels
S380A Hard top preparation
S387A Wind Deflector
S423A Floor mats velour
S428A Warning triangle and first aid kit
S430A Interior/outside mirror with auto dip
S441A Smoker package
S59A Seat adjuster, electric with memory
S502A Headlamp cleaning system
S508A Park distance control
S520A Fog lights
S521A Rain sensor
S522A Xenon Light
S534A Automatic air conditioning
S609A Navigation system Professional
S672A CD changer for 6 cds
S704A M Sports suspension

Not listed above, the seats are heated.The roof is in good condition and works properly. I am in possession of all books and owners pack and tool kit. There are two keys still on the original dealers key rings along with the valet key. The number plates are original again with the original dealers details on.


Giving its mileage and current condition I am seeking £6495 or reasonable offer This is a stunning car to look at, own and drive and it would be great if it could go to a forum member. If anyone wants further information or additional images please ask.

Thank you for looking

For Sale 2003 (53) E85 Roadster auto 3.0 SE Merlot Red 42111 miles

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2019 1:33 pm
by Marlon
Nice low mileage early example - I reckon anyone loving Merlot will be interested in this example :wink:

For Sale 2003 (53) E85 Roadster auto 3.0 SE Merlot Red 42111 miles

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2019 10:35 pm
by Mr Tidy
Fantastic colour combination, and hardly used - good luck with the sale! :thumbsup:

For Sale 2003 (53) E85 Roadster auto 3.0 SE Merlot Red 42111 miles

Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2019 9:28 am
by Archer17
Thank you both for your kind posts. I genuinely feel that the first person to actually view the car in the flesh will be blown away by its appearance and when they drive it they will think it’s much younger than it is.

I don’t want to sell, but I recognise that as I get older a slightly less roadster and more GT convertible would be better for me. I can wait for a buyer to appear, the next few days weather forecast looks superb, just the time to come and have a look folks, although if you don’t I get to drive.

For Sale 2003 (53) E85 Roadster auto 3.0 SE Merlot Red 42111 miles

Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2019 2:35 pm
by Archer17
One of the things I like about this forum is the honest feedback and genuine love for these cars. I find the wit and reasonable criticism made when necessary, refreshing in a world where many feel constrained in the flesh but are happy to post nonsense online.

So with that in mind, please give me some genuine feedback on the advert for my car. What is putting people off, is it too much, is it the service history, have I done too much work and there is nothing left for an enthusiast to do? :o

Or is it that the market is flat at the moment?

Cheers folks, now be kind please :?

For Sale 2003 (53) E85 Roadster auto 3.0 SE Merlot Red 42111 miles

Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2019 5:16 pm
by Dav the wheel nut
Firstly it's a very nice example you have there :thumbsup:
My personal opinion is that it may be overpriced.
I put the details into Autotrader which I know is only a guide to a prospective purchaser, and a 2005 z4, same spec and mileage as yours, shows a value of £5790 for a private sale and a part exchange value of £4750.
I'm not saying that you won't sell your car for a price near to what you are asking but a buyer may be put off even looking if he does the same check.
Just my opinion. :)

For Sale 2003 (53) E85 Roadster auto 3.0 SE Merlot Red 42111 miles

Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2019 5:42 pm
by gov
Yes a really nice looking car but tbh the asking price is unrealistic - even on a forecourt with a warranty it would be a lot less - sadly no matter how good a car is it is only worth what someone is prepared to pay - certainly your best chance to get a good price is to sell privately but you have to price it so it at least attracts viewers .

GLWTS

For Sale 2003 (53) E85 Roadster auto 3.0 SE Merlot Red 42111 miles

Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2019 7:22 pm
by john-e89
When I read the ad I had an eye pop moment at the price Archer. It’s clearly a very nice well cared for example but it’s a 53 plate auto, cream interior with non M sport seats or steering wheel controls which imho goes against it as most on here for example want a manual with the trimmings.

Not knocking anything apart from the price, I think you have to be a bit more realistic. Having said that I wish you all the best with the sale. :thumbsup:

For Sale 2003 (53) E85 Roadster auto 3.0 SE Merlot Red 42111 miles

Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2019 8:17 pm
by Davidcliff
Why does it appear people post responses to adverts suggesting the price is high or unrealistic, surely this rather ruins the effort the poster puts into the advert .
Is the price not the op's business ?

Not looking for a fight its Sunday night I am calm and relaxed , I just don't see this on other car or bike forums I am on .

For Sale 2003 (53) E85 Roadster auto 3.0 SE Merlot Red 42111 miles

Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2019 8:23 pm
by greg81
Davidcliff wrote: Sun Feb 24, 2019 8:17 pm Why does it appear people post responses to adverts suggesting the price is high or unrealistic, surely this rather ruins the effort the poster puts into the advert .
Is the price not the op's business ?

Not looking for a fight its Sunday night I am calm and relaxed , I just don't see this on other car or bike forums I am on .
Maybe because the OP requested honest feedback about 4 posts up...

For Sale 2003 (53) E85 Roadster auto 3.0 SE Merlot Red 42111 miles

Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2019 8:23 pm
by Smartbear
Davidcliff wrote: Sun Feb 24, 2019 8:17 pm Why does it appear people post responses to adverts suggesting the price is high or unrealistic, surely this rather ruins the effort the poster puts into the advert .
Is the price not the op's business ?

Not looking for a fight its Sunday night I am calm and relaxed , I just don't see this on other car or bike forums I am on .
If you read the posts you’d know the op had invited comments on price/advert wording :thumbsup:
This is a forum & not Ebay so constructive comments are ok.
Rob

For Sale 2003 (53) E85 Roadster auto 3.0 SE Merlot Red 42111 miles

Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2019 8:25 pm
by Mr Tidy
Well as you've asked, I was a bit shocked by the price but didn't mention it previously as I didn't want to appear negative.

But if I was looking at spending that sort of money on an E85 I'd be looking for a 3.0Si Sport, even if it did have a few more miles on it, mainly to get the desirable M-Sport seats!

However good the car is, nobody will buy if they don't view it.

But I hope you find a buyer. :thumbsup:

For Sale 2003 (53) E85 Roadster auto 3.0 SE Merlot Red 42111 miles

Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2019 8:31 pm
by gov
Davidcliff wrote: Sun Feb 24, 2019 8:17 pm Why does it appear people post responses to adverts suggesting the price is high or unrealistic, surely this rather ruins the effort the poster puts into the advert .
Is the price not the op's business ?

Not looking for a fight its Sunday night I am calm and relaxed , I just don't see this on other car or bike forums I am on .
OP did ask if the price was too much - comments given addressed this - this in no way negates the effort put in to the advert but reflects perhaps why OP has yet to have a viewer . again GLWTS

For Sale 2003 (53) E85 Roadster auto 3.0 SE Merlot Red 42111 miles

Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2019 8:36 pm
by firebobby
john-e89 wrote: Sun Feb 24, 2019 7:22 pm When I read the ad I had an eye pop moment at the price Archer. It’s clearly a very nice well cared for example but it’s a 53 plate auto, cream interior with non M sport seats or steering wheel controls which imho goes against it as most on here for example want a manual with the trimmings.

Not knocking anything apart from the price, I think you have to be a bit more realistic. Having said that I wish you all the best with the sale. :thumbsup:
You barsteward John, you know I have a 53 plate with cream seats and an auto. Your just jealous :poke: :wink:
On a serious side though, I think the price is right, it's a classic MK1 Z4, it has a whippy, desirable auto and if it had a wood dash, the price would rocket. :wink:

For Sale 2003 (53) E85 Roadster auto 3.0 SE Merlot Red 42111 miles

Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2019 9:07 pm
by john-e89
Davidcliff wrote: Sun Feb 24, 2019 8:17 pm Why does it appear people post responses to adverts suggesting the price is high or unrealistic, surely this rather ruins the effort the poster puts into the advert .
Is the price not the op's business ?

Not looking for a fight its Sunday night I am calm and relaxed , I just don't see this on other car or bike forums I am on .
Archer is asking for feedback on his ad David. If nobody says anything it’s ignoring his request. Price is one of the things he mentioned. :thumbsup: