Viewing tomorrow-what to look for?

bluespit

bluespit

Senior member
 Near Chester
Site Supporter
Afternoon. I’m off to view a car tomorrow and would welcome some pointers to look out for specific to the 3.0i circa 2010.

Car belongs to forum member and has good history and low miles at approx 55k. It’s non M Sport, but has auto and iDrive nav which I want. Very slightly above budget I will stretch if it’s worth buying.

I’m fine with generalities but interested in issues specific to the 3.0i of that vintage.

Thanks
 
Look for oil weeping from gasket issues around the valve cover exhaust side and from the oil filter housing gasket

Check the water pump has been replaced

Ask what works have been done to the roof (sensors/microswitches)

Check the boot for water ingress
 
bigwinn said:
Look for oil weeping from gasket issues around the valve cover exhaust side and from the oil filter housing gasket

Check the water pump has been replaced

Ask what works have been done to the roof (sensors/microswitches)

Check the boot for water ingress
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At 55k I’d be surprised if a n52 water pump had been replaced?
 
bluespit said:
Afternoon. I’m off to view a car tomorrow and would welcome some pointers to look out for specific to the 3.0i circa 2010.

Car belongs to forum member and has good history and low miles at approx 55k. It’s non M Sport, but has auto and iDrive nav which I want. Very slightly above budget I will stretch if it’s worth buying.

I’m fine with generalities but interested in issues specific to the 3.0i of that vintage.

Thanks
Click to expand...
Just check visually….if it all looks good then it probably will be….check all lights / switches etc ..motor the roof up and down without the engine running…see if you can ascertain age of battery
 
I have a topdon battery tester - good shout, but seller says it’s a new battery anyway. Seller says water pump and thermostat replaced as part of precautionary maintenance schedule. Also roof relays replaced for same reason.
 
It's also got new rear lights as one side was not as bright as the other. Yes, the two holes 'spare' are sealed up
No oil leaks.
Actually 50470 miles, my fat fingers put 55k :rolleyes:
Battery was Oct, 3 year warranty on it.
Quite a few on here know me and I hope they think I'm fair and honest.😇😆
 
Owdgit said:
It's also got new rear lights as one side was not as bright as the other. Yes, the two holes 'spare' are sealed up
No oil leaks.
Actually 50470 miles, my fat fingers put 55k :rolleyes:
Battery was Oct, 3 year warranty on it.
Quite a few on here know me and I hope they think I'm fair and honest.😇😆
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I’ll vouch for both the car and the owner, both very genuine.
 
It sounds like you have tracked down a good one then, so maybe a bit of budget stretch would be justified!

A new water pump is a bonus too as I got a bill for almost £550 from my Indy 2018 to supply and fit a new water pump to my 325i in 2018 with the same N52 engine. And despite having done 135K miles it still ran beautifully so finding one with just 50K on it is more good news. :thumbsup:

My current daily is a 330i also with an N52 that is coming up to 130K and still performs great.
 
bluespit said:
I have a topdon battery tester - good shout, but seller says it’s a new battery anyway. Seller says water pump and thermostat replaced as part of precautionary maintenance schedule. Also roof relays replaced for same reason.
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Didn't you feel embarrassed at any point typing this post knowing that the seller is a member of the forum and would probably read it?

Might just be me but personally I wouldn't have had the bottle to post it.
 
FWIW, I've now bought three E89's from fellow forum members. It's been an honest and secure transaction/pleasure every time.
 
Gwest44 said:
Didn't you feel embarrassed at any point typing this post knowing that the seller is a member of the forum and would probably read it?

Might just be me but personally I wouldn't have had the bottle to post it.
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Not at all, I’ve said and intend to say nothing disparaging about the car, owner or indeed seller. I’m expecting to find a good, clean and high quality car. I’m unfamiliar with this specific engine/chassis combination and welcome any pointers as to what I might look out for.

Cheers.
 
bigwinn said:
Look for oil weeping from gasket issues around the valve cover exhaust side and from the oil filter housing gasket

Check the water pump has been replaced

Ask what works have been done to the roof (sensors/microswitches)

Check the boot for water ingress
Click to expand...

I’ve just picked up a 3.0i myself- Is the water pump something that I should actively be thinking about replacing??
 
Lyons said:
I’ve just picked up a 3.0i myself- Is the water pump something that I should actively be thinking about replacing??
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It’s a key question to ask when buying

What mileage is the car on and age?

When they go they don’t give a lot of notice; budget for £300 in parts and £200 in fitting assuming you don’t do it yourself

So really it’s up to you if you go preventative or do it when it needs it
 
Lyons said:
I’ve just picked up a 3.0i myself- Is the water pump something that I should actively be thinking about replacing??
Click to expand...
Most N52 water pumps seem to get to 80k-90k at least before causing trouble ..I’ve never personally see a N52 pump fail before then…
 
bluespit said:
I have a topdon battery tester - good shout, but seller says it’s a new battery anyway. Seller says water pump and thermostat replaced as part of precautionary maintenance schedule. Also roof relays replaced for same reason.
Click to expand...
Now I know the identity of the car I’m sure you’ll find a very well cared for car…👌
 
Lyons said:
I’ve just picked up a 3.0i myself- Is the water pump something that I should actively be thinking about replacing??
Click to expand...
The water pump on my first Z4 died after 9 years and just 60K miles, but my second one seemed to be on the original pump at 90K and 13 years old so their lifespan seems pretty random. My 325i needed a new one after 12 years and 135K miles, but I've no idea if it had been replaced before.

The problem is that when they die the engine overheats within about a mile or so, which is inconvenient or a PITA if you are on a road trip!
 
Cheers folks. Mine is 2012 with 70k miles so will discuss with my BMW guy when it’s next in for a service.
 
bluespit said:
Not at all, I’ve said and intend to say nothing disparaging about the car, owner or indeed seller. I’m expecting to find a good, clean and high quality car. I’m unfamiliar with this specific engine/chassis combination and welcome any pointers as to what I might look out for.

Cheers.
Click to expand...
No need to be embarrassed at all in my opinion. It's what this site is all about, help, information, advice and camaraderie, long may it continue.
 
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