North West Surrey
I think you got a great deal there as there aren't many 30i E89s of any sort around, and that's a lovely colour combo.
35i
- Thread starter Avityesboy
- Start date
Cracking job. Deep Sea Blue looks fantastic when it's clean & shiny. What's the mileage out of interest?
At the summit of the picturesque fens
We know you avoid high mileage cars, but that isn't a problem for an N52 engine. There are at least two E86 owners with the same engine that have done over 200K miles.
But getting back on topic I'd avoid any N54 on that sort of mileage!
But getting back on topic I'd avoid any N54 on that sort of mileage!
Mileage isn't just about the engine - it's running hours for the entire vehicle. All the moving parts have moved for more hours. Pedals pressed more. Buttons clicked more. Doors opened more. Lights ran more. Stonechips gathered more. Seats sat in more.
It's just an easy wear marker for a vehicle - and the engine is one of many factors.
I don't even have an engine. But the mileage is showing!
It's just an easy wear marker for a vehicle - and the engine is one of many factors.
I don't even have an engine. But the mileage is showing!
In some ways Matt but it’s simplistic. But still worthy…. Many cars on 30000 miles might be more worn out than sone on 100000 miles. A city car used for short distances daily will have far more movements of everything other then wheel rotation including bum in/out than a motorway cruiser. Assuming of course it’s a clear motorway lol
Thanks! It’s a gorgeous colour and as you say, when clean it really shows off the pearlescent effect. Lots of lovely deep blues and purples come through.
With regards to mileage, yes it is on the higher side but it lived its original life as a daily driver. Between 2011 and 2019 it was owned by one person who commuted in it. It had full BMW servicing up till then, when it was sold on.
It now has 140k miles and I plan to put many more on it! Given I have no desire to sell and I know the condition to be superb, I’m not remotely fussed. Maintaining low mileage, as far as I’m concerned, is just leaving the fun to the next owner and trying to preserve value.
The other thing that people seem to forget when buying old but low mileage cars is time. Rubber bushes deteriorate, seals shrink and fail, shocks wear, tyres crack, oil goes bad, brake fluid deteriorates… the list goes on. Paying a higher price because you believe things to be in better condition at the same age is a foolish mentality. Yes, cosmetically things may be better due to lower usage but you can literally take that for what it is when you see the thing.
As for the short aerial which appears to be contentious, it came with the car and is a genuine BMW item. They do sell them, you know?
In my ownership I have done the following, either through necessity or purely for peace of mind:
Replaced both VANOS solenoids
Cleaned VANOS check valves
VANOS cam phaser bolt recall (new top end gaskets)
Replaced both upper O2 sensors
New battery
FRM module repair
Refurbished all fuel injectors
Replaced both rear ABS reluctor rings and ABS sensors
Full Bilstein B12 suspension
15mm front and 20mm rear spacers
Upgraded Mickey Mouse flange
Full service, including coolant flush
Oil filter housing gaskets
New radiator fan
New brakes and pads
New 400M wheels with Michelin tyres
Various bits of brand new OEM trim and fittings.
Resprayed front bumper with new OEM badge
Resprayed side skirts
Repaired and resprayed passenger door
Replaced rear bumper lower trim with brand new replacement
New OEM kidney grilles (Highline Edition black)
Replaced gear knob with brand new item (expensive but worth it!)
New roof and parking sensor button caps
Replaced all original speakers and retrofitted upgraded rear woofers.
Added external amplification
Added Audison DSP
Mr12volt
Reversing camera
Full paint correction and ceramic coat
Interior detail
New windscreen
New original supplying dealer plates
New exhaust tips
Resonator delete (Don’t care what anyone says, it is the best sounding exhaust on one of these. No drone, extra tone and not too loud.)
As you can see, it’s an extensive list and if something needs doing or is niggling me, I will sort it!
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I agree. There are low mileage and meticulously maintained examples out there. Chances are they haven’t had all the rubbery bits replaced that perish with age.
I think with the simplicity of the N52 engine and overall package, you’re best judging these cars based on appearance and whether the maintenance routine has been relatively sensible. A missed service here and there shouldn’t be a deal breaker.
At the end of the day, these were relatively low production cars (e89 30i), so one can’t be too picky if they find the car that seems to tick most of the boxes.
I didn't say it was. Just that the mileage is why it was cheap. High mileage cars are worth less money than low mileage cars; it's that simple.
No, I don't buy high mileage cars therefore I pay big money for them. Always.
I'm notoriously the same - hunt down the best condition / service history / low miles / rich previous owners that don't skimp / best options etc etc.
It's all about the best car for me, which is never cheap (at time of purchase). I'm looking for great car with minimal surprises, and prepared to pay handsomely for that.
Many years ago I ruthhlessly hunted bargains, and the money was very high on my list of priorities. But I always suffered with big costs getting the car to where I was happy.
Different markets I guess.
It's all about the best car for me, which is never cheap (at time of purchase). I'm looking for great car with minimal surprises, and prepared to pay handsomely for that.
Many years ago I ruthhlessly hunted bargains, and the money was very high on my list of priorities. But I always suffered with big costs getting the car to where I was happy.
Different markets I guess.
Scottish Borders
FWIW over the years I've now seen plenty of high mileage E89s and a lot of older 2009/2010 vintages.
What's struck me almost without exception is how well these cars seem to stand time, mileage, weather etc..
I ride in a 23i , 150k miles 2009..I shut my eyes and I could swear I'm riding in a 10k 3 year old car.
Apart from roofs I just don't see many age /mileage related defects ..well apart from N54s with tired shock absorbers / suspension bushes..
Very little rust apart from some undercarriage parts..
I used to think that 50k+ miles was a no hoper but changed my viewpoint.
I guess generally they seem loved..E85 and SLKs seem to rust out much more so?
Of course you can trash any car quickly..rubbing dusty screens with dirty cloths, leaving cars under trees, kerbing, dry wiping dust of the paintwork, key jangling in the slot, coffee spilt etc etc..
What's struck me almost without exception is how well these cars seem to stand time, mileage, weather etc..
I ride in a 23i , 150k miles 2009..I shut my eyes and I could swear I'm riding in a 10k 3 year old car.
Apart from roofs I just don't see many age /mileage related defects ..well apart from N54s with tired shock absorbers / suspension bushes..
Very little rust apart from some undercarriage parts..
I used to think that 50k+ miles was a no hoper but changed my viewpoint.
I guess generally they seem loved..E85 and SLKs seem to rust out much more so?
Of course you can trash any car quickly..rubbing dusty screens with dirty cloths, leaving cars under trees, kerbing, dry wiping dust of the paintwork, key jangling in the slot, coffee spilt etc etc..
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Worth less or command lower prices?
You choose.
derin100
Active member
You really can't compare UK prices of these cars (or any other secondhand car, for that matter) with prices in the EU or America.
I have just returned to the UK after a couple of months in Germany. There prices are 2-3x those of the UK!
I sold my low mileage, manual 2010 35i here in the UK last summer for £13.5K. That was possibly a mistake but it was simply to make space for another car.
I have just returned to the UK after a couple of months in Germany. There prices are 2-3x those of the UK!
I sold my low mileage, manual 2010 35i here in the UK last summer for £13.5K. That was possibly a mistake but it was simply to make space for another car.
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Avityesboy
Member
Of course just don’t count that into car valueDo you not bother with insurance, then?
, it’s reasonable for me at 50 now thoughAvityesboy
Member
I was contacted originally after a bird strike with an oil leak from a 'cracked' OFH.. I was offered it for £5.5k.
I just struggled with what I'd do with it given a single garage, no real flat parking space and of course my existing Yellow Peril..
The chap then discovered that the bird strike was nothing to do with the OFH..he put a fresh gasket..roof wouldn't work.
In the end he gave it to WBAC for £2,750..on the day the roof operated fine..