WANTED E89 23/30i Automatic

[LDD10]

Hi all, in the market for an E89 as the title suggests, listed the requirements below.

• Happy with either engine size as long as it is N52.
• Must be automatic.
• Would consider any colour tbh, but there are certain combinations I would prioritise (Anything with walnut leather, grey with red leather, black or navy with cream leather)
• Mileage preferably under 80k
• Evidence of strong maintenance record (be it full service history or record of additional works)
• Not a must by any stretch of the imagination, but bonus for not having 290 wheels (apologies for being controversial, just not a fan of them at all)

I'd say my budget is probably around £9k (most listings I can see online are around the £8-10k mark), I could stretch it a bit further for the right car though. Many thanks in advance!

 

[Argyll Andy]

Hello and welcome from the right side of the country.

Have you driven either yet? And equally important how do you intend to drive it?

If spirited driving is your thing you may find the 23i lacking a bit. A lot more choice but if it's ok but struggles a bit if you like pushing on.

Good luck with your search

 

[LDD10]

Hello and welcome from the right side of the country.

Have you driven either yet? And equally important how do you intend to drive it?

If spirited driving is your thing you may find the 23i lacking a bit. A lot more choice but if it's ok but struggles a bit if you like pushing on.

Good luck with your search

Hello! Anywhere north of the border is the right side in my eyes

I have been a passenger, never driven it myself as I never had my license at the time (only been driving for 1.5 years, was a late learner). Found a few listings that I might go view and test drive this weekend. Would probably do a bit of spirited driving here and there, but nothing too aggressive so I'd probably favour the comfort of the 89 over the feel of the 86. I'll be stepping up from a Mazda 2 so I think even the 2.5 will feel 'quick' to me, my preference would probably be the 3.0 though just I won't be left wanting in the future.

Thank you

 

[ARCS]

Welcome to the forum, and good luck in your search for the right car. Fwiw, i have the 23i auto, and its plenty powerful enough for me. There's a lot to be said for driving a slower car fast (not that it's really that slow)

Gratuitous pic

 

[LDD10]

Welcome to the forum, and good luck in your search for the right car. Fwiw, i have the 23i auto, and its plenty powerful enough for me. There's a lot to be said for driving a slower car fast (not that it's really that slow)

Gratuitous pic

View attachment 299266

Don't think there is a bad colour for the E89 really, but it looks amazing in white, really shows those side contours off. I've seen some rough potholes around Hamilton, East Kilbride etc, how does it handle them with the 18" wheels ? Might be an indicator as to how easy to take it around Edinburgh city centre.

That is good to hear. Tbh the reason I am happy with either is because it is more for the engine note than the power, I just love the sound of it.

 

[ARCS]

That is good to hear. Tbh the reason I am happy with either is because it is more for the engine note than the power, I just love the sound of it.

I'm more for the looks. The power delivery from the straight 6 is nice and smooth. It has a remus exhaust fitted that just adds to the sound

 

[Erudite-Idiot]

I would suggest the 30i, especially with the auto. If you drive both then the difference becomes apparent!
And yes, the sound, especially over 5k is intoxicating

Now the ride should be fine on 18's. I have 19's on mine along with the B12 suspension setup and I have no complaints about ride at all.
Do factor in a suspension refresh into your pricing as I suspect you will need it unless already done.

Oh and do try to get one with the idrive.
While the system is dated, it is very easy to update with an MMI interface to get android auto/Apple carplay functionality.

Aside of that, you won't go wrong with the N52 if it has been properly maintained - and that includes transmission fluid/filter replacement.

 

[bluespit]

I sourced mine via a wanted ad on here, similar spec 30i, idrive, grey and red interior, almost immaculate, loads of history and 50k. A tad above your budget but ultimately well worth the extra.

Did a few bits during my first year of ownership and this winter it’ll be suspension and possibly mmi

Wonderful combination, good luck with your search.

 

[LDD10]

Hope I'm not breaking any forum rules by posting this, but does this look like a reasonable option? Seems to have a good service history, nothing worrying in the MOT record, even if there is work needing done on cooling, leaks etc it is priced that I could cover that easily. If anything I'm curious why it is so cheap with that mileage?

2010 BMW Z4 2.5 23i Auto sDrive Euro 5 2dr

Check out this used 2010 BMW Z4 2.5 23i Auto sDrive Euro 5 2dr for sale in Bedford, Bedfordshire at Carnet Bedford now

thecarnet.co.uk

 

[Argyll Andy]

Hope I'm not breaking any forum rules by posting this, but does this look like a reasonable option? Seems to have a good service history, nothing worrying in the MOT record, even if there is work needing done on cooling, leaks etc it is priced that I could cover that easily. If anything I'm curious why it is so cheap with that mileage?

2010 BMW Z4 2.5 23i Auto sDrive Euro 5 2dr

Check out this used 2010 BMW Z4 2.5 23i Auto sDrive Euro 5 2dr for sale in Bedford, Bedfordshire at Carnet Bedford now

thecarnet.co.uk

Tbh, I don't think it's that cheap for a 23i auto with a so so spec. No idrive and likely low spec audio. Heated sports seats though

Lovely colour combo. Check/get them to check for corrosion on the roof corners on the main panel. Known weak point and this one is outwith warranty period.

Is there a reason you mentioned work needing done on the cooling?

 

[B21]

Hope I'm not breaking any forum rules by posting this, but does this look like a reasonable option? Seems to have a good service history, nothing worrying in the MOT record, even if there is work needing done on cooling, leaks etc it is priced that I could cover that easily. If anything I'm curious why it is so cheap with that mileage?

2010 BMW Z4 2.5 23i Auto sDrive Euro 5 2dr

Check out this used 2010 BMW Z4 2.5 23i Auto sDrive Euro 5 2dr for sale in Bedford, Bedfordshire at Carnet Bedford now

thecarnet.co.uk

As AA stated. It’s not cheap…but..nice colour combo…comfort pack..rear cabin wind diffuser , USB support, heated manual seats, basic audio , no cruise, no idrive..basic SE version..looks loved..

 

[LDD10]

Tbh, I don't think it's that cheap for a 23i auto with a so so spec. No idrive and likely low spec audio. Heated sports seats though

Lovely colour combo. Check/get them to check for corrosion on the roof corners on the main panel. Known weak point and this one is outwith warranty period.

Is there a reason you mentioned work needing done on the cooling?

I'm not too fussed about the iDrive, likely going to retrofit a carplay unit that sits in the cubby so it at least blends with the interior.

Yeah that interior works really well with what I assume is deep sea blue (?). Interesting, what is it that causes that? Just paint lifting from rubbing off seals and then water getting under it? I'll ask them to send photos across of the panel.

I'm just sort of brushing up on all the maintenance stuff to look for with Z4s (N52's in particular). I was under the impression that at that mileage then doing the waterpump and thermostat would be on the horizon (assuming they haven't been done yet). Is that not the case?

 

[LDD10]

As AA stated. It’s not cheap…but..nice colour combo…comfort pack..rear cabin wind diffuser , USB support, heated manual seats, basic audio , no cruise, no idrive..basic SE version..looks loved..

Okay interesting I haven't really found that many 23i or 30i with similar mileage at this price. How much of a difference is the audio system between the base stereo option and the business/professional speaker ones? I wouldn't be massively adverse to just having to upgrade that down the line if I'm planning on doing an infotainment unit anyway, assuming that it isn't too challenging to replace the audio units.

Thank you both for the feedback, much appreciated. Will ask for more detailed photos on the panels, maintenance invoices etc before going to see it.

 

[B21]

Okay interesting I haven't really found that many 23i or 30i with similar mileage at this price. How much of a difference is the audio system between the base stereo option and the business/professional speaker ones? I wouldn't be massively adverse to just having to upgrade that down the line if I'm planning on doing an infotainment unit anyway, assuming that it isn't too challenging to replace the audio units.

Thank you both for the feedback, much appreciated. Will ask for more detailed photos on the panels, maintenance invoices etc before going to see it.

Audio is highly personal..some folks think some cheap Chinese B&O speakers is a revelation.. I thought both higher end versions were piss poor..Depending on your skill levels is not mega difficult to do a variety of audio upgrades with various budget levels so personally (since I swapped out both the higher end 676 and 677 units) I wouldn't be bothered.. idrive is nice because it is so easy then to add CarPlay and outside of nav idrive has lots of useful things especially in terms of ease of use.. but.. an 10.5" android head unit or a pure carplay unit is a viable option..

 

[Argyll Andy]

I'm not too fussed about the iDrive, likely going to retrofit a carplay unit that sits in the cubby so it at least blends with the interior.

Yeah that interior works really well with what I assume is deep sea blue (?). Interesting, what is it that causes that? Just paint lifting from rubbing off seals and then water getting under it? I'll ask them to send photos across of the panel.

I'm just sort of brushing up on all the maintenance stuff to look for with Z4s (N52's in particular). I was under the impression that at that mileage then doing the waterpump and thermostat would be on the horizon (assuming they haven't been done yet). Is that not the case?

I had a 23i manual (bought from the forum) I personally felt on my types of roads local it was a bit underpowered which is why I asked what type of driving you'd do. I found it struggled slightly on overtaking on the limited opportunities we have here. The auto is slightly slower.

You're obviously keeping a much closer eye on the market atm than me but it does seem dearer for what it is. I know you're saying it's cheaper than others advertised but that's very likely why they're still for sale. They're overpriced. You would also need to factor in the cost 9f getting this one. Probably add another £500 to cover getting too from?

The audio on mine was awful. I like my music and the base stereo was one of the poorest I've come across as standard fit. I tried Bluetooth dongles etc, caused interference and made it worse. I looked at upgrading but because so much is linked it seemed like a massive ballache as I would've had to get someone to do it/help I just decided it wasn't worth it. My understanding is it's much easier to upgrade to a newer platform if idrive is already installed but others will advise better than me.

The roof is s well known issue. Link to thread below

M

Post in thread 'Corrosion to roof panels on E89'

May 13, 2021

Update on my Roof corrosion saga - see earlier post on this thread.

Registration date of vehicle: 30th March 2015
Vehicle external colour: M Grey Metallic
Designation number of vehicle : 20i M sport
Vehicle kept outside in current ownership (1 year), believe previous owner garaged from new
Name of dealer claim lodged with: Ocean Falmouth
Outcome of claim and reasons given if claim rejected: Rejected

So having had my warranty claim rejected I did as my dealer suggested and contacted BMW Customer Service with a very detailed email with photos requesting that they re consider my...

• Mojito

• 

The water pump is a known "weak point" on N52's but they seem to be more mileage related. I've an N52 in an E90 and it went at 112k so unless signs I wouldn't be worrying about it imminently, just have the money stuck away for when it does happen. Buy an original pump but not a BMW stamped one as it's twice the price.

 

[Mr Tidy]

I haven't owned an E89 but I did have an E91 325i that I replaced after just a year with an E90 330i that I've had for 7 years. Both had N52 2engines but the 325i just felt a bit sluggish so I'd probably hold out for a 30i unless you are in a hurry as there don't seem to be too many about.

Water pump life seems to be very random. My first E86 needed a new pump at 60K miles, my second was on the original when I sold it on 91K. My 325i needed one at 135K, although that may not have been the original. As AA says it's best to just budget for it, although if you find a car that has recently had a new one that's a bonus.

Good luck finding the right one, and welcome to the forum.