Should I be worried?

J

JBZ4si

Member
 Wales
Looking at a couple of e86s, one with around 90k.

No evidence of the water pump/thermostat, expansion tank etc being done. Good history as in serviced when it should be.

Would this be a concern, asking all of the seasoned e85/86 owners. How many go pop/fail? or is it mainly scaremongering online?

Thanks all...
 
It wouldn't put me off buying the car, but I'd keep the cash aside for a replacement.

If you did it preemptively, or when/if they fail, is up to you...
 
Agreed. No evidence of it being done is a good bartering point. Even doing it yourself is going to cost £400 for pump, thermostat and coolant.
 
As TriggerFish said, wouldn't put me off but it's something to bear in mind that might need replacing at some point.

For one reference I bought the 3.0si on 129k in 2024 with no history for water pump change. It failed at 131k after the car had been on a trip to Scotland and back, then parked up for a week. Cost me £300 for parts, did it myself on the drive. (Pierberg pump & thermostat from Germany on ebay, delivered in 3 days from memory.)

Edit: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/277626060995 looks like its gone down by a tenner 😁 Plus coolant.
 
Just buy the best car and budget around £70+ pa for breakdown cover with recovery if it should go, as you’ll need to stop immediately.
 
DevonPaul said:
The fact it hasn't been done is a good sign, because it suggests that it hasn't failed.

And if it hasn't failed then it is unlikely that the engine has overheated.
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I like that thought process!

Also for OP, mine was original (as far as I can tell - BMW markings and no paperwork) at 140k. It only stopped working as I damaged it myself replacing something else.
 
caius said:
As TriggerFish said, wouldn't put me off but it's something to bear in mind that might need replacing at some point.

For one reference I bought the 3.0si on 129k in 2024 with no history for water pump change. It failed at 131k after the car had been on a trip to Scotland and back, then parked up for a week. Cost me £300 for parts, did it myself on the drive. (Pierberg pump & thermostat from Germany on ebay, delivered in 3 days from memory.)

Edit: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/277626060995 looks like its gone down by a tenner 😁 Plus coolant.
Click to expand...
ok, sounds like they are not made of butter then 🤣
appears to be a reasonable diy job too, always glad to save some pennies! Maybe it will go down another tenner next year 🤞
 
There doesn't seem to be any predictability to how long they last. The pump failed on my first E86 at 60K miles, but my second was still on the original when I sold it on 91K.

The pump on my E91 325i died at 135K , although that may not have been its' first. As enuff_zed suggested it can help with a haggle.
 
What annoys me about this sort of post is that
“If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” no evidence of general maintenance issues is not a reason to stay away from a car.
View it
Drive it
If all ok buy it
 
Mine has 122k and not had water pump done but I've had it done as pre-emptive so by that reckoning, you've got at least another 30k before it needs doing ;)
 
M1TCH said:
What annoys me about this sort of post is that
“If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” no evidence of general maintenance issues is not a reason to stay away from a car.
View it
Drive it
If all ok buy it
Click to expand...
You get annoyed too easily! :)
Forums are a great way to get opinions from enthusiasts with a great back catalogue of knowledge/history that is invaluable when looking for a car. the responses have been really helpful, thanks everyone. :thumbsup:
 
M1TCH said:
That’s fair. So what invaluable info did you get from the post may I ask ?
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started off obsessing about trying to get a low mileage example, but now aware maintenance is key with a good service history. learnt about common issues and seems wise to do pre-emptive maintenance especially as potentially planning europe road trips.
 
If it was my car for sale and people rock up asking for money off because the expansion tank or the water pump hasn't been changed I'd be telling you to jog on.
 
One of the best advice I had here:
"At the end of the day, it's an old car and will have issues. You're in the right place to help get things fixed."

Everyone here seems to be very helpful, so just stop overthinking and enjoy it. Solving a few Z4 issues is a great way to take your mind off real problems
 
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