E85 2.2/2.5/3.0 in Sussex

[jakeunsted]

Hi all, first time poster!

From Burgess Hill, so looking around the sussex/south london area.

Recently purchased the dreaded "family car" my partner was after, and I've fallen in love with the idea of an E85 as my weekend car. I'm not much of a mile cruncher, working from home, but enjoy something spritely when I have the opportunity - recently had a R53 mini cooper s.

Inline 6 engine would be great to experience, hense the 2.2, 2.5 and 3.0 - with the preference of larger being more preferable. Not fussed about high mileage, might wince a bit if its over 140k. Budget maxes out at £4k but i'd like to be around the 3k mark with budget for repairs etc etc.

Was hours away from looking at/collecting a silver 2003 2.5 from facebook marketplace but the seller pulled out last minute as they couldn't face selling it...

I appreciate the read and thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

[pvr]

Welcome, fairly local to me so if you need another pair of eyes let me know

 

[jakeunsted]

Amazing, thank you!

 

[jacob88]

Hi all, first time poster!

From Burgess Hill, so looking around the sussex/south london area.

Recently purchased the dreaded "family car" my partner was after, and I've fallen in love with the idea of an E85 as my weekend car. I'm not much of a mile cruncher, working from home, but enjoy something spritely when I have the opportunity - recently had a R53 mini cooper s.

Inline 6 engine would be great to experience, hense the 2.2, 2.5 and 3.0 - with the preference of larger being more preferable. Not fussed about high mileage, might wince a bit if its over 140k. Budget maxes out at £4k but i'd like to be around the 3k mark with budget for repairs etc etc.

Was hours away from looking at/collecting a silver 2003 2.5 from facebook marketplace but the seller pulled out last minute as they couldn't face selling it...

I appreciate the read and thanks in advance for any suggestions!

I got incredibly lucky and got a 3.0i E85 for £1750 a few months back, 140k on the clock and as it stands it’s got a clean bill of health and drives really well. I might need an exhaust swap out though as previous owner removed the back box and the noise has ended up being too much for me, so just a preference.

There are deals to be had and also a lot of people wanting unrealistic amounts so if you’re happy to haggle and walk away if it’s not right then you’ll find something eventually.
Sure you’ll find something within your budget though!

 

[jakeunsted]

I got incredibly lucky and got a 3.0i E85 for £1750 a few months back, 140k on the clock and as it stands it’s got a clean bill of health and drives really well. I might need an exhaust swap out though as previous owner removed the back box and the noise has ended up being too much for me, so just a preference.

There are deals to be had and also a lot of people wanting unrealistic amounts so if you’re happy to haggle and walk away if it’s not right then you’ll find something eventually.
Sure you’ll find something within your budget though!

Ahh that's awesome, congrats on the find!

I've been keeping my eyes pealed for the past 2/3 weeks, definately going to have to try and haggle! There is a 3.0i E85 relatively local but it's got a relatively awful mot history (chipped windscreen, both side rear brake pipes leaking - that's been listed over the last 2 MOTs). That's 145k miles and listed 2750, currently SORN'd also.

 

[Zedebee]

IMO you will get better value from a 2.5. The performance difference isn’t that great, the price/mileage ratio is much better, and there are many more for sale. The aesthetic is the same, the 3.0 is (a bit) faster that’s all. You can always trade up later.

 

[jakeunsted]

IMO you will get better value from a 2.5. The performance difference isn’t that great, the price/mileage ratio is much better, and there are many more for sale. The aesthetic is the same, the 3.0 is (a bit) faster that’s all. You can always trade up later.

Cheers for the advice! That's what I've heard from others and during research, that there isn't too much difference! Open to either.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and welcome to the forum Jake.

Sometimes the spec is just as important. By all accounts E85 owners mostly reckon heated seats are a must, with M-sport seats, Xenons, rear parking sensors and cruise control being "good to have".

The one bonus with the 3 litre is manual ones have a 6 speed gearbox so are more relaxed on Motorways and they all have electric seats with driver's memory, which is handy if anyone else is likely to drive the car.

Good luck finding the right one.

 

[jakeunsted]

Hi and welcome to the forum Jake.

Sometimes the spec is just as important. By all accounts E85 owners mostly reckon heated seats are a must, with M-sport seats, Xenons, rear parking sensors and cruise control being "good to have".

The one bonus with the 3 litre is manual ones have a 6 speed gearbox so are more relaxed on Motorways and they all have electric seats with driver's memory, which is handy if anyone else is likely to drive the car.

Good luck finding the right one.

Cheers for the feedback!

Not much of a motorway cruncher, but plan on some road trips - I don't think the drone of 5th gear will top what my eBay exhaust R53 mini previously made!! So it's not too much of a deal breaker for me, I'd be happy with either the 2.5 or 3.0.

There is one I've eyed up on Facebook marketplace, sounds like it's had most of the common faults/issues already fixed - new brake pipes, roof motor repositioned, and new suspension all around. 2.5 with a 3.5k asking price. Sadly has cloth seats which is a bit sad. https://www.facebook.com/share/1AkJF4QaVM/

 

[Mr Tidy]

Cheers for the feedback!

Not much of a motorway cruncher, but plan on some road trips - I don't think the drone of 5th gear will top what my eBay exhaust R53 mini previously made!! So it's not too much of a deal breaker for me, I'd be happy with either the 2.5 or 3.0.

There is one I've eyed up on Facebook marketplace, sounds like it's had most of the common faults/issues already fixed - new brake pipes, roof motor repositioned, and new suspension all around. 2.5 with a 3.5k asking price. Sadly has cloth seats which is a bit sad. https://www.facebook.com/share/1AkJF4QaVM/
[/quote]

TBF I had a 5 speed E46 325ti Compact and it was fine on the Motorway despite being at about 3,000rpm at 70mph.

I'm not on FB but if it has had new brake pipes, roof motor relocated and new suspension that should save you from some bills. If you don't mind the standard seats I wouldn't be put off by cloth when you can get a pair of leather ones pretty cheap:- https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=151405

 

[raymond.harper]

Take your time and wait for the right car to turn up. I am near Uckfield and have an Ancel BM700 code reader, which you're welcome to borrow.

 

[jakeunsted]

Take your time and wait for the right car to turn up. I am near Uckfield and have an Ancel BM700 code reader, which you're welcome to borrow.

Yeah absolutely, not going to rush into anything. Ahh amazing, thank you very much!

 

[raymond.harper]

Take your time and wait for the right car to turn up. I am near Uckfield and have an Ancel BM700 code reader, which you're welcome to borrow.

Yeah absolutely, not going to rush into anything. Ahh amazing, thank you very much!

You are welcome to borrow it any time. It can reveal many faults when you are looking to buy a car.

 

[Z450]

I think if you can be patient you will find something suitable for your budget. There are many high milers out there that need some love that are anywhere between £500 to £1000 over price

 

[jakeunsted]

Hi all, just wanted to share my new purchase!

2.5i, 2005 with 105k on the clock! Grabbed for £3200 in the end. Has all new suspension, brand new roof motor repositioned in the boot and all new brake lines and pipes. Will give it a service for piece of mind, and some new front tyres and we should be good to go!

 

[NS66]

very nice enjoy it.
Some may say get some larger wheels but IMHO those will perform and feel much better on our dreadful roads.

 

[enuff_zed]

Hi all, just wanted to share my new purchase!

2.5i, 2005 with 105k on the clock! Grabbed for £3200 in the end. Has all new suspension, brand new roof motor repositioned in the boot and all new brake lines and pipes. Will give it a service for piece of mind, and some new front tyres and we should be good to go!

Initial thought was you'd paid a lot, but with all the stuff done to it that's actually a bargain, and only just run in.

Well done.

 

[enuff_zed]

very nice enjoy it.
Some may say get some larger wheels but IMHO those will perform and feel much better on our dreadful roads.

Agreed, but for aesthetics whilst retaining the comfy ride a set of 17" 103 'Daisies' would go well on it.

 

[jakeunsted]

very nice enjoy it.
Some may say get some larger wheels but IMHO those will perform and feel much better on our dreadful roads.

Yeah some friends have commented about the smallest wheels possible, but the chunk has grown on me!

 

[jakeunsted]

Initial thought was you'd paid a lot, but with all the stuff done to it that's actually a bargain, and only just run in.

Well done.

Yeah its a little more than some of the bargains previously mentioned but exactly, a lot of money has already been spent on it with all the receipts to go with