E89 Buying advice

[RayM]

Morning all

Seeking some advice on a trade up from my 3.0 E85 to an E89.

I've decided on a 35i model with a budget up to £17K or thereabouts which I think is realistic. Not to bothered about the year but do want a FBMWSH and hopefully below 50K on the clock. It will only be a weekend car and pampered rotten no doubt

I have my own ideas on colour combos etc but would like some insight in what to look for especially on these models? any items considered to be essential extras, or packs that are more desirable?

I also guess dropping the run flats to be a priority too.

A kind chap at Z fest has already warned me about the 326 alloys ref cracking, but are there any other things I should be looking out for? recalls, leaks, roof issues etc etc.

I still have my E85 so I have plenty of time to look and find the right car!!

All assistance gratefully received.

Cheers.

 

[john-e89]

Good move RayM.

Apart from all the usual checks, service history, MOT's, HPI, chassis number etc etc you'd do on any car I'd look for the following:

All shock absorbers, especially if it's got adaptive shocks with the bulb at the base near the hub, these can leak and are eye wateringly expensive, in fact I'd say you need to think if you want adaptive or not, as if you're not bothered about stiffening up the car with the rocker switch near the gear lever then get a car without it, front struts are hard to find so a trip to the dealers is circa £1600 just for two struts. They don't all leak obviously but it's something you ought to think about if it's just a weekender and you're not a thrash around merchant.

Check the roof for smooth function.
Lift the boot carpets for water ingress around the tail lights and boot seal, although water can get in from lifting the roof open after a wash or rain.
Check the inside of the wheel rims for cracking, the 296's apparently crack more than the 326's, look for a weld line running from the outer edge, along the rim and into the inside of the wheel. Again not all wheels crack so don't get too hung up on it.
Run flats work much better on the E89 than the E85, I know this from having had both, and again if you don't drive hard I think you'll find good quality run flats work well on this car.
They seem pretty robust well put together cars, some people report squeaks etc from the cabin, mainly from the dash and roof when closed, but there are lots of tips on here on how to fix these.
I can't think of much else that you would'nt check on any car, try a DCT car, you won't be disappointed if you want an auto.

Toys to have:

Try to get sat nav Idrive Ray, it's very good and is more than just sat nav, also it will help a lot with future resale.
Cruise control as above, but not as important as nav.
Wind deflector, that really works well, and it's a bit of a pita to retro fit the clips on the roll hoops if it does'nt have them.
Business radio is useless, an insult, try to get something with the two upgrades, either the professional or advanced. If not you'll need aftermarket speakers etc.
Steering wheel heating is very good although seems quite rare.
M sport seats are a must IMO, much better support and an adjustable piece under the knees is useful, plus they have a switch to pull the side bolsters in and out to suit which I don't think the SE seats have but I could be wrong on that.
Comfort access is ok, keyless entry and start up, plus the clam shell will allow baggage to be put in the boot without raising the roof I believe.
Comfort pack has extended storage, cruise control, extended lighting, wind deflector.
Heated delectric memory seats are very adjustable and desirable.
TBH the base spec car is very good as is, so if toys are not important then IMO just M seats and the wind deflector are essential must haves, other than that just enjoy it as is, you don't NEED the toys above, depends what's important to you.


I will have forgotten something and others will be along with other things to advise you so good hunting and pics when ready please.

Hope that helps a bit.

Best of luck.

 

[RayM]

Thanks for all that John, very helpful and comprehensive. Most appreciated

I do fancy the DCT having tried it on a E90 M3 a few years back... I was very impressed.

 

[extaz]

When I found mine I was not even looking for a Z4. Saw the advertisement, went to see it and had to buy it. Something like that can happen with these cars because you may find one that is so good that the color and options become secondary.
Not sure about the standard equipment in the U.K. but I like the active headlights that look around the mountain curves as you steer. Also the sport seats, and the active speed control with braking and which allows a lot of driving with the finger tips, and I like the idea of adaptive suspension which continuously adapts to the situation within the settings but not sure if it is really effective. The radios are strangely poor. I rarely listen but I might if it was better. The wind deflector and the cold weather package (seat and wheel heat) are nice for top down in cooler climates.
All this can be determined with the VIN number. The dealer can run a service history for you as well. I would get it on a lift or pay a dealer for a comprehensive inspection mostly to look for leaks and bent suspension parts. Get under there with the Tech so he can show you where to look. (Mine has not leaked a drop or used a drop of oil but it happens) Here in the states the early ones got recalled Fuel pumps and some got Vanos. This was an issue but it should have been taken car of.
Later RFT seem to be OK. Tire Rack has very good reviews online. If tires are more than 5 or 6 years old they should be replaced.
It is a very versatile enjoyable and addictive car. Yr gonna luv it!

 

[jimbo1958]

A kind chap at Z fest has already warned me about the 326 alloys ref cracking, but are there any other things I should be looking out for? recalls, leaks, roof issues etc etc.

Cheers.

Think that was me......the kind chap threw me though.
As the previous owner had numerous 326's replaced due to cracking I swapped the runflats out straight away for MPSS and touch wood, no cracking in the 2 years of ownership.

Roof operation you must check as could be high costs involved in repairs. Obviously have a good look at service history.
Maybe worth considering a Warranty as well.
I do miss my old E85 but the E89 was a car I could only dream of back in 2010 when I bought my E85 but now plenty to choose from in the sub 15k market.

Look forward to see what you end up with.

 

[Angie4m]

A kind chap at Z fest has already warned me about the 326 alloys ref cracking, but are there any other things I should be looking out for? recalls, leaks, roof issues etc etc.

Cheers.

Think that was me......the kind chap threw me though.
As the previous owner had numerous 326's replaced due to cracking I swapped the runflats out straight away for MPSS and touch wood, no cracking in the 2 years of ownership.

That's just Nick's shoddy driving. Too busy posing and not paying attention to the road :evil:

 

[benv6]

When I found mine I was not even looking for a Z4. Saw the advertisement, went to see it and had to buy it. Something like that can happen with these cars because you may find one that is so good that the color and options become secondary.

Exactly what happened to me !!! I was looking for an E89 2.5 or 3.0 and the 35i was way out of my budget. There was a 35i not far from me so decided to go and have a look to see what the fuss was all about, checked the car, it was very clean inside-out and at that point still thinking that it is not for me..... Literally as soon as started the car and heard the engine roar from cold I knew that it was my car and somehow WOULD have find 5k to buy it.... Took the car for a 20 miles test drive, I inspected it thoroughly (thanks to all the advice received from this forum).

I thought the RFT would be bad ( Compared to the experience I had with the E85) and budgeted for some decent rubber but in my personal opinion they are not that bad at all and I am staying with the RFT for now. Make sure you inspect the wheels for cracks. I did ask the previous owner lots of questions and he seemed genuine so went ahead with the purchase. Nearly a month now and I am a very happy man.

My only concern is that I had my license for over 15 years and never had a single point on it, I am not too sure it will stay clean with the 35i ... The car is toxic and listening to the engine roaring when you push it IS JUST ADDICTIVE.

 

[Johnbmwz4]

Hi , I have recently upgraded from an E85 3.0 to an E89 3.5i DCT and I am very happy I did the move. Cost a lot of money to upgrade but worth every penny. Options on my car are extensive, TV, DVD, heated steering wheel, adaptive head lights to mention a few. Options as a minimum I would be looking at are Sat Nav, idrive, hifi system with the hard drive (I have saved 6 CDs in it and still got 98% spare memory, I will never fill it), sports seats, cream interior, DCT, parking sensors front and rear, cup holders (even though E85 in better place), lights package (nice touch in the dark).The difference between these cars are massive, should have been called.a Z5. The quality, power, engine and exhaust note are fabulous. Just sold my E85 to a pal and took him for a test drive and I was looking forward to having my last drive in the E85 but was glad to hand over the keys as now in love with the E89 beast. I didn't take him for a spin in the E89 just in case he realised that he wanted one of these instead. He loves his E85 as I did when I first got it. You will not be disappointed with the change and will make any excuse to go out in it. Be careful with the loud pedal as it is unbelievably quick and drinks fuel but very addictive. Enjoy when you find the right one.

 

[RayM]

A kind chap at Z fest has already warned me about the 326 alloys ref cracking, but are there any other things I should be looking out for? recalls, leaks, roof issues etc etc.

Cheers.

Think that was me......the kind chap threw me though.
As the previous owner had numerous 326's replaced due to cracking I swapped the runflats out straight away for MPSS and touch wood, no cracking in the 2 years of ownership.

That's just Nick's shoddy driving. Too busy posing and not paying attention to the road :evil:

Thanks for all the advice guys.

Jimbo - I did talk to you about the alloys at Zfest but I think it was Punter who put me on to it first

The search commences in earnest.