First car!

Whats_A_Indicator

New member
 Scotland
Hello all!

Just headed this weekend to pick up/final inspection of a E89 White Ext/Red Int 2013 20i Msport. Very fortunate to be in the position to have one of these as my first car! My dad had a look at the car (which he did for a lengthy time) as I was occupied with work/university in a different city, although he's not the most mechanically minded so hoping to pore over the details when I see/test drive her. Originally was after a 23i as I'd researched the N52 tend to be more reliable in the long run due to NA etc (plus I'd probably prefer the linear power curve), but the one we had in mind wasn't in the best shape, whereas a 20i at the same dealership was, plus better economy from the 20i anyway (good for a student budget).

Anyways, I was curious if anybody had any pointers with regards to crucial checks for me to do or just general ownership advice! I'm UK based and she's done 88000 miles, has full service history (which unfortunately I forgot to get a photo of) and if I can recall BMW specialist services every 15,000 miles. The car is in great condition cosmetically which I hope will be representative of the mechanics as well. She's on 325's if that helps as well and not got run-flats on anymore I believe. MOT just passed recently with no advisories.

Many thanks for any advice!

Ps: My name makes me look like a knob, I promise I will be using my turn signals.
 
Welcome ..the cam chain is the achilles heel of pre May 2015 N20 E89s..

I’d change the oil…have a really good look at an opened oil filter..

Be aware that it could fail at any time ..engine fault codes / rattle / whine and you need to get it seen pronto..

On the other hand it could go the distance..without knowing how it was driven etc who knows

Disable the stop / start if fitted

5k-8k is a much much better frequency of oil change

Use API-SP oil if belatedly..

Look forward to seeing the pics
 
Welcome to the forum and congratulations on getting a Z4 as your first car. :thumbsup:

Mine was a clapped-out rust-bucket Mk 2 Ford Cortina!
 
Welcome ..the cam chain is the achilles heel of pre May 2015 N20 E89s..

I’d change the oil…have a really good look at an opened oil filter..

Be aware that it could fail at any time ..engine fault codes / rattle / whine and you need to get it seen pronto..

On the other hand it could go the distance..without knowing how it was driven etc who knows

Disable the stop / start if fitted

5k-8k is a much much better frequency of oil change

Use API-SP oil if belatedly..

Look forward to seeing the pics
Thanks very much for the info!

I did think 15k miles was a bit much between services if that's the only time the oil was changed. Hopefully not the case!

Will keep the cam chain in mind and have a google, cheers!
 
Welcome to the forum and congratulations on getting a Z4 as your first car. :thumbsup:

Mine was a clapped-out rust-bucket Mk 2 Ford Cortina!
Just had a gander, lovely looking things those. Would have one in a heartbeat!

Trust me you wouldn't have wanted mine, although I quickly learnt about fibreglass, filler, underseal and rattle cans!
 
Hello and welcome, it's a funny thing, I had a convertible as my first car and it was about 12 years old too. The difference being that mine was built by MG in the seventies, so was held together by papier mache and corrosion whilst yours is probably still sparkling :thumbsup:

Hope it all goes well and you have lots fun
 
Ps: My name makes me look like a knob, I promise I will be using my turn signals.
Hi, see if you can check the inside of the wheels for cracks / roof panels for bubbling around the edges / any evidence of water in the boot / what brand of tyres are on the car / does the roof work ok (give it a couple of goes). What extras are on the car? Send us a link to the advert if you want. Don't worry about the turn signals :rofl: (only joking)
 

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