Hello all - tempted by the E89 20i m

[Marauder]

Heya all from London.

Managed to keep my original car for 20 years from new (1.2 runaround) and now thinking of getting something a bit more fun.

I have been tempted by the e89 20i msport manual. I have over 17 years no claims and according to confused can get insured for around £330.

I have a few questions if you don't mind me asking.

I noticed all the good examples under 40k miles are around 11k. You think any of those prices will decline slightly as autumn turns to hard winter?

Pure city driving in London, what sort of MPG could I be looking at for the 20i? This gentleman saying he only returned 24mpg kind put me on the back foot:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymBPTxJWTBs

Also either this guy is extremely short or the Z4 seats are made for giants..

My family have had a fair few German cars in the past - mostly mercs, all littered with issues both small and major. The latest car a family member owns is a BMW 118i diesel with zero issues. Are the z4 20is fairly reliable? Was tempted by the BRZ/GT86 but the lack of power and high prices second hand put me off. MX 5 just seems very small and again, unless it is the new 2.0l l sport tek - underpowered too.

Thanks

 

[Chippie]

Hi and welcome

i would expect used car values to drop as winter approaches, especially with the current pandemic creating a certain amount of job insecurity,
also i dont think 24mpg is too bad if you are driving around London, on a good run i would expect high 30's to mid 40's mpg, the seats will comfortably accommodate someone over 6 feet in height

 

[Anonymous]

An N20 discussion is here.. https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1734021#p1734021

Generally the E89 is fairly reliable...

Some people, overall a small percentage, are unlucky and have either minor or major issues with the complex roof mechanism..

I would have thought in London the very good 8 speed auto fitted to N20 engined E89s would be a much better choice...obviously your call but if you haven’t tried one I would recommend trying the auto..

The E89 is an adequate cabin for most well nourished individuals but not overly spacious..

 

[Marauder]

Thank you for your help guys. My final question, because I have been out the game for so long buying cars, how exactly do I arrange a pre-purchase inspection and with whom? Is this pre purchase inspection essential? From what I read, it seems a good thing to do.

 

[Marauder]

An N20 discussion is here.. viewtopic.php?p=1734021#p1734021

Generally the E89 is fairly reliable...

Fascinating read.

It amazes me the Germans still haven't solved the timing chain issues. That is what took out two of my family 190e's in the 80s..

 

[Anonymous]

An N20 discussion is here.. viewtopic.php?p=1734021#p1734021

Generally the E89 is fairly reliable...

Fascinating read.

It amazes me the Germans still haven't solved the timing chain issues. That is what took out two of my family 190e's in the 80s..

All being well it shouldn't be an issue but you did ask, I'm not aware amongst the Forum members of any instances of it happening but..avoiding the stop start function and frequent (annual or 5,000 miles whichever is first oil changes) are recommended..

 

[Silverstar]

Thank you for your help guys. My final question, because I have been out the game for so long buying cars, how exactly do I arrange a pre-purchase inspection and with whom? Is this pre purchase inspection essential? From what I read, it seems a good thing to do.

You can get a pre purchase inspection from the AA or RAC plus there are many individual companies that will do it, just search for vehicle inspections in Google. If you don't know much about cars mechanically it is definitely worth doing for peace of mind. Funny you should mention the 190E, many years ago I bought a 190E with a rattly chain! Didn't know it was a common fault on that car.

 

[buzyg]

Thank you for your help guys. My final question, because I have been out the game for so long buying cars, how exactly do I arrange a pre-purchase inspection and with whom? Is this pre purchase inspection essential? From what I read, it seems a good thing to do.

Welcome to the forum. I would always want to drive the car and take a thorough look around it my self, before a purchase. Read thru the history chat to the previous owner, if possible, about how they have used the car. Just get a feel for whether it had been cared for or otherwise. If your not hands on then take a friend or an RAC type inspection is also worth the outlay in that price age bracket.

In these modern times also be certain to carry out online checks for MoT history. Outstanding finance and insurance category, where a car may have been damaged and repaired.

Happy hunting.