Newbie advice - e89 manual

[blackbay54]

Hi all

Recently came to the conclusion that I really want an e89.

I want plenty of power, so has to be a 35i.

Test drove a couple of DCT versions just to test the auto - really not for me - found it boring and decided it has to be a manual. Let's not go over the manual vs auto debate haha. But anyway, that means no 35iS.

Just looking for a few bits of advice and any words of wisdom anyone here might have. I also really want the idrive screen too...

I'm wondering though, am I wanting something that is ridiculously rare...?

There's one for sale on autotrader at the moment which looks good, 100k miles... Not sure the rules on posting those links...
Am I gonna find anything else this decade that fulfils my narrow criteria at a good price...

Anything I should know or bear in mind?

Thanks for any thoughts...

 

[Argyll Andy]

As you say, without getting into the manual/auto debate, the specific model you want may take a long time to appear. Even though the 35i came in manual a lot of them are still autos.

Another issue with both these and the 35iS is that there’s a lot of them out there with very basic spec, most things were a ticked option.

In your position I’d most definitely be buying on condition and the ticking of the boxes of what to you is a “must have” when I was looking for a 35iS I was dismayed to see the amount of them with the basic 6 speakers hifi, no parking sensors etc etc.

In general the 35 engine has lots of known items that will require attending to at some point and most of these are pretty expensive. A set of updated Injectors are circa £1500, hpfp, turbos, etc they CAN have a tendency to empty your wallet at a reasonable rate of knots.

A higher mileage with all those things done is a better prospect than slightly lower miles but some of these things incoming imo

 

[B21]

I think the issue of ‘at a good price’ is the problem..

There’s a steady supply of all E89s…there is about 310 35i manuals in the UK…vs 900 odd N54 DCTs..

So there are plenty..as Andy said a lot came without many toys..by the time folks paid for the premium of the 35i / 35is there wasn’t much left for toys..

The good news is most 35i came without the adaptive dampers so that’s one economic bomb hole you are not going to face..

Patience is a virtue in this case…

 

[Johnbmwz4]

What’s your budget on price?

 

[blackbay54]

Thanks so much for the thoughts!

Well I was looking at 10-15k, but I suppose my budget will depend on whether what I want is realistic or not... Like I say, still in learning/deciding mode

Can I post the link to one on auto trader for your thoughts? Not that it's too difficult to find - 10k, blue, bronze wheels...

And I suppose I need to be asking if some of the preventative engine work has been done don't I...

 

[Ole gits rule]

Thanks so much for the thoughts!

Well I was looking at 10-15k, but I suppose my budget will depend on whether what I want is realistic or not... Like I say, still in learning/deciding mode

Can I post the link to one on auto trader for your thoughts? Not that it's too difficult to find - 10k, blue, bronze wheels...

And I suppose I need to be asking if some of the preventative engine work has been done don't I...

Post the link, its not an issue

 

[B21]

Thanks so much for the thoughts!

Well I was looking at 10-15k, but I suppose my budget will depend on whether what I want is realistic or not... Like I say, still in learning/deciding mode

Can I post the link to one on auto trader for your thoughts? Not that it's too difficult to find - 10k, blue, bronze wheels...

And I suppose I need to be asking if some of the preventative engine work has been done don't I...

No issues with posting links on this forum..

Prices have coem down a lot ffrom the Covid highs and if age and mileage are not strong drivers then £15k should get some good well cared for examples..

As to all the endearing attributes of the E89 N54 its a bit of Russian Roulette / Poker..some pull the trigger and get shot there and then..others collect a full house over time..some are lucky..

 

[blackbay54]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304126216080?atmobcid=soc3

So this is the one I'm looking at ..

Looks decent all around to my uneducated eye.

I know the mileage is higher but that's what's saving me about 5k probably isn't it...

 

[B21]

So..

Had some superficial love..carbon fibre wrap interior...has heated seats, iDrive, parking centres, comfort package, faux G29 front grills, after market exhaust (or tips), very nasty Chinese tyres, M badge, cheap rear spoiler..MOT history looks ok..I guess the photos are pretty poor and limited..

 

[Chippie]

The MOT history doesn’t look bad but the last V5 was issued on the 17th April 2023 which seems odd, since a there a problem and they are wanting to get rid quick?
You say the colour is blue but it’s t says silver in the add and on the MOT, I think it’s just the photo that gives it a light blue tint

 

[Argyll Andy]

The MOT history doesn’t look bad but the last V5 was issued on the 17th April 2023

Possibly the plate change? Two different private plates pictured in the ad

 

[Argyll Andy]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304126216080?atmobcid=soc3

So this is the one I'm looking at ..

Looks decent all around to my uneducated eye.

I know the mileage is higher but that's what's saving me about 5k probably isn't it...

For me, the main thing is the tyres. Gives a good indication of the owners view to maintenance. I can see no reason to put those tyres on a car pushing out 380 bhp other than cost cutting. I would not fancy the combo of those and that power. Throw in a bit of rain and I’d give fair odds at which direction you’d be entering the hedge at :lol:

Heated seats yes, but not MSport if that’s important to you

Change/upgrade both those alone £1200+

 

[blackbay54]

Thanks so much all.

Definitely given me much food for thought. Good point about the colour - the filter was fooling me!

So the general consensus seems to be avoid?

Or is it a potential bargain provided I knock a bit of money off, check the history a bit more (maybe ask about timing chain, pay for an inspection too maybe)?

It's no m sport but I like the comfier seats tbh, and the aftermarket mods go some way to compensating for the lack of m trimmings perhaps.

 

[B21]

Timing chain is not an issue on N54s..

The MSport seats are a must IMHO if you want to hoon around in a Zed..

If this a transient experience maybe go for it..I personally couldn't give that any love..

Its cheap for more than one reason...

As my English school teacher said.. you could try harder!

 

[tiglon]

In my personal opinion, I'd only want a modified car if I'm confident that it's been owned by someone that could fit into the 'enthusiast' category. With those tyres, this one certainly doesn't.

380bhp remap, but no mention of upgraded intercooler - not necessarily a problem, but could be.

What are the coilovers? I'd guess the cheapest ones possible.

The photos are awful, and with the quality of phone cameras these days that suggests hiding something, to my cynical mind.

A bit risky for me.

 

[Ole gits rule]

Thanks so much all.

Definitely given me much food for thought. Good point about the colour - the filter was fooling me!

So the general consensus seems to be avoid?

Or is it a potential bargain provided I knock a bit of money off, check the history a bit more (maybe ask about timing chain, pay for an inspection too maybe)?

It's no m sport but I like the comfier seats tbh, and the aftermarket mods go some way to compensating for the lack of m trimmings perhaps.

Not certain the SE seats are any comfier than the Msport ones, comfort is more to do with RFT than the seats - I think the M sport ones are a must as B21 has said.

If you buy that you need to budget £500 for new tyres straight away - performance car RWD and poor tyres don't go well on a 23i never mind one thats been remapped to that level.

 

[Pondrew]

The wheels are also 'ebay' Chinese specials. £500 a set.
Not that that is a major problem IMO as they can't be much worse than most BMW 'originals'. They are very cheap ones, though!

Personally I would not go near that car with a barge pole. For many reasons. But, hey, what do I know? :roll:

 

[john-e89]

But, hey, what do I know? :roll:

Not much...... :evil:

Leave the barn doors open Pondy and someone's gonna stride right in sunshine.... :wink:

 

[Ole gits rule]

But, hey, what do I know? :roll:

Not much...... :evil:

Leave the barn doors open Pondy and someone's gonna stride right in sunshine.... :wink:

He must know something, he said he wouldn't touch the car with a barge pole, so he must know what a barge pole is, out be wondering what barge is though

 

[Pondrew]

Leave the barn doors open Pondy and someone's gonna stride right in sunshine....

They daren't. I am such a bully after all!