Newbie advice

M

Marc r

Member
Afternoon to everyone, I haven't posted in the hello section yet as I haven't actually bought a car but I'm trying.

When reading last night someone mentioned Zachary Luke cars and they have a possible E89 on there, I emailed late last night and received several quick and very helpful responses. The advice is needed for the service history as there is a gap of over 2 years where the car has obviously been parked up and the mot has expired so unused. After reading how important oil services are this won't have had them, equally it probably won't have been driven. - would this put you off. The car isn't my perfect spec as not keen on the light interior but can live with that. Any opinions welcome.

Marc
 
You're going to be very very lucky to find an E89 with a full service record..FWIW the original BMW service schedule is pretty pisss poor so in summary if its still running and its not a N20 powered car I wouldn't worry! Many E89s have been hagar queens and whlst not good they seem to tolerate it ok..in general..FWIW..IMHO..
 
Sounds good, its a 3 hour each way drive so if the consensus is stay away I would have saved a trip. The bonus is the dealer seems very good and dealers have to sort with more issues than a private sale, thanks
 
For absolute peace of mind you could always get an oil analysis done, tens of pounds well spent IMHO
 
Marc r said:
Sounds good, its a 3 hour each way drive so if the consensus is stay away I would have saved a trip. The bonus is the dealer seems very good and dealers have to sort with more issues than a private sale, thanks
Click to expand...
Zachary has a mostly good reputation, a few of my 'clients' have bought from him and were happy..
 
dmsims said:
For absolute peace of mind you could always get an oil analysis done, tens of pounds well spent IMHO
Click to expand...
I'm not quite sure what the oil analysis will do post sale for some missed service items several years ago?
 
How long ago was the gap in servicing, and how many services has it had since? But yeah I wouldn't worry too much if its done minimal miles between services.
 
It was serviced ( oil and filter ) May 25 and also a new battery at 50100 miles , before that the next recorded oil change seems to be 2020 at 47000 miles
 
Presumably it's this one?
www.zacharylukecarslimited.co.uk

Used BMW Z4 2009 Blue for sale - £9490 in Northampton, Northamptonshire | Zachary Luke Cars

Used BMW Z4 in Northampton, Northamptonshire only £9490, 2009, 50422 miles, Petrol, Manual, Blue - Call Zachary Luke Cars on 07469 244543
www.zacharylukecarslimited.co.uk www.zacharylukecarslimited.co.uk

Couple of things I would note:
SE spec early car with only cruise and heated seats as options (from what I could see).
Scottish registered car. Check for corrosion!
Last year's MOT advised on all four brake discs being corroded. Have these been changed?
Those wheels look like they are cheap Chinese CSL copies (they definitely aren't factory). And the tyres look a bit small for the wheels in at least one photo.

I agree with the above; one or two missing oil changes ain't the end of the world with that engine.

It's low mileage, a nice colour combination but very expensive for an early 23i IMO. But Zachary Luke ain't known for selling anything cheap.
 
Thanks . I noticed the brakes and imagine that’s as a result of sitting for a couple of years . I definitely don’t want to be saddled with new discs and pads on an already expensive car.

I’ll ask about that and the wheels tomorrow .

Thanks for all the help so far
 
Marc r said:
Thanks . I noticed the brakes and imagine that’s as a result of sitting for a couple of years . I definitely don’t want to be saddled with new discs and pads on an already expensive car.

I’ll ask about that and the wheels tomorrow .

Thanks for all the help so far
Click to expand...
Regarding the brake disc corrosion....it could just be the typical BMW discs, as they seem to rust just by looking at them, and an over zealous MOT tester. Only a 'feel' on the lips will tell if they are any good.

If you do go and view it, more important than brake discs are whether the roof works seamlessly (several times in a row) and there is no water in the battery compartment in the boot (lift the carpet). :thumbsup:;)

Sorry I shouldn't be giving buying advice.....a member here has spent the last 5 years compiling a 1,000 page buyer's guide for the E89. ;)
 
Last edited:
Now this is just my opinion, but that is damn expensive for an early 23i with 7 owners and a list of items worthy of questions.

I paid notably less last October for a 2011 30i MSport manual with 2 previous owners and full history.
I could swear I discounted that one when I was looking too. 🤔

I would be patient and pass on that one.

And Pondy is spot on with checking under the boot floor and the motor operation!
 
Last edited:
roof button is worn (either that or someone with false finger nails has been driving it) seats look grubby also. As mentioned not many bells and whistles on this one. Cheap compared to a 23i I've just seen on Ebay 8.5k miles at £21000 :oops:
 
Last edited:
Zed Baron said:
Cheap compared to a 23i I've just seen on Ebay 8.5k miles at £21000
Click to expand...
Yeah but that ain't gonna happen. But as the saying goes "it only needs one mug".
There is a Jaguar XK-RS for sale on AT, which is for sale (privately) for MORE than it was new. It's a 2014 car. Been there for months, if not years. And it's GREEN. :sick:
 
Zed Baron said:
roof button is worn (either that or someone with false finger nails has been driving it) seats look grubby also. As mentioned not many bells and whistles on this one. Cheap compared to a 23i I've just seen on Ebay 8.5k miles at £21000 :oops:
Click to expand...


I believe the roof buttons wear is really common on the E89 I have seen many with worn roof & heated seat buttons
 
How many youtubers buy cars with full service history, then make a good couple of hours of content replacing half the car.
Service history ain't worth anything.
And probably had oil changes every 15k miles.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom