sDrive 23i Reliability
- Thread starter MikeRavo
- Start date
tintoverano
Active member
hi,
it is said to be a reliable engine
I have mine for 18 months now, 50k miles (bought at 40k), the only issues were replacing the valvetronic motor gasket and manual gearbox oil sweat/leak, otherwise just maintenance and mods
these two issues were easy to fix in my case, especially the gearbox one
you'll probably looking forward to roof issues though at this mileage, there are tons of posts what to change to avoid most of those issues
so, just go for it
it is said to be a reliable engine
I have mine for 18 months now, 50k miles (bought at 40k), the only issues were replacing the valvetronic motor gasket and manual gearbox oil sweat/leak, otherwise just maintenance and mods
these two issues were easy to fix in my case, especially the gearbox one
you'll probably looking forward to roof issues though at this mileage, there are tons of posts what to change to avoid most of those issues
so, just go for it
Had my 09 23i for 4 years now, done just over 30k, currently on 89.5k. Only issues I've had were broken rear springs and the well documented handbrake issue when the battery got low and I didn't replace it quick enough. No issues with the roof, touch wood, and engine has not missed a beat
tintoverano
Active member
tintoverano said:hi,
it is said to be a reliable engine
I have mine for 18 months now, 50k miles (bought at 40k), the only issues were replacing the valvetronic motor gasket and manual gearbox oil sweat/leak, otherwise just maintenance and mods
these two issues were easy to fix in my case, especially the gearbox one
you'll probably looking forward to roof issues though at this mileage, there are tons of posts what to change to avoid most of those issues
so, just go for it
sorry, forgot to mention the front adaptive suspension dampers, which I had to have to be refurbished - it's fraction of the price of buying a new pair
Scotland 🏴
Hi, mines a 09 auto sitting at 32K (had it 6 years now). Rear springs (one snapped), rear pads and tyres are the only things I've had to replace (+two roof relays as a precaution + air con re-gas). Oil + brake fluid changes + cabin and air filter done regularly, gearbox service next (again just as a precaution). Make sure you get one with all the toys and don't assume that BMW supply them as standard. Great looking and sounding car, shop around some bargains out there 
Zed Baron said:Hi, mines a 09 auto sitting at 32K (had it 6 years now). Rear springs (one snapped), rear pads and tyres are the only things I've had to replace (+two roof relays as a precaution + air con re-gas). Oil + brake fluid changes + cabin and air filter done regularly, gearbox service next (again just as a precaution). Make sure you get one with all the toys and don't assume that BMW supply them as standard. Great looking and sounding car, shop around some bargains out there
It's a great point you make re equipment levels. I was very surprised how sparse alot of E89s are when I was looking. Even on the more powerful 35 models.
Mine has cost me less than £400 a year in fixing those couple of unsuspected issues, consumables and servicing. I tend to service bits more often than BMW says is needed as well. That is with taking it to an independent for everything as about all I can do is change a bulb and top up oil.
I've never had a third party warranty before but have seen mixed reviews of them. If it gives you peace of mind, it's worth it. From my experience with the car so far, it would've been more hassle claiming on a warranty and wouldn't have saved me anything.
Wait for my post next month saying everything suddenly broke
I've never had a third party warranty before but have seen mixed reviews of them. If it gives you peace of mind, it's worth it. From my experience with the car so far, it would've been more hassle claiming on a warranty and wouldn't have saved me anything.
Wait for my post next month saying everything suddenly broke
Attleborough, Norfolk
Vonlipvig said:Mine has cost me less than £400 a year in fixing those couple of unsuspected issues, consumables and servicing. I tend to service bits more often than BMW says is needed as well. That is with taking it to an independent for everything as about all I can do is change a bulb and top up oil.
I've never had a third party warranty before but have seen mixed reviews of them. If it gives you peace of mind, it's worth it. From my experience with the car so far, it would've been more hassle claiming on a warranty and wouldn't have saved me anything.
Wait for my post next month saying everything suddenly broke
So maybe the OP would be better to stick his £40 a month in a jar. Might need it, might not? Always that gamble I guess.
tintoverano
Active member
philip27 said:
dampers can be refurbished any number of times, one just need to find the shop doing such work
MikeRavo said:
How much is it for sale at? There’s multiple ones the same sort of age with lowish miles, circa 50k, for around £7,500 +/- £500
You’d hope there would be documentation for any works done so should be able to see from there.
Wouldn’t necessarily say a newer just lower miles.
I bought mine from here at 49k miles and sought advice about a warranty but was told they’re pretty reliable and was given the same advice you’ve had a few times. Put the money in a jar/account each month, which is what I’ve done, and hope not to need to use it.
Nice contribution to the next upgrade if you’re lucky enough not to need to use it
My 2 cents with regards to the warranty:
The 23i along with the 30i are pretty reliable motors so the probability of something going wrong is pretty remote unless of course you have bought a lemon of a car. So you'd be better off sticking that 40 quid a month in a jar and using that for any potential repairs instead giving your money to some other bloke. Remember warranty / insurance companies make money based on probability that most people won't need to make any claims. If statistically they had a car where the vast majority of insured examples constantly cost them money in pay outs they would either not take on anymore of those cars or the cost would be extortionate.
With regards to a 100,000 mile car you may want to check that some of the common issues like water pump thermostat oil filter housing gasket etc have been done and if not keep in mind those may soon need doing.
Not sure how much this 100,000 mile car you have seen is up for but you can get plenty of low mileage 23i for sensible money which probably wouldn't be that much more expensive than a 100k car.
The 23i along with the 30i are pretty reliable motors so the probability of something going wrong is pretty remote unless of course you have bought a lemon of a car. So you'd be better off sticking that 40 quid a month in a jar and using that for any potential repairs instead giving your money to some other bloke. Remember warranty / insurance companies make money based on probability that most people won't need to make any claims. If statistically they had a car where the vast majority of insured examples constantly cost them money in pay outs they would either not take on anymore of those cars or the cost would be extortionate.
With regards to a 100,000 mile car you may want to check that some of the common issues like water pump thermostat oil filter housing gasket etc have been done and if not keep in mind those may soon need doing.
Not sure how much this 100,000 mile car you have seen is up for but you can get plenty of low mileage 23i for sensible money which probably wouldn't be that much more expensive than a 100k car.
North West Surrey
I've never had an E89, but have had 4 cars with the same N52 engine and never had any major issues.
Started with a 54K mile E86 in 2014 that only required a new electric water pump at 60K - I sold it on 62K.
Bought another E86 in 2016 on 77K and it only needed a new battery and A/C condensor before I sold it in February on 91K miles.
In 2018 I bought an E91 325i on 132K with full BMW S/H and it needed a battery and water pump while I had it and I sold it on 139K miles.
Replaced in 2019 by an E90 330i on 107K that had just had a new cam-cover gasket fitted and is now on 113K miles.
So my experience is the N52 engine seems to be pretty reliable even at high mileages as all 4 pulled strongly and revved smoothly.
And to be fair batteries, electric water pumps and A/C condensors are really just consumables like brakes and tyres.
I wouldn't be concerned about buying a 23i with 100K miles on it so long as it looked well cared-for and had some decent history. And as others have suggested I'd save the £40 a month warranty cost to build up a "fix it" fund, but it depends how much risk you are willing to take!
Started with a 54K mile E86 in 2014 that only required a new electric water pump at 60K - I sold it on 62K.
Bought another E86 in 2016 on 77K and it only needed a new battery and A/C condensor before I sold it in February on 91K miles.
In 2018 I bought an E91 325i on 132K with full BMW S/H and it needed a battery and water pump while I had it and I sold it on 139K miles.
Replaced in 2019 by an E90 330i on 107K that had just had a new cam-cover gasket fitted and is now on 113K miles.
So my experience is the N52 engine seems to be pretty reliable even at high mileages as all 4 pulled strongly and revved smoothly.
And to be fair batteries, electric water pumps and A/C condensors are really just consumables like brakes and tyres.
I wouldn't be concerned about buying a 23i with 100K miles on it so long as it looked well cared-for and had some decent history. And as others have suggested I'd save the £40 a month warranty cost to build up a "fix it" fund, but it depends how much risk you are willing to take!