Sorry but…

[R17SKO]

Hi all,

As I am sure you can tell I am new to the group,

I am in the process of looking for an E86 and could really do with some advice. Please excuse the questions but I want to make sure I don’t buy a lemon.

For reference I was lucky enough to have use of a launch car when I worked for BMW, it was in green and looked stunning,

What I know is I want a manual am am not too fused on colour .

What I need help on is:

What’s the difference between se and sport, I have seen a today with a sport button, sport steering wheel and sports seats?
Is mileage a massive issue, what kind of mileage is average?
Is there anything I need to be looking out for - I have seen info re water pumps, is there anything that should have been done?
Is there any bad eggs out there that I need to stay away from (obviously I’ll do the usual checks)?
Any other information you could be kind enough to give?

My plan is to get what ever I buy looking as close to perfect as poss in time, with a few OEM plus mods that can be felt and not seen.

Thanks in advance and I am sorry to be asking questions that may have been asked a million times but i know the best people to ask for advice are those that have been in the same situation.

Cheers,
Russ

 

[Zedebee]

What’s the difference between se and sport, I have seen a today with a sport button, sport steering wheel and sports seats?

Here’s a confusing answer! As far as I know, they all have sport buttons (as do all the E85/E86 Si models). The SE version has “sports” seats and steering wheel, regular suspension, different headlining and interior trim. The Sport version has the superior “M-Sport” seats and steering wheel, and stiffer and 15mm lower “M-Sport” suspension. The engine and exterior trim are identical.

80-100k miles seems about average now, with 150k+ not uncommon. The engine is good for high mileages if properly maintained. The water pump is a much-discussed issue and many recommend a preemptive replacement at 60-80k. Notwithstanding the above, prices are strongly linked to mileage and condition.

 

[R17SKO]

Thanks for the info, you’ve helped make my mind up, defo a sport and ideally with a respectable mileage!

 

[Z450]

Thanks for the info, you’ve helped make my mind up, defo a sport and ideally with a respectable mileage!

Good luck with your search, these are really great cars. A fee out there currently particularly private sellers. From experience on paper two cars can seem identical but condition at this age varies massively!

 

[paddy wright]

Welcome along. To make it even more confusing an SE could be specced with M sport seats. :rofl:
Good luck with the search- be sure to post perspective cars up- there will always be good advice.

 

[Rockhopper]

It is confusing - for example E85 3.0i all came with the sport options from the factory such as Msport suspension, Sport button etc but were called SE.

 

[Calps]

As Paddy rightly mentions, SE's have been known to come with M Sport seats, and also the M Sport steering wheel, so (if they are your main decision point between the two) there may be a number of SE's that still meet your requirements.

Equally, suspension can be changed and, as the rear springs are prone to breaking, you might find yourself swapping it out regardless (especially since you mention you may do some mods anyway).

Probably the main thing that cannot be easily mimicked between the two is the black headlining. (well, unless you're [ref]Barty[/ref], who's transformation powers/imagination appears to have no limits)

 

[Barty]

[ref]Calps[/ref], those limits are continuously tested in a tug of war between heart and mind :lol:

 

[Calps]

[ref]Calps[/ref], those limits are continuously tested in a tug of war between heart and mind :lol:

Lucky you - mine is less psychological, and more material, in that it's governed by the limits of my wallet!

(very interested in your engagement with Göke btw. I have plans/dreams to go that route as well).

 

[Barty]

[ref]Calps[/ref], those limits are continuously tested in a tug of war between heart and mind :lol:

Lucky you - mine is less psychological, and more material, in that it's governed by the limits of my wallet!

(very interested in your engagement with Göke btw. I have plans/dreams to go that route as well).

That’s a factor I attempt to ignore as I desperately try to convince myself that I really do like the taste of stale bread and that heating your home is severely overrated. So far it’s not going well..

So far Göke have shown quality products with excellent fitment. I’m in touch with a Z4 owner who works at Göke and is thus able to test the panels for fit and finish

 

[R17SKO]

Thanks chaps, again the advice is very well received! it looks so simple from the outside.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Welcome to the forum Russ.

Just to clarify regarding the seats BMW called the seats in the SE models "Sport" seats. The ones people pay strong money for are "M-Sport" seats that were standard in Sport models and an option for SEs.

BMW were a bit mean with standard equipment even on 3.0Sis, so rear parking sensors, Bi-Xenon headlights, Cruise, MFSW, Sat-Nav and cup-holders were all on the options list. Worth bearing in mind if any of those are "must-haves", although cruise is a pretty simple retro-fit and the Sat Nav is an antique!

Good luck finding the right one out of the 2,291 manual Coupes registered in the UK.

 

[R17SKO]

Thanks Mr. Tidy! I am on the hunt, it has be a car with the right potential, I know there will always be a compromise, I just want to make the right compromise. I am thinking about a circa 100k car that is pretty standard. I plan on doing suspension and any body repairs, getting the car fully serviced, and then going from there.
Thanks again,
Russ

Welcome to the forum Russ.

Just to clarify regarding the seats BMW called the seats in the SE models "Sport" seats. The ones people pay strong money for are "M-Sport" seats that were standard in Sport models and an option for SEs.

BMW were a bit mean with standard equipment even on 3.0Sis, so rear parking sensors, Bi-Xenon headlights, Cruise, MFSW, Sat-Nav and cup-holders were all on the options list. Worth bearing in mind if any of those are "must-haves", although cruise is a pretty simple retro-fit and the Sat Nav is an antique!

Good luck finding the right one out of the 2,291 manual Coupes registered in the UK.

be the perfect car, it just have to have to potential to be right.

I have found a

 

[TOMGREEN413]

Good luck with your hunt, I bought a 100k Coupe a few months back as she drives amazingly well, no squeaks or rattles, amazing value for money considering. Worn seat bulsters, condensation in lower front fogs will be standard in most 80k plus cars but nothing that can't be sorted with a few quid.
Montego Blue is the most desirable colour, extremely rare and looks so much better than any other colour...................just kidding

 

[R17SKO]

Good luck with your hunt, I bought a 100k Coupe a few months back as she drives amazingly well, no squeaks or rattles, amazing value for money considering. Worn seat bulsters, condensation in lower front fogs will be standard in most 80k plus cars but nothing that can't be sorted with a few quid.
Montego Blue is the most desirable colour, extremely rare and looks so much better than any other colour...................just kidding

Thanks Tom! Looking forward to getting one sorted!! Russ

 

[R17SKO]

Good luck with your hunt, I bought a 100k Coupe a few months back as she drives amazingly well, no squeaks or rattles, amazing value for money considering. Worn seat bulsters, condensation in lower front fogs will be standard in most 80k plus cars but nothing that can't be sorted with a few quid.
Montego Blue is the most desirable colour, extremely rare and looks so much better than any other colour...................just kidding

Thanks Tom! Looking forward to getting one sorted!! Russ