Upgrading from a F20 Sport to E89 23i M Sport Highline

[Z4 IDM]

Hi guys,

I'm pretty sure I'm comfortable with the ££numbers, and I'm settled on the model, but wanted to run this by you good folks before I take the plunge and upgrade to a Z4 from my 20 month old 116i Sport.

I've been looking for a E89 23i M Sport Highline edition as it comes with a decent amount of kit, looks the biz and is also a six pot so sounds great.

My preference is to purchase from Sytner Sheffield as they are local to me and literally 30 seconds from where I work, plus I'm generally pretty happy with the service I've received over the years. As such I've had Sytner do a search in their AUC group stock and they found a couple of options for me in my price range. Long and short of it I'm pretty keen on the car below, although I've yet to see it in the flesh as it's at Birmingham Sytner (naturally, Stealers are pushing for me to put down a deposit ASAP, I won't be doing this until I've seen it in person):

http://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/Z/2.5i-sD...tton-Coldfield/3188263-604910989-3497243.aspx

Firstly, any words of wisdom or specific things to look out for when inspecting? [edit: I am currently reading through the buyers guide, I guess I meant if anyone had any insight into this specific spec/model of E89]

Secondly, how much does it normally cost (assuming it's possible) to extend the warranty past the standard 12 months for AUC?

Thirdly, I got the specs through from the dealer via email and it says it has the smoker pack, am I right in assuming this is actually default unless specifically deselected?

Finally I am hoping to get over to Birmingham at some point in the next few days/at the weekend to take a look at it (as unlikely to get it moved without committing), but am struggling a bit for time and it's a three hour round trip. VERY cheeky I know but is there anyone who happens to be in the vicinity, or heading there in the next day or so who wouldn't mind scoping it out a bit for me? ....if you don't ask.....

Cheers all

 

[Angie4m]

Firstly Hi! Car looks alright and well if it's ticking the boxes for you then even better!

You should find everything you need re what to loom out for when choosing a used car, people will advise you to check the wheels but this can be difficult as cracks can be difficult to see without getting the car up and looking and feeling the rim.

AUC extended warranty can be purchased either yearly or monthly and with different excess levels. You'll get an ideas here http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=75309&start=30 it's very reasonable to be honest.

Yes the smokers pack was a standard option. Probably never even used by a smoker.

Hope you get to view it ASAP. Just have to hope the weather stays crap so to put off would be convertible owners.

 

[Z4 IDM]

Thanks Angie!!

£28 a month doesn't seem to bad for extending the warranty at all, guess I'd have the first year to decide though.

 

[Angie4m]

Thanks Angie!!

£28 a month doesn't seem to bad for extending the warranty at all, guess I'd have the first year to decide though.

Indeed! Granted you don't expect to use it but it's just that extra peace of mind especially with a metal folding roof full of tiny little micro switches.

 

[The_Dude]

I've just renewed the warranty on my 23. It's costing 36 a month with £100 excess and that's indefinitely unless they raise the premium, not a 12 month policy. I must admit I think it's worth every penny as I've been victim to the folding roof issue twice. Not sure how much the micro switches are, but labour alone is around £150 an hour inc vat I think.

I've had no other issues with mine, drives well and sounds awesome when driven sportily!

Ive not read the buyers guide, but double check all aspects of the paint finish as bmw paint seems very soft and prone to bird poop marks if not removed asap. I've never known a paint finish so affected by it! They are Alps prone to road rash on the lower side sills, so again check here. That way any marks can be buffed/touched up before you buy.

 

[Z4 IDM]

I've just renewed the warranty on my 23. It's costing 36 a month with £100 excess and that's indefinitely unless they raise the premium, not a 12 month policy. I must admit I think it's worth every penny as I've been victim to the folding roof issue twice. Not sure how much the micro switches are, but labour alone is around £150 an hour inc vat I think.

I've had no other issues with mine, drives well and sounds awesome when driven sportily!

Ive not read the buyers guide, but double check all aspects of the paint finish as bmw paint seems very soft and prone to bird poop marks if not removed asap. I've never known a paint finish so affected by it! They are Alps prone to road rash on the lower side sills, so again check here. That way any marks can be buffed/touched up before you buy.

Yup want to give the paintwork a good once over in person. Standard dealer sales patter about throwing in supagard for 'free, which is worth £££'s', to which I had a little chuckle. I'll want them to get rid of any dents or deep scratches before sale but I'll be booking it in at http://www.cleandetail.co.uk for a swisswax polish straight away anyway.

 

[Z4 IDM]

WAHOO!!!

Just bought this instead - http://usedcars.sandalhuddersfieldbmw.co.uk/showroom/Z/2.5i-sDrive23i-M-Sport-Highline/Huddersfield/3188263-604928715-3497096.aspx?


Picking it up next week!!!

Think I prefer the black leather too...

 

[Angie4m]

WAHOO!!!

Just bought this instead - http://usedcars.sandalhuddersfieldbmw.co.uk/showroom/Z/2.5i-sDrive23i-M-Sport-Highline/Huddersfield/3188263-604928715-3497096.aspx?


Picking it up next week!!!

Think I prefer the black leather too...

Great news, better spec too. Looks good to me. Next week will now seem like ages away!

 

[Z4 IDM]

Thanks - Yeah it definitely is!!

It's got the following over and above the spec of the first car, not to mention it has the service pack until Sep 2016 and the car is just coming up on it's first major (and costly ) service:

Cruise control with brake function.
Folding exterior mirrors.
Wind deflector (actually this was an error on the listing but managed to get them to throw one in to seal the deal)
Extended storage.
Extended lighting.

The only real plus for the original car was 6000 fewer miles but having had a look at this one today and getting into it it felt like a new car, had one pretty careful owner from the looks of things - well chuffed!!

 

[R.E92]

I had a F20 116d as a courtesy car for a couple of days recently and actually quite liked it. The ride was so much softer!

Might take you a while to readjust to the Z4 suspension. Even in comfort mode it's harsh.

 

[Angie4m]

It's got the following over and above the spec of the first car, not to mention it has the service pack until Sep 2016 and the car is just coming up on it's first major (and costly ) service:

Lol! Who told you that? These cars like your F series are conditioning based. It needs a brake fluid change every 2 years as well as an oil change. Usually when they do the 2nd oil change they are supposed to check and if needs be replace the micro filter, air filter and plugs. On a car with so little miles it probably doesn't need any of these items changed but they will do it regardless but all in all its not a costly service.

Long gone are the days of inspection 1 and inspection 2 services, the latter usually bringing a tear to the eye.

So when the service pack is up, you'll not need to worry. In fact the most 'costly' service in my eyes is the vehicle inspection which is basically BMW looking over the car to look for ways to 'con' you out of money, dependant on the dealership. Two hours of utter nonsense and why this cannot be done along side the other services is beyond me because they always check the car prior to starting work and highlight any issues anyway

 

[Z4 IDM]

It's got the following over and above the spec of the first car, not to mention it has the service pack until Sep 2016 and the car is just coming up on it's first major (and costly ) service:

Lol! Who told you that? These cars like your F series are conditioning based. It needs a brake fluid change every 2 years as well as an oil change. Usually when they do the 2nd oil change they are supposed to check and if needs be replace the micro filter, air filter and plugs. On a car with so little miles it probably doesn't need any of these items changed but they will do it regardless but all in all its not a costly service.

Long gone are the days of inspection 1 and inspection 2 services, the latter usually bringing a tear to the eye.

So when the service pack is up, you'll not need to worry. In fact the most 'costly' service in my eyes is the vehicle inspection which is basically BMW looking over the car to look for ways to 'con' you out of money, dependant on the dealership. Two hours of utter nonsense and why this cannot be done along side the other services is beyond me because they always check the car prior to starting work and highlight any issues anyway

Oh...I thought there was a 4 year or x many miles service whichever is great kinda thingy... can't remember where I read it, thought it was on here to be honest!

 

[Angie4m]

It's got the following over and above the spec of the first car, not to mention it has the service pack until Sep 2016 and the car is just coming up on it's first major (and costly ) service:

Lol! Who told you that? These cars like your F series are conditioning based. It needs a brake fluid change every 2 years as well as an oil change. Usually when they do the 2nd oil change they are supposed to check and if needs be replace the micro filter, air filter and plugs. On a car with so little miles it probably doesn't need any of these items changed but they will do it regardless but all in all its not a costly service.

Long gone are the days of inspection 1 and inspection 2 services, the latter usually bringing a tear to the eye.

So when the service pack is up, you'll not need to worry. In fact the most 'costly' service in my eyes is the vehicle inspection which is basically BMW looking over the car to look for ways to 'con' you out of money, dependant on the dealership. Two hours of utter nonsense and why this cannot be done along side the other services is beyond me because they always check the car prior to starting work and highlight any issues anyway

Oh...I thought there was a 4 year or x many miles service whichever is great kinda thingy... can't remember where I read it, thought it was on here to be honest!

Easily done. Depends on where and what you've been searching/looking at. The E85's and E86's have the inspection 1 and 2 services and yes there is lots of comments re the price but it's a 2 years or X amount of miles (dependant on your driving style I.e. Drive it hard all the time and it'll need a service before someone driving like miss daisy) for services on these. Sometimes even in the E89 section there will be E85/E86 owners that input not realising that it's E89 specific and this may also lead to confusion. Although the Vehicle inspection which isn't a service is every 4 years.

Don't worry, it will all be good

 

[Z4 IDM]

Oh BTW, the 19" 326 alloys seem to be a bit prone to cracking from what I've read on here, but the dealership has to MOT the car before sale, presumably a crack on an alloy would be a fail?

Should I still make a point of checking the wheels before I drive it away? I could ask them to take them all off while I was there and have a look?

 

[Angie4m]

Oh BTW, the 19" 326 alloys seem to be a bit prone to cracking from what I've read on here, but the dealership has to MOT the car before sale, presumably a crack on an alloy would be a fail?

Should I still make a point of checking the wheels before I drive it away? I could ask them to take them all off while I was there and have a look?

Well all 19s on BMW could crack but some if not most of us with 19s haven't had issues but some have had a few. Stark had a few when he had his car but jimbo has had it for a while now an he's had no issues. Avoiding pot holes is key really. Yes a cracked and/or distorted wheel would be a MOT fail and this will be checked prior to you getting the car but by all means ask to see the wheels beforehand. I wouldn't ask that they are removed, more like they put the car up on the ramp and let you check from underneath with a tech.

 

[TitanTim]

I had a F20 116d as a courtesy car for a couple of days recently and actually quite liked it. The ride was so much softer!

Might take you a while to readjust to the Z4 suspension. Even in comfort mode it's harsh.

Its the one thing I would like to try on the Z4 is one with Adaptive suspension and how it compares to my M135i which has it, albeight its also fitted with Michelin Supersports and no runflats. I could never go back to standard E89 M Sport Suspension with runflats which looking back was intolerable.

Tim.

 

[Z4 IDM]

Oh BTW, the 19" 326 alloys seem to be a bit prone to cracking from what I've read on here, but the dealership has to MOT the car before sale, presumably a crack on an alloy would be a fail?

Should I still make a point of checking the wheels before I drive it away? I could ask them to take them all off while I was there and have a look?

Just spoke to the dealer and told them when I pick it up I just want to see the wheels off the car quickly for my own peace of mind...protested a bit at first but agreed in the end

 

[R.E92]

I had a F20 116d as a courtesy car for a couple of days recently and actually quite liked it. The ride was so much softer!

Might take you a while to readjust to the Z4 suspension. Even in comfort mode it's harsh.

Its the one thing I would like to try on the Z4 is one with Adaptive suspension and how it compares to my M135i which has it, albeight its also fitted with Michelin Supersports and no runflats. I could never go back to standard E89 M Sport Suspension with runflats which looking back was intolerable.

Tim.

I came from an E92 with 18" wheels on sport suspension without runflat tyres. My E89 has 19" wheels with adaptive suspension and non runflat tyres.

In comfort mode the E89 is more bouncy than the E92 but just as harsh. In sport the only thing that really changes is the dampening rate which helps the car settle after bumps and makes it feel less bouncy, the harshness is still there.

I've never driven anything more sporty than the E89 so I can't compare against the E85/86 and the Porsche offerings but I feel the reason why the E89 has such a harsh ride is down to the height of the car and its low suspension travel.

 

[Angie4m]

Oh BTW, the 19" 326 alloys seem to be a bit prone to cracking from what I've read on here, but the dealership has to MOT the car before sale, presumably a crack on an alloy would be a fail?

Should I still make a point of checking the wheels before I drive it away? I could ask them to take them all off while I was there and have a look?

Just spoke to the dealer and told them when I pick it up I just want to see the wheels off the car quickly for my own peace of mind...protested a bit at first but agreed in the end

Good man. At least that way you know, they know and it saves any hassle if you do get home to find an issue trying to prove it was like that when you picked it up. I'm sure it will all be fine

 

[ronk]

Oh BTW, the 19" 326 alloys seem to be a bit prone to cracking from what I've read on here, but the dealership has to MOT the car before sale, presumably a crack on an alloy would be a fail?

Should I still make a point of checking the wheels before I drive it away? I could ask them to take them all off while I was there and have a look?

Just spoke to the dealer and told them when I pick it up I just want to see the wheels off the car quickly for my own peace of mind...protested a bit at first but agreed in the end

You should also get the runout test done while the wheels are off. I would record the results as well.