Viewing a 35iS (2009). What should I be looking for?
- Thread starter Rj2e
- Start date
For E89s generally
Check via VIN which options are fitted
check service history / mot history
Buy BMW specific fault code reader and check codes of potential purchase
Check all electric functions..especially roof..operate the roof on the fob and interior buttons without the engine running
Check PDC, radio, heates screen, air con etc
Look for cambox leaks and misting around oil filter area.
Check tyres for who-flung-dung Chinese low grade tyres /inside wear /cracking
Check discs for scoring
Ideally check inside of alloy wheels for cracks /repairs
Seat bolsters for wear
For N54 specfically
Check for oil leaks from turbo area
Check gearbox for leaks if DCT
Check dampers if for misting
You can't easily check but
injectors can be an issue
coils n plugs are replaced as a matter of routine
HPFP can fail
coolant pump and themostat fail between 60k and 100k
turbos can leak / fail
Check via VIN which options are fitted
check service history / mot history
Buy BMW specific fault code reader and check codes of potential purchase
Check all electric functions..especially roof..operate the roof on the fob and interior buttons without the engine running
Check PDC, radio, heates screen, air con etc
Look for cambox leaks and misting around oil filter area.
Check tyres for who-flung-dung Chinese low grade tyres /inside wear /cracking
Check discs for scoring
Ideally check inside of alloy wheels for cracks /repairs
Seat bolsters for wear
For N54 specfically
Check for oil leaks from turbo area
Check gearbox for leaks if DCT
Check dampers if for misting
You can't easily check but
injectors can be an issue
coils n plugs are replaced as a matter of routine
HPFP can fail
coolant pump and themostat fail between 60k and 100k
turbos can leak / fail
B21 has covered it all:
- check the age of the battery (production date is normally stamped on top of one of the terminals) if its over 5 years old consider its renewal
- ask if the relays for the roof (situated in the boot - change every 6 years) have been changed - easy cheap fix.
- Some owners have suffered water ingress - so check under the battery (in the boot) for a pool of water (normally a seal has gone on the back lights)
- check all the leds are working on the back lights (otherwise new lights and not cheap)
- Also check the main roof panel for bubbling paint on the edges, oxidation of the aluminium panel - it will need repainting and the paint warranty is only 12 years (even then it will be a struggle to get it done)
- Don't assume that cause its a BMW it will have all the extras - BMW make you pay for everything - so draw up a list of what you need, some things can be fitted later some can't... iDrive /PDC/ Bluetooth/windbreak etc.
Add to your list
1) Check for galvanic corrosion on all four corners of two roof panels. If present kick yourself for not buying one earlier when BMW would have repaired it FOC under 12year corrosion warranty
2) Scrutinize service history to see if its full and would qualify for BMW insured warranty
If OK and mileage and
a) less than 60k miles jump for joy and be prepared to but warranty ( a bargain at about £45 /month with limited breakdown ccver and £250 excess per ClLaim
b) if more than 60k miles at time of purchase be prepaired to pay about £80/per on same terms
If decide to risk running without warranty buy a big wallet and get used to it being emptied at dealers on a regular basis.
- WHATEVER YOU DO DON'T DRIVE IT your brain will be a complete blank and you will instantly not be able to recall any of this advise.
(from previous owner of a 2009 35i run with a £45/month warranty) despite ALL the above still miss the car. No direct experience but believe newer ones do have far fewer reliability issues
EDIT Go and look at the Melbourne red one for sale on the forum and think how clever youv'e been buying one of the best looking E89's for sale think best advice I could give anyone- no connevtion to seller.
1) Check for galvanic corrosion on all four corners of two roof panels. If present kick yourself for not buying one earlier when BMW would have repaired it FOC under 12year corrosion warranty
2) Scrutinize service history to see if its full and would qualify for BMW insured warranty
If OK and mileage and
a) less than 60k miles jump for joy and be prepared to but warranty ( a bargain at about £45 /month with limited breakdown ccver and £250 excess per ClLaim
b) if more than 60k miles at time of purchase be prepaired to pay about £80/per on same terms
If decide to risk running without warranty buy a big wallet and get used to it being emptied at dealers on a regular basis.
- WHATEVER YOU DO DON'T DRIVE IT your brain will be a complete blank and you will instantly not be able to recall any of this advise.
(from previous owner of a 2009 35i run with a £45/month warranty) despite ALL the above still miss the car. No direct experience but believe newer ones do have far fewer reliability issues
EDIT Go and look at the Melbourne red one for sale on the forum and think how clever youv'e been buying one of the best looking E89's for sale think best advice I could give anyone- no connevtion to seller.
