Would you buy a 3.0 Si with 30k missing service history?

Well...

I looked at it properly in the daylight

There's a funny leak around the front right of the engine at infront of the alternator with greasy liquid down there, making me think anti freeze. And then thinking the water pump is on the way out, plus with the fact the water level was low makes me think that

The exhaust manifold was leaking I believe

The alternator bearings were making a racket

There was a ticking noise from a cold start which did quieten down but was there from the middle of the engine bay and stayed even when warm

The paintwork needed some work

Overall the car looked like it had done s very hard 80k miles rather than the 1 series I drive now which has done 100k but still looks and feels very fresh

The search continues!
 
RyanB88 said:
Well...

I looked at it properly in the daylight

There's a funny leak around the front right of the engine at infront of the alternator with greasy liquid down there, making me think anti freeze. And then thinking the water pump is on the way out, plus with the fact the water level was low makes me think that

The exhaust manifold was leaking I believe

The alternator bearings were making a racket

There was a ticking noise from a cold start which did quieten down but was there from the middle of the engine bay and stayed even when warm

The paintwork needed some work

Overall the car looked like it had done s very hard 80k miles rather than the 1 series I drive now which has done 100k but still looks and feels very fresh

The search continues!

Good decision. Find one with the work all done even if it's more expensive, the seller will only ever recover a fraction of the cost of repairs they have done :thumbsup:
 
Sounds like there were too many niggles for your peace of mind. Good luck with the ongoing search.
For future reference the ticking noise is par for the course with the N52 engine and usually nothing to worry about.
 
Marlon said:
Sounds like there were too many niggles for your peace of mind. Good luck with the ongoing search.
For future reference the ticking noise is par for the course with the N52 engine and usually nothing to worry about.

Mine makes that slight ticking sound as well. I listened to many others having become aware of this and noticed that MANY N52's have this noise as well.
 
RyanB88 said:
Would I be right in saying:

New alternator fitted approx £250?
New water pump and thermostat approx £700 fitted?

New Alternator fitted cost me £350 a few weeks ago, I had 2 other quotes in excess of £400.
 
OP, you are in the right ball park cost-wise for the water pump and thermostat (unless you can do it yourself) - mine cost a bit more than that fitted using OEM parts.

Saying that, when my water pump died the temperature gauge shot up to the red in less than 2 miles so that may not be the problem - but as the car seems to have other issues I can see why you would just keep looking.

A bit weird to see you had a 123d - I had one of those for over 6 years before I got my first Z4C! As you say they are decently quick, but lacking in excitement! A 3.0Si is so much more fun. :lol:

Good luck. :thumbsup:
 
Back
Top Bottom