Buying an E85

[koolflyer]

Hi, As some know I have a E36 Z3 2.8 and an E89 3.0, obviously both 6 potters. However my son might buy an E85 2.5L, anything he/we should look out for with regards to the E85? Thanks in advance chaps.
Pete
(Koolflyer)

 

[t-tony]

Hi Pete, main thing on the E85 is the motor/pump for the roof mechanism fail due to getting flooded where they are mounted. You may well be fortunate to find a car where it has been relocated into the boot.

Tony.

 

[koolflyer]

Hi Pete, main thing on the E85 is the motor/pump for the roof mechanism fail due to getting flooded where they are mounted. You may well be fortunate to find a car where it has been relocated into the boot.

Tony.

Thanks Tony, much appreciated. We'd heard about this problem. Where is the pump as fitted from factory? See you at the Zedfest, Dave's bringing my Z3 too

 

[t-tony]

It is located in the n/s rear panel behind the door Pete, chances are that there will be someone at ZedFest doing relocations. He is usually there.

Tony.

 

[Paul Rice]

Roof motor as mentione, Springs snap not always noticable on the rears, sticky steering. Water pump should best be changed around 90k clutch last about 100k dependent how its be driven. Other than that great cars great engine.

 

[koolflyer]

Thanks for that info guys and will get him to check all the points you have mentioned. He's now bought what appears to be a nice 2.5 down in Cornwall, which is where he lives. Looking forward to having a drive, if he'll give the old man the keys!

 

[TexasTBone]

I restore Z4s and these are all the things I check during a pre-purchase inspection:
BMW Z4 PrePurchase:

Exterior:
Tires
Valve stem caps
Rear brake rotors
Front brake pads
Front brake rotors
Front brake pads
Front & Rear brake sensors
Front struts
Rear struts
Convertible top condition
Windshield
Side/Rear glass
Windshield cowl cover
Windshield rubber seal
Windshield washer blades
Windshield washer pump
Windshield washer reservoir
Hood & trunk BMW badges
Side BMW badges
Third rear tail light
Radio antenna
Fuel cap gasket condition
Faded headlights
Fog light condition
Front grill
Dents
Post manufacturer paint work
Clear coat condition
Wheel rash
Wheel clear coat
Emissions/Inspection
Exterior light operation

Engine:
Gas assisted hood lifts
Valve gasket leaks
Oil cap gasket
Oil condition
Air filter
Brake fluid condition
Engine operation

Trunk:
Gas assisted trunk lifts
Trunk Cargo mat condition
Battery age

Interior:
Ignition lock operation
Any computer codes
A/C operation/Blower motor operation
Sound system/Speaker quality
Conv top front locking motor operation
Conv top Hydraulic motor operation
Seat heater operation
Steering wheel leather condition
Interior seats condition
Interior carpet condition
Interior doors & handles
Interior console & knee pads
Floor mat condition
Gear shift knob condition
Gear shift surround condition
Cigarette lighter present?
Console ashtray condition
Door sill plate condition
Cup holder operation
Seat back coverings loose?
Water on carpet behind seats?

Other:
Two keys?
Interior air filter

 

[koolflyer]

Thanks Texas TBone for all that stuff, appreciated mate