Hello, E86 moving from a 130i.

[Meds]

Hey guys..
Thanks to Sp3ctre and Anil for helping me out with registering.

I've started the hunt for an E86. As a replacement for my E81 130i.
I'm a long term 130i owner (2 over 14yrs) and currently own an immaculate Limited Edition 130i with many BMW Performance options. It's a beauty.




But I'm finally in a position to go back to a 2 seater, the Z4 Coupe with the same N52 engine is top of the pile. I know the engine and drivetrain very well so it's a 'comfortable' change.
So, I'll soon be posting up a wanted post and reguarly checcking the for sale section.

I'm hoping this community is as knowledgable and helpful as the 130i lot.

[brillomaster]

Nice 130i! Id keep hold of the wheels... dont see many of that style on an e86.

[Meds]

I'd LOVE to keep those wheels for my future E86 but they're specific to that model of 130i, swapping them out would be sacrilegious.

They're BBS style 216, only available on the 130i Limited Edition or a specific 3 series at the time. 320is from memory.

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I had a 123d for over 6 years before I got my first E86. The N52 is such a great engine I've now got one in my 330i daily.

Those 130iLEs are just so good looking in Carbon Black with the Lemon leather - shame they never made any with 5 doors.

You should get plenty of helpful tips on here.

I'm sure we don't need to give you any advice on the drivetrain, but it's worth checking around the edges of the boot lid on E86s as they can corrode. Rear brake lines just in front of the passenger wheel can get crusty too! And the base spec was a bit mean with things like Xenons, rear PDC and cruise all on the options list. M-Sport seats are also very desirable and were standard fit on Sport models, but I've seen them in SEs too.

Anyway good luck finding your E86.

[Meds]

And the base spec was a bit mean with things like Xenons, rear PDC and cruise all on the options list. M-Sport seats are also very desirable

I assume the rear boot lid corrosion is not a sign of abuse, just poor design from new and an indication the car has lived outside.?
Restoring is easy enough for any restoration shop?

Is there a definitive list of the options available at the time.?
Xenons are a must, agreed. Is there a way to tell externally from a front picture if it's a xenon car or not.? (not including washers, as some halogen cars have them??)

My dream spec is silver/grey/blue with a contrast interior, xenons, manual and no Idrive.
Ideally with waterpump and valve cover gasket done (i've had to do them on both my 130i's, so I'd rather not have the faff this time around)
It also must be an enthusiasts car that's been loved, with documented history.
Also, the moon on a stick, if you'd please.

[Mr Tidy]

The boot lid corrosion seems to be a design issue as water sits below the rear screen described by Roadster owners as the Bird Bath! Some Coupes new tailgates under the corrosion warranty but that has expired now. Restoration might get expensive as they seem to rust from the inside.

I've got a list of the options prices, but it's a pdf file so I can't put it on here. If you PM me with an e-mail address I'll send it to you.

Cars with OE Xenons only have one thumb-wheel next to the light switch that is to adjust the brightness of the dash lights as Xenons are self-levelling. Halogens have a 2nd wheel to adjust the headlamp beam height.

This one might fit the bill - it even has the added bonus of an LSD which would probably have cost a 4 figure sum:- viewtopic.php?t=143312

Can't help with the moon on a stick though.

[Meds]

That blue LSD one is a beauty..
With regards to the rust, can anything be done once it's identified?
Replace the window rubbers, dry out and spray cavity protector inside in an attempt to slow it down?
And how is it diagnosed? Visible from the top/externally on bad cases, do you need to pull trim apart to see the underside?

[Mr Tidy]

I expect it could be treated once it was removed with something like POR15, etc.

But you should be able to see it around the edges of the panel when it's open. It seems to affect the bottom corners.

[Meds]

This is all great info, thanks.
Are we expecting a huge amount of coupes with rusty bootlids in 5-10yrs time, then?
Are they generally rust free elsewhere, no crazy issues like the E46 arches?

[Mr Tidy]

I hope not - my current one is nearly 17 years old and looks pretty solid!

But my previous one showed some signs of it, but then it did start its life in the Manchester area.

Now they are getting on a bit they can suffer from bubbling arches, but nothing like E46s. And all the wings are bolted on anyway, unlike E46 rears.

[paddy wright]

Welcome- lovely 1er, are you keeping it too?

[Meds]

I don't think so, I'd love to, but the reality of running 3 cars would wear thin after a while.
I'll look to sell it after I secure the right Coupe, or trade it, if possible for the ease but I doubt I'll be lucky to find that opportunity.
It has a large bunch of BMW Performance parts which go for silly money, so an option is to sell them on separately and return the car to standard, I have all the original parts in the attic.

[raymond.harper]

A rough buyers guide https://classicsworld.co.uk/guides/bmw- ... ers-guide/

[Meds]

I placed a deposit yesterday on t4pilot and tuck411s previous car.
She's a beauty, thanks to those for keeping her well over the years. Now it's my turn.
A few things to keep me busy over winter, nothing major.

A weepy oil cooler gasket.
Some minor paint corrections.
I'll do the water pump as a precautionary.
Swap the wheels for some 18's.
And then a full staged machine polish and protect.

[z.sb_E85]

Beautiful example. Congrats!