I think I should sell my E82 but don't know what to get next
Discussion
Im having a bit of a dilemma with my E82 at the moment. Its my daily however It really is starting to feel its age at the moment and ill admit im struggling to keep up with the maintenance. Currently leaking/burning? oil with a small amount of oil pooling into the eccentric shaft sensor thats needed for the variable valve timing along with periods of feeling like a slog to drive, that I can't (nor indy/specialist garages) seem to trace it down too without throwing parts at at it. Not to mention the knackered suspension.
I can start taking it apart and investing in heavier duty diagnostics equipment but my patience is wearing thin - everyone goes on about how great the N52 is but im convinced I have a duff one. Ive had my car 2 years and I don't think any refresh of parts has made it feel any better and im starting to realise that the next lot of parts that it may need is really going to add up (possible valve cover, Disa Valves, timing sensors etc). Its done 110k miles and is an SE manual so im not even sure its worth that much anymore.
However looking at the used car options at the moment really is bleak. I think ideally looking at something newer would be best but it will only get you into something very base spec with a tiny engine, very high mileage for its age or diesel (Which is a big no as I drive into ULEZ areas!) Without going into the price bracket above - £8-12k range. If I stick with rough price with what id hope id get for mine, im relegated to old or high mileage stuff or both.
And despite the trouble I am having I will say it is a nice car to sit in and I like the car for what it is - I have spent on freshening the interior up and have invested a good amount into maintaining it already as im fully aware its an older car now. Just unfortunately to get it driving how I want it along with preventive maintenance is starting to get a bit much and I did purchase it knowing what to expect - just not at this rate. I just don't know what I would want to chop it in for annoyingly. Has anyone else had this dilemma
I can start taking it apart and investing in heavier duty diagnostics equipment but my patience is wearing thin - everyone goes on about how great the N52 is but im convinced I have a duff one. Ive had my car 2 years and I don't think any refresh of parts has made it feel any better and im starting to realise that the next lot of parts that it may need is really going to add up (possible valve cover, Disa Valves, timing sensors etc). Its done 110k miles and is an SE manual so im not even sure its worth that much anymore.
However looking at the used car options at the moment really is bleak. I think ideally looking at something newer would be best but it will only get you into something very base spec with a tiny engine, very high mileage for its age or diesel (Which is a big no as I drive into ULEZ areas!) Without going into the price bracket above - £8-12k range. If I stick with rough price with what id hope id get for mine, im relegated to old or high mileage stuff or both.
And despite the trouble I am having I will say it is a nice car to sit in and I like the car for what it is - I have spent on freshening the interior up and have invested a good amount into maintaining it already as im fully aware its an older car now. Just unfortunately to get it driving how I want it along with preventive maintenance is starting to get a bit much and I did purchase it knowing what to expect - just not at this rate. I just don't know what I would want to chop it in for annoyingly. Has anyone else had this dilemma
Not strictly on the topic you have asked about, but I had a burning oil problem on my N52 and it turned out to just need the valvetronic motor gasket replacing. £30 for the genuine BMW part and about an hour of fiddling on the driveway and it was sorted. Might be worth a try, it was pooling oil around the coil packs and this was running down, hitting the exhaust resulting in smoke pouring into the cabin.
Is it throwing any codes that might explain the sluggishness? The gasket issue also caused a vacuum leak but this did give me an EML on and off, and a myriad of codes.
Is it throwing any codes that might explain the sluggishness? The gasket issue also caused a vacuum leak but this did give me an EML on and off, and a myriad of codes.
ajguk said:
Not strictly on the topic you have asked about, but I had a burning oil problem on my N52 and it turned out to just need the valvetronic motor gasket replacing. £30 for the genuine BMW part and about an hour of fiddling on the driveway and it was sorted. Might be worth a try, it was pooling oil around the coil packs and this was running down, hitting the exhaust resulting in smoke pouring into the cabin.
Is it throwing any codes that might explain the sluggishness? The gasket issue also caused a vacuum leak but this did give me an EML on and off, and a myriad of codes.
Funny you should mention that. As i have exactly that too - oil spilling down the side from the gasket but i do think im getting through a lot of oil despite this. How quick did your oil drop when you had this? Ive used a quart in 2 months of normal driving- only other option is a faulty oil sensor. I plan to move to a thicker oil and replace the gasket hopefully.Is it throwing any codes that might explain the sluggishness? The gasket issue also caused a vacuum leak but this did give me an EML on and off, and a myriad of codes.
Was the gasket an easy job, I understand you have to be careful with the vvt motor and relearn its position. I have no codes showing up on mine but performance feels pretty flat right now, did yours improved afterwards?
Wow well investigating the classifieds for small cheap petrol cars is pretty alarming. Im seeing 1.0l Aygos/C1s Ups on for more than what i paid for the 125i and with minimum kit and not much less mileage when i bought it. I can only assume ULEZ has contributed towards this but im starting to think that maybe id regret parting with it….ex £2-3k cars now seem to be easily £5-6k cars now if lower mileage.
Unfortunately im in a position where the cars regarded as not quite a shed now nor a shining example of the model so im caught in middle really where im kind of stuck with it regardless.
Unfortunately im in a position where the cars regarded as not quite a shed now nor a shining example of the model so im caught in middle really where im kind of stuck with it regardless.
E82_125i said:
Funny you should mention that. As i have exactly that too - oil spilling down the side from the gasket but i do think im getting through a lot of oil despite this. How quick did your oil drop when you had this? Ive used a quart in 2 months of normal driving- only other option is a faulty oil sensor. I plan to move to a thicker oil and replace the gasket hopefully.
Was the gasket an easy job, I understand you have to be careful with the vvt motor and relearn its position. I have no codes showing up on mine but performance feels pretty flat right now, did yours improved afterwards?
Mine is an E89 Z4 with the electronic dipstick so nothing for me to physically check as such, but the onboard computer when I checked the levels never gave me an issue, it didn’t seem to drop. I first replaced it in February after smoke poured in during a visit to Aldi…..absolutely sh*t myself and nursed it home. I used a non-genuine part and initially it was fine, then one day in May (and not many miles later) the car would start and then cut out. Eventually got the EML codes and they were that the engine was running lean, which pointed to a vacuum leak. My Indy told me they couldn’t immediately see the issue (it was intermittent at this point tbf) but recommended a tank of Vpower (£80) and they also asked if I’d electronically reset the motor….I hadn’t, so another £50 please. This made bugger all difference, and the issue got worse until it eventually was constant - start the car, it cuts out. Realised I was still losing oil through the gasket so ordered a new one and hoped it would also cure the vac leak and it did.Was the gasket an easy job, I understand you have to be careful with the vvt motor and relearn its position. I have no codes showing up on mine but performance feels pretty flat right now, did yours improved afterwards?
To answer your question - I’ve done 500 miles since with no ‘electronic’ reset on the motor, which many people say they don’t bother with anyway, the throttle position relearns. Following advice from various forums told me to use ignition position one then pull the key out….you can hear the motor cycling. I’ve had no ill effects, and I’m not that interested in yet another BMW snake oil diagnosis, I’d rather just enjoy the car.
Performance wise it’s perfect so nothing to report. Oh and it’s easy relatively, just fiddly. The bottom bolt under the motor is an absolute sod to get to, you need a flexible ratchet but other than that, it’s straightforward. Loads of guides on YT that I used! Sorry for the length of this waffle…..
ajguk said:
Mine is an E89 Z4 with the electronic dipstick so nothing for me to physically check as such, but the onboard computer when I checked the levels never gave me an issue, it didn’t seem to drop. I first replaced it in February after smoke poured in during a visit to Aldi…..absolutely sh*t myself and nursed it home. I used a non-genuine part and initially it was fine, then one day in May (and not many miles later) the car would start and then cut out. Eventually got the EML codes and they were that the engine was running lean, which pointed to a vacuum leak. My Indy told me they couldn’t immediately see the issue (it was intermittent at this point tbf) but recommended a tank of Vpower (£80) and they also asked if I’d electronically reset the motor….I hadn’t, so another £50 please. This made bugger all difference, and the issue got worse until it eventually was constant - start the car, it cuts out. Realised I was still losing oil through the gasket so ordered a new one and hoped it would also cure the vac leak and it did.
To answer your question - I’ve done 500 miles since with no ‘electronic’ reset on the motor, which many people say they don’t bother with anyway, the throttle position relearns. Following advice from various forums told me to use ignition position one then pull the key out….you can hear the motor cycling. I’ve had no ill effects, and I’m not that interested in yet another BMW snake oil diagnosis, I’d rather just enjoy the car.
Performance wise it’s perfect so nothing to report. Oh and it’s easy relatively, just fiddly. The bottom bolt under the motor is an absolute sod to get to, you need a flexible ratchet but other than that, it’s straightforward. Loads of guides on YT that I used! Sorry for the length of this waffle…..
That sounds like quite a saga! And similar to the advice ive had with my car re looking into why its not performing right. To answer your question - I’ve done 500 miles since with no ‘electronic’ reset on the motor, which many people say they don’t bother with anyway, the throttle position relearns. Following advice from various forums told me to use ignition position one then pull the key out….you can hear the motor cycling. I’ve had no ill effects, and I’m not that interested in yet another BMW snake oil diagnosis, I’d rather just enjoy the car.
Performance wise it’s perfect so nothing to report. Oh and it’s easy relatively, just fiddly. The bottom bolt under the motor is an absolute sod to get to, you need a flexible ratchet but other than that, it’s straightforward. Loads of guides on YT that I used! Sorry for the length of this waffle…..
The symptoms on yours sound a bit more dramatic than mine lol but i do have the burning smell from the oil escaping the gasket hitting the exhaust heat shield.
Im looking into getting the ISTA software to run some diagnostics before i take the plunge and start replacing parts as a last chance salon - but i hope to get the gasket done just to keep the oil from dropping quite as much at least. I may give it a go as it sounds as though it may not be too daunting.
Re the car i fear i may have lost the enthusiasm to get it all sorted though and that the damage may be done. I use it everyday for work so the longer its off the road the more of a pain it is to arrange the repairs as there’s definitely things on this car that are beyond my skillset.
Im wondering if id be better off with something boring, even though i was fortunate enough to pick mine up for a fair price before prices went mad…i think this time around I won’t have the luxury without financing, taking out another loan or going for something with just as high mileage which i want to avoid next time i think.
Unfortunately i think im debating this at the worst time with the used car market as it is.
Edited by E82_125i on Monday 4th September 23:59
I think ive realised that no matter if its running well or not - the 1 series isnt well suited for hopping around town in stop start traffic - so am thinking it may be best to move on regrettably. I dont really want to finance again for another car but ive spotted a few candidates that may be a better replacement albeit newer with less annoying maintenance items to worry about.
Has anyone had any experience of the Volvo V40 - seems like a nice smart looking car and pretty practical. Either that or something mid size along the lines of previous gen Ford Focus, Seat Leon. It would inolve spending a bit more but would be a car that would hopefully be pretty trouble free for the next couple of years.
Failing that im wondering if its better to go for the next segment down towards something like a Polo or Toyota Yaris - however these dont seem to be significantly cheaper....
I think its fait to say my 1 series is in borderline shed money now so finding a modern replacement is proving to be difficult without going full on economy!
Has anyone had any experience of the Volvo V40 - seems like a nice smart looking car and pretty practical. Either that or something mid size along the lines of previous gen Ford Focus, Seat Leon. It would inolve spending a bit more but would be a car that would hopefully be pretty trouble free for the next couple of years.
Failing that im wondering if its better to go for the next segment down towards something like a Polo or Toyota Yaris - however these dont seem to be significantly cheaper....
I think its fait to say my 1 series is in borderline shed money now so finding a modern replacement is proving to be difficult without going full on economy!
The N52 isn’t such a conundrum, just do the jobs right and they’ll be done.
If you’ve not done cam cover/gasket, then I’d just have the whole lot off, replaced, oil filter gasket bit, that sensor in there while you’re there, etc.
Just tick stuff off and go from there.
I’d find a better indy if they can’t just use a flow chart to determine what a problem might be.
And/or learn to DIY a bit.
If you’ve not done cam cover/gasket, then I’d just have the whole lot off, replaced, oil filter gasket bit, that sensor in there while you’re there, etc.
Just tick stuff off and go from there.
I’d find a better indy if they can’t just use a flow chart to determine what a problem might be.
And/or learn to DIY a bit.
8-12k is a pretty good budget to get something newer. Are you still thinking performance? Similar size? Automatic for traffic?
Golf/Polo GTI, Octavia VRS, Leon Cupra, Clio 200 EDC, Fiesta/Focus ST, Renault Sport Megane, 208 GTI, Mini Cooper S, Audi S3 (some of these are manual and a bit smaller, as per your brief). Might be worth looking at the less premium brands in terms of running costs.
Golf/Polo GTI, Octavia VRS, Leon Cupra, Clio 200 EDC, Fiesta/Focus ST, Renault Sport Megane, 208 GTI, Mini Cooper S, Audi S3 (some of these are manual and a bit smaller, as per your brief). Might be worth looking at the less premium brands in terms of running costs.
Mr Tidy said:
I'm not sure you have a duff N52 engine, more likely a duff garage!
I'm on my 4th N52 engined car because they are so good! It's a 122K mile manual 330i, runs beautifully and goes well if I'm in a hurry!
I know thats why im so gutted. I know its a good engine and thats partly why i bought it. Unfortunately something or other plugged into it isnt 100%. But when the cars not telling you whats wrong with it and various specialists cant seem to pinpoint anything what can you do……Well im hoping to get hold of the INPA software to run some tests as i dont want to keep paying garages for the privilege.I'm on my 4th N52 engined car because they are so good! It's a 122K mile manual 330i, runs beautifully and goes well if I'm in a hurry!
culpz said:
8-12k is a pretty good budget to get something newer. Are you still thinking performance? Similar size? Automatic for traffic?
Golf/Polo GTI, Octavia VRS, Leon Cupra, Clio 200 EDC, Fiesta/Focus ST, Renault Sport Megane, 208 GTI, Mini Cooper S, Audi S3 (some of these are manual and a bit smaller, as per your brief). Might be worth looking at the less premium brands in terms of running costs.
Thats what im not sure on and judging by the market, thats what id likely need to budget towards for something newer. Im not sure about performance as it doesn’t seem to serve me well with my track record…I spend a good chunk of my driving around town so am starting to think its wasted.Golf/Polo GTI, Octavia VRS, Leon Cupra, Clio 200 EDC, Fiesta/Focus ST, Renault Sport Megane, 208 GTI, Mini Cooper S, Audi S3 (some of these are manual and a bit smaller, as per your brief). Might be worth looking at the less premium brands in terms of running costs.
Another alternative is to go the other way and get something a bit sheddy but with less to go wrong like a fiesta etc…however i would probably go as cheap as possible for the most looked after example I could find if i was going to that route. Just at a cross roads with what to do and cannot determine what seems to be the best option in this current climate.
E82_125i said:
Mr Tidy said:
I'm not sure you have a duff N52 engine, more likely a duff garage!
I'm on my 4th N52 engined car because they are so good! It's a 122K mile manual 330i, runs beautifully and goes well if I'm in a hurry!
I know thats why im so gutted. I know its a good engine and thats partly why i bought it. Unfortunately something or other plugged into it isnt 100%. But when the cars not telling you whats wrong with it and various specialists cant seem to pinpoint anything what can you do……Well im hoping to get hold of the INPA software to run some tests as i dont want to keep paying garages for the privilege.I'm on my 4th N52 engined car because they are so good! It's a 122K mile manual 330i, runs beautifully and goes well if I'm in a hurry!
Oil on top end? Replace cam cover, do all breathers and other oil gaskets while there. £500-£750. All like new.
A slog to drive at times? What’s that mean?
It sounds like you just need to open your wallet.
Yes a newer car might be newer, but they won’t be impervious to a random biggish bill, and likely to also add a bigger depreciation hit.
Mr Whippy said:
What’s actually wrong with it?
Oil on top end? Replace cam cover, do all breathers and other oil gaskets while there. £500-£750. All like new.
A slog to drive at times? What’s that mean?
It sounds like you just need to open your wallet.
Yes a newer car might be newer, but they won’t be impervious to a random biggish bill, and likely to also add a bigger depreciation hit.
Thats the thing im really not sure. Its why im frustrated because nothing is actually pointing as to what may be wrong. Oil on top end? Replace cam cover, do all breathers and other oil gaskets while there. £500-£750. All like new.
A slog to drive at times? What’s that mean?
It sounds like you just need to open your wallet.
Yes a newer car might be newer, but they won’t be impervious to a random biggish bill, and likely to also add a bigger depreciation hit.
A slog to drive id say at the moment means it feels lethargic and bogged down (especially at lower revs - it doesn’t seem to rev that keenly). It tends to do this more when warmed up and especially in warmer weather like at the moment.
The oil consumption is quite high too, admittedly i have an oil leak from a valvetronic gasket but id say still high considering. Im trying not to investigate oil consumption causes too much because often youre often met with pistonrings, valvestems bad bearings and quite nasty sounding stuff. Hopefully its just a gasket!
Around town it’s feeling like a chore to drive with heavy acceleration-kind of like it’s dragging itself along (no - brakes are fine)
I also think its running rich by the way it drives. Its hard to describe but i know its not running right and not the usual smooth power you get from a 6 cyl.
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff