E87 118d "shed" - how much hassle to solve these issues?

[MitchT]

I've found a conveniently located 118d on Autotrader. It has three faults listed...

• Rear wiper doesn't work.
• Parking sensors don't work.
• Passenger side electric window doesn't work.

As these issues are electrical could there be one thing causing all of them? Otherwise, how much of a pain would it be to sort? I could live without the rear wiper and parking sensors but I could do with the electric window working.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412047...

For context...

I'm thinking of buying a shed to see me by until my unicorn F32 440i comes up for sale. I want an E87 1 Series as my OH has had one as long as I've known her (over 14 years) and it's been pretty much bulletproof. Also, I know what issues can crop up in MOTs, etc., so I'd feel confident buying an old, cheap one. Normally I wouldn't buy a car so old and cheap as it's too much of an unknown quantity and could be a money pit, but I do want to minimise the hit I take when I move it on when my dream car comes up, hence something so cheap that I can't lose much even if I have to practically give it away!

[Shooter McGavin]

All of those issues are probably easily fixable.

I would be more concerned about taking on an N47 diesel engine of this vintage and mileage because of their known timing chain issues.

The advert says " Also the service warning light comes on - however the car is fully serviced, which I have the history for - this light has been on for year and no issue with the daily usage of the car.

That makes me very nervous. It is prime mileage for a chain failure on that engine. Unless that history includes a timing chain replacement - highly unlikely otherwise they would have mentioned it - I would pass on this one.

https://www.beverleymotorworks.co.uk/knowledge-cen...

ETA: I see you discussed that back in August over here. https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Sadly I don't think the advice has changed. These are cheap for a reason as they probably have a £12-£1500 bill in store for you (preventative maintenance) otherwise more if the chain snaps.

Someone has been smoking around in this with the service light on for a year , I would run for the hills!

If you want a cheap, reliable hatchback at this price point a petrol Honda Civic is pretty bulletproof.

Edited by Shooter McGavin on Tuesday 17th December 11:33

[MitchT]

Regarding the service light, I'd have to see which symbol is illuminated. The OH had hers serviced at a local garage. They cancelled the notification for the service but the service light wouldn't turn off. I looked at the symbol on the dashboard and determined that the cabin air filter also needed doing. I changed that myself and cancelled the notification for it and the service light is off now, so it could be something as simple as that.

I'm aware of the timing chain issues. I'd have a listen and, if there are no scary noises on start-up, I might choose to take my chances!