First BMer 2010 120i E88 good choice?

[e88dood 3]

Hi all,

I found this gem and could not resist.  2010 and it's near show room mint with only 47,000kms.  It drives like a dream.

The engine bay is also spotless, looks literally brand new. 

Whole car seems lightly used and garaged.

So, my only concerns now are preventative maintenance.  I don't want anything to bite me in the arse.  At 47,000 kms is there anything to worry about much yet?  The dealer gave me a 12 month warranty as well.  I picked it up for just under 14k which considering the new like condition felt a good deal.  The ragtop is also flawless and looks new, and  I am heading to supercheap auto today to investigate some ragtop treatments to keep it UV and water protected.

I notice the car has a clear wrap around the bottom edges and 1/3 front bonnet (what is that wrap called?), one spot is slightly bubbled so curious who does these wraps and where I can get it mended in Dunedin.

For the most part it's a daily driver, my work is only 7mins drive + the odd errands.  I doubt I'll put more than 5-8,000kms a year.

I'm thinking to be safe, I should have a full service done on it at the dealer?  

Cheers!

[M3AN 4015]

Nice pickup... it's always nice when you're satisfied with  purchase. ?

Unless you have the service history it might be a good idea to take it to an independent BMW specialist (there are Dunedin members here that will be able to provide recommendations) for a full inspection and service... things to consider will be brakes (easy inspection), oil and filter (almost mandatory), cooling system check and flush/replace coolant, power steering check, air filter check (probably replace), code reading (for any hidden faults), check plugs and leads (probably fine)... probably some other basics I've missed.

Oh, and welcome!

Edited January 31, 2020 by M3AN

[e88dood 3]

43 minutes ago, M3AN said:

Nice pickup... it's always nice when you're satisfied with  purchase. ?

Unless you have the service history it might be a good idea to take it to an independent BMW specialist (there are Dunedin members here that will be able to provide recommendations) for a full inspection and service... things to consider will be brakes (easy inspection), oil and filter (almost mandatory), cooling system check and flush/replace coolant, power steering check, air filter check (probably replace), code reading (for any hidden faults), check plugs and leads (probably fine)... probably some other basics I've missed.

Oh, and welcome!

Thanks!  I'll ask in the forums for some Dunedin recommendations

[qube 3568]

http://mywikimotors.com/n43b20/

https://babybmw.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=103282

 

read up on the N43 engine, not the greatest engine from BMW but given the mileage you do per year it should be alright.

Also, dont ever think that 20,000km service interval is good enough. stick to a 8,000-10,000km routine and get it scanned for fault codes etc. 

1 year warranty is nice but if you are planning to keep it a long time I wouldnt rely on it and maintain it best as possible. or keep it for a year then sell it

[e88dood 3]

34 minutes ago, qube said:

http://mywikimotors.com/n43b20/

https://babybmw.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=103282

 

read up on the N43 engine, not the greatest engine from BMW but given the mileage you do per year it should be alright.

Also, dont ever think that 20,000km service interval is good enough. stick to a 8,000-10,000km routine and get it scanned for fault codes etc. 

1 year warranty is nice but if you are planning to keep it a long time I wouldnt rely on it and maintain it best as possible. or keep it for a year then sell it

Cheers!

[e88dood 3]

Can anyone recommend the best fuel/type for this n43 engine?  Details online seem scarce, thanks

[qube 3568]

any 95 or 98 would be fine except gull.

91 is no good for any european car these days

[e88dood 3]

8 minutes ago, qube said:

any 95 or 98 would be fine except gull.

91 is no good for any european car these days

cool

[M3AN 4015]

You don't need 98 though, stick with 95 and save some coin. If you want to believe 98 is better for your engine then run a tank through it every 3 months.

[Palazzo 427]

2 hours ago, qube said:

any 95 or 98 would be fine except gull.

91 is no good for any european car these days

Based on what?

[e88dood 3]

Hey, dealer has given me 1 yr warranty.  But I can tack on additional warranty, was thinking of getting the 36month, unlimited kms.  They're a main official euro dealer in Dunedin, they're service has been second to none so far.  I feel like these guys will look after me and the peace of mind of having 4yrs all up is tempting.  deals below:

24 month warranty is $1695.00 and 36 months is $1895.00. These give you unlimited km’s and have a maximum claim limit of $10,000 per claim.

You can get 24 month warranty $1495.00 and 36 months $1695.00, unlimited km’s with a $5000 claim limit

Or am I better to just go 3rd party?  My concerns with 3rd party are, dealing with claims etc vs. just towing it to the dealer and they sort it out.

**edit this is in New Zealand so NZD = 1200 USD

Edited February 1, 2020 by e88dood

[M3AN 4015]

No point in going 3rd party, it will cost the same. Is the warranty BMW is offering a BMW factory warranty or a 3rd party one like Autosure? A factory warranty would be better.

How long? Well that's up to you really... at what point can you extend it? If you can wait you might as well do so and upgrade the warranty during the 11th month of your current one if you think it's necessary.

 

[M3AN 4015]

1 hour ago, Palazzo said:

Based on what?

It's not hard rule but since 91 isn't available in Europe (min. is 95) then we can assume they're testing the vehicles with 95 (or 98+). The common recommendation is to use 95+ in all European petrol cars. Will it make a difference? Possibly not. Is it safer? Absolutely yes.

So for the sake of ~$100 a year difference then you might as well take the safe route and use 95.

Edit: obviously the higher the compression ratio the higher octane level you want... not sure where the 120i sits in this regard.

Edited February 1, 2020 by M3AN

[qube 3568]

Based on the petrol flap?

[Palazzo 427]

I was referring to Gull.

[M3AN 4015]

4 minutes ago, Palazzo said:

I was referring to Gull.

Oh. 

Many discussions here about Gull fuel, just do a search. I'm no expert but some people have firm opinions on the quality. 

[qube 3568]

 

here is a discussion but at the end of the day its your car your choice of fuel. i stick with BP or mobil.