considering a cheap e89 sdrive35i

[bmwsteve 1]

Hey guys. I've come across what a seller is saying is an e89 sdrive35i twi  turbo with 180kms for $11k.

I put it through a vin decoder which says it's a manual but it's clearly an auto.

What's a good way to confirm it being the twin turbo rather than a regular 30i? No badges on the car in the pictures. Also is  that worth the price? Only been looking at these recently and I know the used car market has gone bonkers recently.

Also any one in palmy want to have a look at it with me?

Edited June 25, 2023 by bmwsteve

[KwS 2425]

If you'd dug a little deeper you'd find a thread on here if it being sold previously.

 

It has/had a lot of good bits on it but looks like its a fair bit rougher now than it was. When it was first listed by the current owner they had only recently got it from Turners, and had a bunch of warning lights on, so I'd go into it with eyes wide open. Its a heck of a car for not much money, but it could also be an incredible amount of pain since it has the N54 and no service history.

I believe it says its a manual because its DCT, not auto.

[bmwsteve 1]

13 minutes ago, KwS said:

If you'd dug a little deeper you'd find a thread on here if it being sold previously.

 

It has/had a lot of good bits on it but looks like its a fair bit rougher now than it was. When it was first listed by the current owner they had only recently got it from Turners, and had a bunch of warning lights on, so I'd go into it with eyes wide open. Its a heck of a car for not much money, but it could also be an incredible amount of pain since it has the N54 and no service history.

I believe it says its a manual because its DCT, not auto.

Oh legend thanks mate. Where did you see it listed for sale from the current owner? Only just joined this 2 days ago so still finding my way around

[KwS 2425]

7 minutes ago, bmwsteve said:

Oh legend thanks mate. Where did you see it listed for sale from the current owner? Only just joined this 2 days ago so still finding my way around

The same facebook listing you've seen it on, i presume. its been edited a couple of times.

[balancerider 757]

I wouldn't go near it without plugging in a code reader and getting the suspension looked at (it looks decidedly saggy). N54 + DCT is a nice combo though. I would say you could chop the asking price significantly depending on what codes it's throwing.

[KwS 2425]

49 minutes ago, balancerider said:

I wouldn't go near it without plugging in a code reader and getting the suspension looked at (it looks decidedly saggy). N54 + DCT is a nice combo though. I would say you could chop the asking price significantly depending on what codes it's throwing.

It's probably still on the adjustable suspension as per the thread I linked 

[elias 253]

looks like a reasonable price to me, these cars aren't cheap. Depending on service history etc N54 can be a gamble, but if you don't mind getting your hands dirty it would be a great buy imo. If you were in auckland Id give you a hand, have gained a fair bit of knowledge on the n54 over the last couple years. N54+dct is a great combo when working right. But at this price don't expect it to be a flawless car, be prepared to keep a bit of money aside for potential DCT service, gasket replacements (valve cover, oil filter housing, oil cooler, sump being the main ones) and possibly water pump, high pressure fuel pump + injectors.

[BM WORLD 1283]

yea they are factory n54 with dct , 

the e89 z4 35i where only offered as dct or manual , no automatic option 

call me for a history lesson 

[bmwsteve 1]

32 minutes ago, BM WORLD said:

yea they are factory n54 with dct , 

the e89 z4 35i where only offered as dct or manual , no automatic option 

call me for a history lesson 

Hey you're the guy that had this up for sale in 2017!

Do you run a workshop?