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Post by firemac on Jun 9, 2019 12:41:30 GMT
My daughter bought a 118i BMW convertible last July which we were happy to loan her the money for (this is only pertinent to what follows; we are always happy to help the kids out). It has the N43 engine which is a lovely thing to drive but isn't one of Munich's finest bits of kit, something I only found out some time afterwards.
To get to the point, the engine went bang about 6 weeks ago and it has had a new factory engine fitted by the local BMW dealer (not a recon). The total cost was 13K+ which the warranty company paid and it cost us nothing. My girl loves the car but understandably has lost faith in it so she wants rid of it reluctantly. We have suggested that she take over our Saab (white, soft top so ticks nearly all of her boxes) and sells the BMW. That will limit her losses, allows her breathing space to decide what to do about a replacement and keeps the Saab in the family, which is important to me.
It looks like she is going to go for this option but I am seriously thinking about keeping the BMW myself as it is a lovely car to drive and I am a big fan of the marque. The engine is the issue but research on the Web indicates that most of its problems had to do with BMW's condition-based servicing; N43s that have had annual oil and filter changes don't suffer the problems. The new engine has had the shortcomings addressed (the last N43s were apparently OK by the time they were replaced in 2016 - our car is a 2013 model), the engine has 24 months warranty as it was fitted by a BMW dealer and getting some use out of it seems to make sense - it has only done 33K miles and we are the second owner.
My sensible head says I should let it go but, but.... If my daughter takes the Saab then I need to get something else. The RAV is OK but not exactly a fun drive. The BMW is but it might be a risk.
Anyway there is a lot of experience and good sense amongst you good folks so I would really appreciate any advice. 🤔
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Post by Hoovie on Jun 9, 2019 13:16:06 GMT
I would be inclined to advertise it for sale at top money. If you get a seller, a result; if not you get to use the car in the meantime and give you a while to decide if it is a long-term keeper (and you have a fair bit of breathing space to decide that).
I recall BMW had some issues with their camchains (I think?) a few years ago and they were breaking prematurely and impossible to get to without a full engine-out job so couldn't even pre-emptively replace.
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Post by firemac on Jun 9, 2019 13:39:37 GMT
I would be inclined to advertise it for sale at top money. If you get a seller, a result; if not you get to use the car in the meantime and give you a while to decide if it is a long-term keeper (and you have a fair bit of breathing space to decide that). I recall BMW had some issues with their camchains (I think?) a few years ago and they were breaking prematurely and impossible to get to without a full engine-out job so couldn't even pre-emptively replace. Yes, the N43 was one of those but replacement engine has a redesigned chain and followers. To be honest, David, I am not happy selling it privately simply because of the engine replacement. I am more inclined to trade it for something else for me or just let it go to WBAC or EH. I won't get as much but that doesn't worry me much and my conscience would be more settled. |
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Post by davrav on Jun 9, 2019 13:53:16 GMT
Sounds to me that you are trying to convince yourself to keep it, despite, as you say, having some considerable reservations Jim. What about a convertible with the four circles on the front?
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Post by firemac on Jun 9, 2019 14:08:37 GMT
Sounds to me that you are trying to convince yourself to keep it, despite, as you say, having some considerable reservations Jim. What about a convertible with the four circles on the front? Dave, you're not wrong. I really like the car and it's very difficult to be objective about it. I can almost convince myself that because I now do such a low annual mileage, the risk is small. But I am not totally convinced hence the post. Re Audi, that's a very sensible suggestion but, frankly, I just don't like VAG stuff. It is well made, generally reliable and reasonable value but I just can't stand 'em. 😞 |
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Post by davrav on Jun 9, 2019 14:16:23 GMT
Sounds to me that you are trying to convince yourself to keep it, despite, as you say, having some considerable reservations Jim. What about a convertible with the four circles on the front? Dave, you're not wrong. I really like the car and it's very difficult to be objective about it. I can almost convince myself that because I now do such a low annual mileage, the risk is small. But I am not totally convinced hence the post. Re Audi, that's a very sensible suggestion but, frankly, I just don't like VAG stuff. It is well made, generally reliable and reasonable value but I just can't stand 'em. 😞 Must admit, though I know that the TT is a fairly safe bet, I just can't be doing with the 'jelly mould' shape. One of the reasons I ended up with an SLK. |
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Post by charliefarlie on Jun 9, 2019 15:11:16 GMT
If the engine issues are sorted now they should not be a worry...
Truthfully the Saab is a gentleman’s Sunday cruiser and the 1 series a lady’s car. Not the other way round. But of course it’s what suits you guys nothing else.
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Post by firemac on Jun 9, 2019 15:25:07 GMT
If the engine issues are sorted now they should not be a worry... Truthfully the Saab is a gentleman’s Sunday cruiser and the 1 series a lady’s car. Not the other way round. But of course it’s what suits you guys nothing else. A bit stereotypical but essentially true, Charlie. However the Beemer is an M-Sport and that does make a difference to the way it drives. I just find it overall a nice car to drive and the seating position is perfect. Re the engine issues, that is exactly what I keep telling myself, but if it did go pop again, I would feel uber stupid. 😩 |
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Post by charliefarlie on Jun 9, 2019 15:29:23 GMT
If the engine issues are sorted now they should not be a worry... Truthfully the Saab is a gentleman’s Sunday cruiser and the 1 series a lady’s car. Not the other way round. But of course it’s what suits you guys nothing else. A bit stereotypical but essentially true, Charlie. However the Beemer is an M-Sport and that does make a difference to the way it drives. I just find it overall a nice car to drive and the seating position is perfect. Re the engine issues, that is exactly what I keep telling myself, but if it did go pop again, I would feel uber stupid. 😩 My main point Jim is that if the engine is a sorted one then why worry ? Might be the only time you ever hear me say this but keep the warranty ticking over ? You should not for a second feel stupid even if it went again which it very likely won’t. Information says it’s sorted so that should be that. 👍👍 |
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Post by davidwilson on Jun 9, 2019 15:34:52 GMT
If it's got 24 months warranty, enjoy for 18 months and then decide. I can't see a downside if you like and can afford the car 😀
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Post by clarki on Jun 9, 2019 15:44:27 GMT
Trade it for something newer/better. If it was mine i'd have lost faith as well tbh.
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Post by unclebob on Jun 9, 2019 15:55:32 GMT
My logic is the replacement engine has the redesigned chain and followers so should give no more problems, so either keep it yourself or say to your daughter it’s all sorted keep on using it 👍🏻
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Post by jasehutch on Jun 9, 2019 16:15:26 GMT
If the indicators work I'd keep it...  |
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Post by unclebob on Jun 9, 2019 17:52:21 GMT
If the indicators work I'd keep it...  Think it’s written in the handbook BMW drivers don’t need to use them 😄😄😉 |
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Post by firemac on Jun 9, 2019 18:07:35 GMT
A bit stereotypical but essentially true, Charlie. However the Beemer is an M-Sport and that does make a difference to the way it drives. I just find it overall a nice car to drive and the seating position is perfect. Re the engine issues, that is exactly what I keep telling myself, but if it did go pop again, I would feel uber stupid. 😩 My main point Jim is that if the engine is a sorted one then why worry ? Might be the only time you ever hear me say this but keep the warranty ticking over ? You should not for a second feel stupid even if it went again which it very likely won’t. Information says it’s sorted so that should be that. 👍👍 Warranty has little value left now because it is limited to the purchase value of the car. It does not mean that I cannot take out another with a different company. The original warranty company (WMS) were brilliant and we have had them on the Saab since we bought it in 2016. I can't recommend them highly enough. |
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