Buying advice, HELP

[370bhpgolf]

Going to view an s50 tomorrow and wondered what in particular I should be lookin for ?
Cheers

[speed8]

Apart from the usual car stuff.

Based on posts here and zroadster.net I would think the following are the main issues and certainly what I looked for when I was looking for mine.

Listen for a rumble/growl from the Vanos as it drops down through the revs at around 2k to 2.5k. Personally I think the Vanos issue is overhyped as BMW tended to replace rather than repair but needs to be checked anyway. If you don't know what it sounds like check youtube or somebody here can maybe post a link.

Look for excess oil around the Vanos, might be nothing but would be worth changing bolts/filter/seals if there is some.

Lift up the boot floor covers and check for broken welds or floor panel separation. Have a look at the other thread on here to see what you're looking for.

Should go through the gears smoothly when warm but can be a bit clunky when cold. When cold you find that a lot of cars 5th gear doesn't return to centre when you let it go back to neutral. It's fine when warm and personally I think it's nothing to worry about. There's a kit to replace the spring iirc which can be changed next time the clutch is done.

Check for a clunk/play in the driveline as you change gear, particularly 1st to 2nd. Can be due to user fat footedness but could also be due to worn diff mount bushing or prop bushings. Diff bushing is a £20 part and an hour or two to change.

Other things that might go wrong on these are rear top mounts. A lot of people have replaced them or upgraded to Rogue I think.

Can't think of anything else. Everything should work obviously and it drive well.

[370bhpgolf]

That's great , thanks speed8.

[b3kaw]

hi mate. noticed you spotted me in poulton le fylde. do you live near there i've had my m coupe for 8 years now. cheers james

[370bhpgolf]

Hi mate, yes I live in Kirkham. Been to look at an S50 today but couldn't decide about its condition.
Would you mind meeting up, just so I could at least see another one in the flesh ?
Cheers
Joe

[b3kaw]

joe no of course not. i'm off to le mans on monday night so a bit pushed for time at the moment. i'll pm you me contact details. james

[370bhpgolf]

That's great, thanks James.