Introduction & Buying My First E88

[MrGalactic]

Hi everyone - just a quick introduction. I didn't see a 'new members' section so hopefully it's okay to post here.

I've been lurking on the forum for a few months, learning as much as i can before I buy my first E88. The pinned thread "Ultimate 1-Series Buyer's Guide" has been a great resource along with the forum search function.

My BMW experience is limited to a previously-owned X5 (when i got hooked) and we've owned a couple of Mini Cooper S's throughout the years.

Anyways - I'm glad to be here and just wanted to say hello.

[Josh-PA]

Welcome. If you have any specific e88 questions feel free to post. I've had mine for almost 10 yrs now and 135k miles. Of the 20+ BMWs I've owned it's been my favorite. Happy to help with your search or other q/a

[GoRomeo]

Welcome 🤙

[FreePlayFlorida]

Hi! Ive just joined the 1 Series club as well

[JustAnotherSportsCar]

Welcome! My advice is by a super low mileage example, or one that has been thoroughly sorted out. That is unless you enjoy wrenching, then do what I did and buy a 90K+ mile car to rip apart and put back together with as many new parts as you can 😎

In my opinion, the E88 is the better looking car compared to the Coupe (sans 1M). Top down driving is a blast; get a manual 6-speed if you can.

Once sorted out, this car is tough and reliable. Fixing it can be costly, but in my recent experience fixing 3.5L transverse mounted Ford V6s is also extremely expensive.

Enjoy the ride!

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by JustAnotherSportsCar

Welcome! My advice is by a super low mileage example, or one that has been thoroughly sorted out. That is unless you enjoy wrenching, then do what I did and buy a 90K+ mile car to rip apart and put back together with as many new parts as you can 😎

In my opinion, the E88 is the better looking car compared to the Coupe (sans 1M). Top down driving is a blast; get a manual 6-speed if you can.

Once sorted out, this car is tough and reliable. Fixing it can be costly, but in my recent experience fixing 3.5L transverse mounted Ford V6s is also extremely expensive.

Enjoy the ride!

Yeap What he said ☝️😂.

[GoRomeo]

Took a few photos of mine today. Post some of yours… If you end up buyinng one Opened the hood for a bit after a couple of pulls 🛻😜

[Artdnj]

Love those wheels, mine has the 16" unfortunately. What model wheel and tire size please?

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by Artdnj

Love those wheels, mine has the 16" unfortunately. What model wheel and tire size please?

Thanks. I believe these are fully stock. style 264 Star Spoke Wheels. Size 18”. Sometimes I look for other wheel style to replace , but these are hard to replace. ☺️

[JustAnotherSportsCar]

The 264 wheels look so good in person, they are staggered and I love mine. I wish they were about 0.5 inch wider all around, but this is not a track car and the Michelin PSAS4 fit great and have that ‘little bit’ wider look to them!

[Artdnj]

Just for future reference would these fit on an E88 128i non-sport (shockingly it has square 16" stock wheels)

[JustAnotherSportsCar]

Originally Posted by Artdnj

Just for future reference would these fit on an E88 128i non-sport (shockingly it has square 16" stock wheels)

I don’t see why they wouldn’t.

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by JustAnotherSportsCar

The 264 wheels look so good in person, they are staggered and I love mine. I wish they were about 0.5 inch wider all around, but this is not a track car and the Michelin PSAS4 fit great and have that ‘little bit’ wider look to them!

Bro do you talk to UFOs with radio antenna you have??? Just giving you a hard time. 😂 Mine has the stubby one, not sure if it was changed by the previous owner 🙄

[JustAnotherSportsCar]

Originally Posted by GoRomeo

Bro do you talk to UFOs with radio antenna you have??? Just giving you a hard time. 😂 Mine has the stubby one, not sure if it was changed by the previous owner 🙄

When I bought the car, the antenna was gone and the base was in really poor condition. So, I just bought the genuine BMW base and antenna. I know a lot of people dislike the tall antenna, but I don’t mind. Maybe I get better reception?!

I also hooked up my Satellite radio with a used unit from eBay. I didn’t like the idea of a non functional shark fin on the trunk

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by JustAnotherSportsCar

When I bought the car, the antenna was gone and the base was in really poor condition. So, I just bought the genuine BMW base and antenna. I know a lot of people dislike the tall antenna, but I don’t mind. Maybe I get better reception?!

I also hooked up my Satellite radio with a used unit from eBay. I didn’t like the idea of a non functional shark fin on the trunk

On a side note, I wish my garage looked like yours. Mine is a total mess ☝️😂