Thoughts on getting into a 2009 clubman s with 92k miles. Seller claims timing job, head job (timing chain broke), waterpump, and clutch recently. They drove for a while, then parked and sat for a while and now wont start. Going to check compression before buying. Looks great, 2 owner and inside and outside in excellent condition. What do you guys think worst case is? Engine swap or timing job? Think its worth messing with if I can get for $2k? Appreciate the help! Cheers!

 

Followup....used to own a 2012 clubman s so familiar with the cars. Had to do coils, pump, fuel pump and clutch on that car before it was totaled. I realize I need fuel spark and air to get bang. Right now, its just he normal crank, but no fire scenario. Havent gotten far enough to look at all the possibilities, but going to start with compression to see where it stands. I can do all the work myself if needed. Done many bmw timing/head jobs in the past.

 

Worst case? Engine replacement. Best case? New battery?

Your 2012 would have had the N18 engine, which are slightly better than the 2009 N14 engine. Not that the 2009 is a bad car, but they were much more fragile compared to the N18 engines. As long as you know what you're getting into, "Might" be worth it. What is the overall general condition of the vehicle?

 

Thanks for the reply. Overall condition is excellent. All the buttons etc inside are still intact, not rubbed off or sticky. interior isnt stained or torn up. Only single dent in back door, paint still clean like it was kept inside most of its life. If it ran and was cleaned up, I'd think it would pull a 4+ out of 5 on condition report at the auction.

 

Just be wary of the N14 at that mileage. There are a lot of tired components a 12+ year old car. You have no reasonable way of assessing the quality of the work after the chain broke. Now if you are in the "damn the torpedoes", frame of mind in order to get into a clubby, that puts a different spin on things.

Has the car spent most of its life in a winter salt environment?

If you put $4k into it, will it be worth close to $6k?