S40 T4 what to look for?

[Haizum74]

As the title suggests, I am thinking of heading in the direction of an S40 T4 instead of the 850 T5. Two reasons, first is that I got to drive one the other day and was very impressed with how quick it was and secondly I am moving house and only have on street parking so insurance wise its a bit cheaper.

So, does anyone have any suggestions of what to look out for, not too fussed on an SE model but open to ideas.


Thanks

[Al115]

If you can afford a Phase 2 (2001 on, roughly) then do so - the engines are only slightly different but the interiors are much more modern.

Much underrated little cars... I've had three :)

[LiamT4]

Just the same sort of checks you'd do on any turbo car. Not aware of them having any major common issues.
Always make sure you get to hear it start up from cold (it amazes me how many people don't check that it hasn't been warmed up first), look for things like smoke when you are going on and coming off boost and also try and let it idle for a while when its warm to (again) look for smoke.

Phase 2 cars have a few differences, the main (for me) ones being a more up to date interior and have much better brakes as standard.
Phase 2 came in june/july 2000, my "x" plate (oct 2000) and my mates "w" plate (july 2000) were both phase 2 but you can also get "x" plate and possible "y" plates that are still phase 1, because they could have been built pre july 2000 but not registered untill later.

There are a few signs that you can tell the difference from the outside, but the interior is the easiest way to tell the difference, things like the electric window switches (which are in the center, near the gearbox, on phase 1's but are on the drivers door on the phase 2's). The stereo is another easy way. (think the phase 1 still has sliders to adjust base, treble, etc).

[LiamT4]

This is the what the center console will look like on the phase 2
(just FYI, you can see that this car has a/c but not climate conrtrol and doesn't have heated seats)

http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b476/scaifey22/bmw/DSCF0542.jpg

Heres a phase 1

http://www.carphoneholders.co.uk/images/Brodit_Images/652793-4.jpg

Took me bloody ages to find a phase 1 s/v40 interior that didn't have an aftermarket stereo! lol

[T5frankie]

If you can afford a Phase 2 (2001 on, roughly) then do so - the engines are only slightly different but the interiors are much more modern.

Much underrated little cars... I've had three :)

if you look in my garage you will see my old s40 t4 it was a 2000 on an x plate and it was a phase 2

[Haizum74]

This is the what the center console will look like on the phase 2
(just FYI, you can see that this car has a/c but not climate conrtrol and doesn't have heated seats)

http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b476/scaifey22/bmw/DSCF0542.jpg

Heres a phase 1

http://www.carphoneholders.co.uk/images/Brodit_Images/652793-4.jpg

Took me bloody ages to find a phase 1 s/v40 interior that didn't have an aftermarket stereo! lol

Fantastic, thanks for taking the time to get those photos, so Phase 2 is the one to head for. Coolio

[T5frankie]

they say the phase one engine is stronger 1.9 instead of a 2.0

[Haizum74]

they say the phase one engine is stronger 1.9 instead of a 2.0

Lol ok move the bloody goal posts :hilarious so a phase 1, 1.9 or a phase 2 are where to look?

[T5frankie]

Lol ok move the bloody goal posts :hilarious so a phase 1, 1.9 or a phase 2 are where to look?

the phase two's look much better inside and out so myself i would choose another i bought my one for a whopping £200 lol and my phase 2 had everything cruise, climate seats etc

[Haizum74]

the phase two's look much better inside and out so myself i would choose another i bought my one for a whopping £200 lol and my phase 2 had everything cruise, climate seats etc

Ok I gets ya, thing is isnt the cruise control, air con etc just another thing that coudl go wrong?

[Al115]

if you look in my garage you will see my old s40 t4 it was a 2000 on an x plate and it was a phase 2

LOL I was making it easy :)

There was also a phase 1.5 car if we are being picky :D

[T5frankie]

LOL I was making it easy :)

There was also a phase 1.5 car if we are being picky :D

mine had the new interior and lights/bumpers and it was a 2.0

[Al115]

Lol ok move the bloody goal posts :hilarious so a phase 1, 1.9 or a phase 2 are where to look?

If you are not going to go mad on the tuning then either engine is fine - so get the Phase 2 if funds allow. If you want the strongest block to work with then get the 1.9.

If I bought another one and was going to use it as a daily drive, the 2.0 would be fine.

[Haizum74]

If you are not going to go mad on the tuning then either engine is fine - so get the Phase 2 if funds allow. If you want the strongest block to work with then get the 1.9.

If I bought another one and was going to use it as a daily drive, the 2.0 would be fine.

Well this is the thing, once you start thats it, hooked. I only have to read about you lot to figure that one out lol

[LiamT4]

LOL I was making it easy :)

There was also a phase 1.5 car if we are being picky :D

I think mine was the phase 1.5. Phase 2 interior, brakes, 5spd auto, etc, but was still down as the 1855cc on the logbook (although that isn't always correct)


Ok I gets ya, thing is isnt the cruise control, air con etc just another thing that coudl go wrong?

I don't think you should have any worries with these.


Lol ok move the bloody goal posts :hilarious so a phase 1, 1.9 or a phase 2 are where to look?

I'd say, only get the 1.9 if you are thinking of doing big mods (300bhp+), as the 2.0 has a few little improvements that make it much more up to date and (should) have no problems, with remaps, exhausts, etc.

I say should, because (as always) it depends on how its been looked after.
i.e regular oil changes, has it been ran on super unleaded, etc.

[Haizum74]

I think mine was the phase 1.5. Phase 2 interior, brakes, 5spd auto, etc, but was still down as the 1855cc on the logbook (although that isn't always correct)



I don't think you should have any worries with these.



I'd say, only get the 1.9 if you are thinking of doing big mods (300bhp+), as the 2.0 has a few little improvements that make it much more up to date and (should) have no problems, with remaps, exhausts, etc.

I say should, because (as always) it depends on how its been looked after.
i.e regular oil changes, has it been ran on super unleaded, etc.

Yeh I have seen a lot of the 1998 models but not many 2000 ones, seems like prices vary as well, my mate bought a 1998 with 80 or 90k on for £900 but seen others for £1300 plus.

[LiamT4]

Yeh I have seen a lot of the 1998 models but not many 2000 ones, seems like prices vary as well, my mate bought a 1998 with 80 or 90k on for £900 but seen others for £1300 plus.

Your lucky you don't have to have an auto, there are hardly any phase 2 autos (these have a 5spd box and phase 1 just has the 4spd).
I'v been looking recently and haven't found a single phase 2 s40 t4 auto.

You should be able to get a good phase 1 manual for under £1k and a good phase 2 for £1k-£1.5k.

[Haizum74]

Your lucky you don't have to have an auto, there are hardly any phase 2 autos (these have a 5spd box and phase 1 just has the 4spd).
I'v been looking recently and haven't found a single phase 2 s40 t4 auto.

You should be able to get a good phase 1 manual for under £1k and a good phase 2 for £1k-£1.5k.

Yeh I think its going to be a phase 1, its about right for my budget and considering I have been on here a year without a motor I think its about time I sorted it out lol. Its a start at least, seen a couple of em out there.

[T4 NEIL]

Your lucky you don't have to have an auto, there are hardly any phase 2 autos (these have a 5spd box and phase 1 just has the 4spd).
I'v been looking recently and haven't found a single phase 2 s40 t4 auto.

You should be able to get a good phase 1 manual for under £1k and a good phase 2 for £1k-£1.5k.

I paid £1290 for my 2001car Phase 2 S40 T4 SE Auto ;-)

[AndysR]

This is the what the center console will look like on the phase 2
(just FYI, you can see that this car has a/c but not climate conrtrol and doesn't have heated seats)

http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b476/scaifey22/bmw/DSCF0542.jpg

Heres a phase 1

http://www.carphoneholders.co.uk/images/Brodit_Images/652793-4.jpg

Took me bloody ages to find a phase 1 s/v40 interior that didn't have an aftermarket stereo! lol

Is that why you reversed the LHD picture of a phase 1 interior that you found ;)

[LiamT4]

Is that why you reversed the LHD picture of a phase 1 interior that you found ;)

LOL, can't remember, it was a while ago!

[AndysR]

LOL, can't remember, it was a while ago!

Excuses...... :haha: