Buyer beware… Also worth knowing

TIMING CHAIN

The timing chain, or more specifically the tensioner, is the weak spot. Keeping the oil topped up is vital but ultimately poor design is to blame. A rattle and brushing noises at idle from cold is the tensioner’s ‘death rattle’.

OIL LEAKS AND MISFIRES

Oil leaks are becoming an issue on older cars. Check the rocker cover, crank seals, sump, turbo oil feed, front and rear main bearing seals, solenoids and cylinder heads for drips. Valve stem seals are starting to fail on older cars. Permanently low oil allows sludge to build up in the Vanos valve control system, affecting performance. Hesitation, uneven idling and misfiring could be carbon build-up on inlet valves or failing coil packs. Look for cracks on the plastic coolant thermostat housing. Check if the water pump has been changed; it’s best done at around 50,000 miles. Check the plastic lower radiator support – it’s prone to kerb damage.

TRANSMISSION

Check the clutch operation – failure as early as 20,000 miles isn’t uncommon. Worn synchros are rare so graunching suggests seriously hard use. Feel for a harsh shift on autos, often caused by a faulty valve body which could require a rebuild or replacement of the gearbox.

SUSPENSION AND BRAKES

Check the front wishbone bushes, which have to work hard. The anti-roll bar bushes have an easier time. Earliest R56s are 12 years old and the suspension, while sophisticated, isn’t the most adept and will probably be in need of a refresh. For less than £1000, you can replace wishbone bushes, springs and dampers with upgraded polyurethane bushes, Koni shocks and Eibach springs.