After help/advice - E46 BMW - What do you guys think this is worth?

[*Glenn* 854]

Hey guys

Talked to the guy. With the black 330i above. ( http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=554234925 )

He has receipts for all work done since he bought the car a year ago, but not full service history.

He didn't know where the car was imported from, but I looked up the plate and its a Japan import.

Would you say to stay clear cos of the lack of service history? Or if i get it checked out at a BMW specialist will it be ok?

The TV & NAV will need more than just a disc

Definitely get it checked out properly

[kratosnz 0]

The TV & NAV will need more than just a disc

Definitely get it checked out properly

I should still be able to use it as a radio/cd player anyway aye? Not too worried about the Nav/TV side of it. Although it would be good to know what it would require to get it sorted.

Is there anything in particular to look out for with the 330? For example I have been told with the 4 cylander 318s there is often cooling problems.

Also does anyone know of a good BMW certified mechanic in Invercargill, where I could get him to take it?

[allan 295]

As others have stated get it checked over by a BMW specialist. It is coming up on 10 years old done 127,000k it is in that area when items will be coming up for close scrutiny. Also do some home work on how many owners has it had since been imported and what has been done by them work wise. As Glenn said it will need more than a disc to get the Nav working should it be a disc then it most likely will be a Mk111 or Mk 1V system. To get it to work you will need to replace the nav comptuer and have some wires run but I'm sure Hotwire would be able to confirm that for you. Best of luck with it.

[skotty 0]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=554234925

So you guys think this looks OK, provided it has service history, and I get it checked out at a BMW specialist ?

Definitely a look, but get it checked brother!

[kratosnz 0]

Having a bit of trouble finding somewhere to take it in Invercargill ... my google skills are failing me!

The owner said GWD Russells are BMW approved servicers, or Autoc specialise in European cars.

GWD Russell website - http://www.gwdrussellsholden.co.nz/index.html

AUtotec website - http://www.autotectuning.co.nz/

Can't see anything on either of them about being BMW certified.

[BMWTouring 20]

kms arent the issue, but get it checked out, many Japan imports dont have service history but are well maintained cars, while many are not... spend the money and get a pre purchase check. shame it cant be a BMW dealer who knows what they're looking for. (GWD Russels arent approved as far as i know)

[kratosnz 0]

I got his report from VTNZ when he purchased the vehicle.

Comments

- This vehicle is in good overall condition for its age and mileage.

- The vehicle has been found to be mechanically and structurally sound.

FRONT BRAKE PADS ARE LOW.

SLIGHT BUCKLE IN LEFT FRONT WHEEL.

SLIGHT CURB DAMAGE FRONT WHEELS.

DRIVE SHAFT COUPLINGS HARD TO SEE WITH COVERS APPEAR TO BE OK.

REAR BUMPER ON LEFT SIDE DOES NOT LINE UP.

PAINT MISSING REAR BUMPER RIGHT SIDE

Under Bonnet

Cam Belt: NA

Corrosion Inhibitor: RECOMMEND NEW COOLANT

Oil Condition: RECOMMEND OIL CHANGE

Oil Leaks: ENGINE OIL LEAK RIGHT SIDE

Underbody

Fluid Leaks: ENGINE OIL LEAKS SLIGHT

There is a few small dents/scratches on the doors, and a scratch in the bonnet.

Should I be worried about the oil leak, does the rear bumper not lining up indicate it has been in an accident?

Given this information would you recommend going ahead with getting a BMW check, or do you think that I should keep looking for something else?

[kratosnz 0]

Also GWD got back to me and said

"Yes we can do a pre-purchase check for you. We are the Invercargill servicing agent for Cooke Howlison Ltd in Dunedin who sell and service BMW’s.

Please let me know when you wish for us to look at it, any day next week would be fine. All I would need is a registration number to make the booking."

Not really sure if that means they are BMW certified or not.

[E30 325i Rag-Top 2956]

Nothing major on that list, I would ask the guy if he did all those things - to see what his idea of maintenance is like.

Still definately get it checked by a specialist, scan the ECU and check the history on the error codes. Will tell you more than whether the oil needs changing like the AA / VTNZ check.

[kratosnz 0]

The guy has changed the coolant, and oil, as well as break pads. He got new mags and tyres last year. Said he got the curbing fixed on the left rear, but not painted (but you can hardly tell).

Still not too sure about the GWD Russell thing to get it checked out. They sent me through their inspection sheet (attached PDF) ... is it kind of basic?? I asked if they also did diagnostic testing.

Multi_point_inspection_sheet.pdf

[allan 295]

Changing the oil, brake pads etc is regular maintenance only. Ask the guy about the items you have noticed that bug you. The file you put up looks pretty standard it depends on the guy doing the inspection and how hard he wants to look on your behalf. As mentioned get it scanned and it will tell you what has been going on in the electronic's side of the vehicle. If you are that keen ask the owner if it could be taken to Dunedin for a check over at your expense just a thought plus a chance for you to have a drive and get a feel for it.

[kratosnz 0]

Changing the oil, brake pads etc is regular maintenance only. Ask the guy about the items you have noticed that bug you. The file you put up looks pretty standard it depends on the guy doing the inspection and how hard he wants to look on your behalf. As mentioned get it scanned and it will tell you what has been going on in the electronic's side of the vehicle. If you are that keen ask the owner if it could be taken to Dunedin for a check over at your expense just a thought plus a chance for you to have a drive and get a feel for it.

Sorry - forgot to mention he said he has had it serviced twice since he bought it. If they do a diagnostic test - is that what you mean by getting it scanned? (sorry complete noob).

I'm actually in Tauranga, so veiwing is kind of a bastard.

[kratosnz 0]

Ahhh bugger, made the guy an offer, but he has decided he wants to hold onto it... back to square one.