Advice on Car Buy

[Tom Cruise]

Repost from the CL finds section...hoping to get some input :D Thanks in advance.

Hey guys, I am currently interested in an e38 and came across this one on CL. I've never bought a car with a salvaged title therefore I'm not really sure what I would be getting myself into...I mean I've heard some horror stories and other 'nothing out of the ordinary' was wrongs stories.

I only own an e21 and am looking to get a daily so my e21 can rest a bit therefore don't hesitate to correct me or tell me my mistakes. I don't know that much more than the average guy when it comes to e38s. Thanks in advance! Hope I'm not causing too much trouble by writing you guys a novel.

This is the car in question: http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/3231901037.html

-I realize the price is a bit too high? Or so I think from doing some minor research here and there.
-I really don't think an M package gives you 'blacked out trim' but I may be wrong?
-I know the Highline package is rarer and only comes in that color with the vavona trim but does it justify that price?
-Is the needing of window regulators a common problem for these vehicles and are they actually an easy '$100' fix or is this guy just sweet talking?
-If you had to put a price on basic up-keep maintenance? Monthly? Annually? Plus are there things I can work on do myself?

[slypher25aussie]

The M-sport does include the blacked out "shadowline" trim package.

It looks like this guy is trying to oversell this car. I don't think it's true that there were less than 500 M-sport E38s imported into the US. They're not THAT rare. Also, the "sport mode gear" comes with every E38. It's not exclusive to the M-package.

Something seems fishy about this car though... I've never seen or heard of a E38 with BOTH highline and M-sport packages. The seats certainly aren't the sport seats. And the steering wheel is not the 3-spoke m-sport wheel that was introduced for 2001 models.

It looks to me like he's thinking it's a sport just because it's got the m-pars. Ask him for the VIN and get a Carfax so you can check out what the salvage title is about. Could be something simple like it was stolen, stripped, then repaired by insurance. Also then you can input the last part of the VIN into this website: http://www.rubmw.ru/vincode/eng/

That website will tell you the list of options that this car was built with. You should see the m-sport package in there if it's legit.

$100 is about the right price for a window regulator. Cheaper can always be found at a junk yard, but you're still running risk since it's been used.

All in all, the price isn't THAT crazy... there's always room for negotiation with used cars. I'd say maybe around $5000 depending on why it was salvaged.

[Tom Cruise]

Thanks man. I've been continuing my research and realized the M - package did include the shadow lined grill and such but it could just be plastidipped...hopefully. I don't really like the shadow lined look. I'll definitely get more info from the guy tomorrow including the vin and reason for the salvaged title.

I'll also be seeing the car in person tomorrow so I'll update with that too.

[mattwa]

L model Sports didn't come with the 3 spoke wheel, or sport seats. Or steptronic. Basically just Mpars, Vavona, and Shadowline trim.

[Tom Cruise]

L model Sports didn't come with the 3 spoke wheel, or sport seats. Or steptronic. Basically just Mpars, Vavona, and Shadowline trim.

Noted. Thanks for the input. Can all the shadow line parts be swapped interchangeably?

[mattwa]

You mean with their chrome counterparts? I think so.

[Tom Cruise]

Noted. Thanks for the input. Can all the shadow line parts be swapped interchangeably?

Yeah that's what I meant. Thank you for the info. Hopefully this thing checks out...

[slypher25aussie]

L model Sports didn't come with the 3 spoke wheel, or sport seats. Or steptronic. Basically just Mpars, Vavona, and Shadowline trim.

What about having a highline and sport package together? Is that possible?

[noodlesandsam]

Probably not in the USA. Other markets had a much easier time ordering combos like that. We've seen pics of a few.

[Tom Cruise]

Hmm I see. So the only real conformation I can get is with the VIN, right? I've asked the guy for it but he hasn't answered yet. I'll let you guys know what happens.

What do you think is going on then? Is it more likely that he put shadowline parts and the M Pars to pass it off as an M/sport package? With the trim and all is that a possibility?

[slypher25aussie]

Possible yes... likely no.

[mattwa]

Lots of people black out their trim. It's not necessarily evil, they just like black trim better. Having Vavona means it's probably a sport, though.

I just think he's mistaken about the interior/exterior color combo only being available on highlines. And you the only way to know anything is to run the VIN anyway.

[Tom Cruise]

Lots of people black out their trim. It's not necessarily evil, they just like black trim better. Having Vavona means it's probably a sport, though.

I just think he's mistaken about the interior/exterior color combo only being available on highlines. And you the only way to know anything is to run the VIN anyway.

Yeah I know of a whole lot of people who like the black trim better which isn't a bad thing at all. I just don't prefer it :shifty

So you're saying that it's more likely that it has a sport package and is not a highline?

[AquilaBMW]

Hmm I see. So the only real conformation Rican get is with the VIN, right? I've asked the guy for it but he hasn't answered yet. I'll let you guys know what happens.

What do you think is going on then? Is it more likely that he put shadowline parts and the M Pars to pass it off as an M package? With the trim and all is that a possibility?

That looks like a bone fide 740iL Sport and they did come in Highline Configuration if I remember correctly. Main difference is that that 750iL Highline models had leather dashboard and this one doesn't. Those seats with the Piping indicate it is probably a Highline model. There was another package that got similar interior combo but without the Piped Highline seats.

I doubt the car is a Biarritz Blau. If indeed it is Highline, then the colour would be matched to the interior and it would be Midnight Blue.

Shame you are not closer, I would help you go check it out and scan it for codes and such to see what condition it's in.

Ask the Seller for history on the salvage issue. In California, Salvage titles get slightly lower premium on insurance rates. Also, if the repair cost of a car exceeds 70 - 80% of the car's market value, a lot of insurance companies will Salvage it.... depending on the car. I have seen an M-Sport that got salvaged because of a front fender bender. The colour was Cosmos Black and they would have had to paint almost the entire car to match up the paint. About a $7K quoted paint job - it got Salvaged.

[Tom Cruise]

That looks like a bone fide 740iL Sport and they did come in Highline Configuration if I remember correctly. Main difference is that that 750iL Highline models had leather dashboard and this one doesn't. Those seats with the Piping indicate it is probably a Highline model. There was another package that got similar interior combo but without the Piped Highline seats.

I doubt the car is a Biarritz Blau. If indeed it is Highline, then the colour would be matched to the interior and it would be Midnight Blue.

Shame you are not closer, I would help you go check it out and scan it for codes and such to see what condition it's in.

Ask the Seller for history on the salvage issue. In California, Salvage titles get slightly lower premium on insurance rates. Also, if the repair cost of a car exceeds 70 - 80% of the car's market value, a lot of insurance companies will Salvage it.... depending on the car. I have seen an M-Sport that got salvaged because of a front fender bender. The colour was Cosmos Black and they would have had to paint almost the entire car to match up the paint. About a $7K quoted paint job - it got Salvaged.

I bet the leather dashboards are pretty cool, yeah?
Okay, I knew that the color configuration was offered in non highline models just didn't know what the tell-tale difference was. Thanks for pointing that out.

Even though I have never bought a salvaged car I have a few friends that own them and have bought/sold some so I know of some precautions. I figured if everything checks out with the car and it really is a solid buy, I would take it to my mechanic and have him give it a look which would then be the ultimate yay or nay when it comes to purchasing...if I get that far.

If I end up getting an e38 I'll know who to go to if I need any help :redspot

Like I said before, I'll give you guys a heads up when/if this guy replies with the VIN or after I go check it out.

[M I C H A E L]

I bet the leather dashboards are pretty cool, yeah?
Okay, I knew that the color configuration was offered in non highline models just didn't know what the tell-tale difference was. Thanks for pointing that out.

Even though I have never bought a salvaged car I have a few friends that own them and have bought/sold some so I know of some precautions. I figured if everything checks out with the car and it really is a solid buy, I would take it to my mechanic and have him give it a look which would then be the ultimate yay or nay when it comes to purchasing...if I get that far.

If I end up getting an e38 I'll know who to go to if I need any help :redspot

Like I said before, I'll give you guys a heads up when/if this guy replies with the VIN or after I go check it out.

Yeah, It sure does look nice, it seems as though he pastidipped the grilles, and they just call it shadowlining.. too bad its a salvage title, be very careful, inspect for body damage, what the cause was for the salvage, check radiator, all suspension, under engine, check gaskets, brakes, and rotors, try to get it up in the air and take a really good look at it. Good luck!!

[Tom Cruise]

VIN is wbagh83401dp18899. I put I in but I couldn't figure out if it has the sport package or even the highline...to me it seems like it doesn't?

But I mean I wouldn't know what I'm looking for...

[M I C H A E L]

I just decoded for you, and this is what I got..

Type

Value
VIN WBAGH83401DP18899 Type code GH83 Type 740IL (USA) E series E38 (2) Series 7 Type LIM Steering LL Doors 4 Engine M62/TU Displacement 4.40 Power 210 Drive HECK Transmission AUT Colour NACHTBLAU METALLIC (453) Upholstery LEDER NAPPA/ECRUE M.DKL.BLAU (L7EC) Prod.date 2000-03-29

Code

Description (interface)

Description (EPC)
S220A NIVEAUREGULIERUNG Self-levelling suspension S223A ELEKTRONISCHE DAEMPFER CONTROL(EDC) Electronic Damper Control (EDC) S341A STOSSFAENGER KOMPLETT IN WAGENFARBE Bumpers completely in body colour S358A KLIMAKOMFORT-FRONTSCHEIBE Climate comfort windscreen S403A GLASDACH, ELEKTRISCH Glass roof, electrical S416A SONNENSCHUTZROLLOS Roller sun vizor, rear lateral S428A WARNDREIECK Warning triangle and first aid kit S430A INNEN-/AUSSENSPIEGEL AUT.ABBLENDEND Interior/outside mirror with auto dip S438A EDELHOLZAUSFUEHRUNG Fine wood trim S455A AKTIVSITZ FUER FAHRER/BEIFAHRER Active seat for driver and passenger S456A KOMFORTSITZE ELEKTRISCH VERSTELLBAR Comfort seat with memory S494A SITZHEIZUNG FUER FAHRER/BEIFAHRER Seat heating driver/passenger S502A SCHEINWERFER-WASCHANLAGE Headlight cleaning system S521A REGENSENSOR Rain sensor S522A XENON-LICHT Xenon Light
Code

Description (interface)

Description (EPC)
S609A NAVIGATIONSSYSTEM PROFESSIONAL Navigation system Professional S640A AUTOTELEFONVORBEREITUNG Preparation f tel.installation universal S672A CD WECHSLER 6-FACH CD changer for 6 CDs S677A HIFI SYSTEM PROFESSIONAL HiFi System Professional DSP


Code

Description (interface)

Description (EPC)
S210A DYNAMISCHE STAB. CONTROL (DSC) Dynamic stability control S216A SERVOTRONIC HYDRO STEERING-SERVOTRONIC S245A LENKSAEULENVERSTELLUNG ELEKTRISCH Steering wheel column adjustment,electr. S288A LEICHTMETALLRAEDER BMW light alloy wheel, cross spoke 29 S302A ALARMANLAGE Alarm system S319A INTEGRIERTE UNIVERSAL-FERNBEDIENUNG Integrated universal remote control S441A RAUCHERPAKET Smoker package S473A ARMAUFLAGE VORN Armrest front S785A WEISSE BLINKLEUCHTEN White direction indicator lights S845A AKUSTISCHE GURTWARNUNG Acoustic belt warning S850A ZUSAETZL. TANKFUELLUNG EXPORT Additional Export tank filling S853A SPRACHVERSION ENGLISCH Language version English S876A FUNKFREQUENZ 315 MHZ Radio frequency 315 MHz S992A STEUERUNG KENNZEICHENBEFESTIGUNG Control of number-plate attachment


Code

Description (interface)

Description (EPC)
S431A INNENSPIEGEL,AUTOMATISCH ABBLENDEND Interior mirror with automatic-dip S459A SITZVERSTELLUNG, ELEKTR.MIT MEMORY Seat adjuster, electric, with memory S694A CD-WECHSLER VORBEREITUNG Provisions for BMW 6 CD changer

[slypher25aussie]

I put I in but I couldn't figure out if it has the sport package or even the highline...to me it seems like it doesn't?

You are correct. According to that VIN, this car does not have the m-sport package. I also don't think this is a real highline. According to this VIN, this car was built with a standard black leather interior. Someone's done an interior swap.

[Tom Cruise]

Yeah that's what I thought. Hmm well that's a bit fishy. I'm about to see the car in a few minutes so I'll let you guys know what I see. Thanks for the help so far.

[slypher25aussie]

Did you run a Carfax on it? Definitely make sure you get that done since it is salvaged.

[M I C H A E L]

Slypher, do you what these means?

Transportation Package, Smoker Package, and Special Motor.

[79howard]

You are correct. According to that VIN, this car does not have the m-sport package. I also don't think this is a real highline. According to this VIN, this car was built with a standard black leather interior. Someone's done an interior swap.

LEDER NAPPA/ECRUE M.DKL.BLAU (L7EC) Prod.date 2000-03-29

Isn't the above the appropriate interior?

[slypher25aussie]

Transportation package is just the preparations they do to cars that are going to be exported overseas. Typically stuff like installing a battery disconnect switch and securing things for when it's put on the ship.

Smoker package I'm not 100% sure about, but I guess it's just the ashtrays and the lighters that go in the power sockets.

Where are you seeing "special motor"?


LEDER NAPPA/ECRUE M.DKL.BLAU (L7EC) Prod.date 2000-03-29

Isn't the above the appropriate interior?

Weird... I could have sworn that it said it was the schwarz leather interior. Ok well I guess the highline does check out then.

[M I C H A E L]

If you go to http://bmwvin.com/ Type in VDM07522 of my vin, you will see it listed there..:confused

Oh and im late on this but, i got my window regulator rebuilt for 100 dollar, works perfectly...new they are expensive..

[slypher25aussie]

www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/514044

[M I C H A E L]

ahh, makes sense now.

[Tom Cruise]

So it in fact is a highline? I'm going to get the Carfax when I get home. I've been busy all day so I haven't been able to get much done regarding the meet. I'm about to meet the guy in five minutes. I'll report afterwards. Thanks again

[MY1E38]

i f i had the money i would buy it in a second.

[79howard]

So it in fact is a highline? I'm going to get the Carfax when I get home. I've been busy all day so I haven't been able to get much done regarding the meet. I'm about to meet the guy in five minutes. I'll report afterwards. Thanks again

I think so. Mine is a Highline and when I typed in the Vin it didn't specifically mention highline.

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BMW VIN decoder



On this page you can find a complete equipment and options of your BMW by entering VIN code.

Last 7 characters of the VIN code*: Enter the result*:http://www.rubmw.ru/classes/mcaptcha/image.php?Mon Sep 3 17:35:43 PDT 2012 =
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Search results:
https://www.parts.bmwgroup.com/webetk/images/blackline.jpg
https://www.parts.bmwgroup.com/webetk/images/minus.gif Vehicle information
Type
Value
VINWBAGJ0342YDD73751Type codeGJ03Type750IL (USA)E seriesE38 (2)Series7TypeLIMSteeringLLDoors4EngineM73/TUDisplacement5.40Power240DriveHECKTransmissionAUT ColourNACHTBLAU METALLIC (453)UpholsteryLEDER NAPPA/ECRUE M.DKL.BLAU (L7EC)Prod.date1999-07-06
https://www.parts.bmwgroup.com/webetk/images/minus.gif Options
Code

Description (interface)
Description (EPC)
S248ALENKRADHEIZUNGSteering wheel heaterS307ALM RAEDER/RADIALSPEICHE 61Safety locking for luggage compartmentS345ACHROME LINE INTERIEURChrome Line InterieurS358AKLIMAKOMFORT-FRONTSCHEIBEClimate comfort windscreenS403AGLASDACH, ELEKTRISCHGlass roof, electricalS438AEDELHOLZAUSFUEHRUNGFine wood trimS455AAKTIVSITZ FUER FAHRER/BEIFAHRERSeat adjustment, electric, driver sideS464ASKISACKSki bagS494ASITZHEIZUNG FUER FAHRER/BEIFAHRERSeat heating driver/passengerS496ASITZHEIZUNG FUER FONDSITZESeat heating, rearS508APARK DISTANCE CONTROL (PDC)Park Distance Control (PDC)S521AREGENSENSORRain sensorS609ANAVIGATIONSSYSTEM PROFESSIONALNavigation system ProfessionalS640AAUTOTELEFONVORBEREITUNGPreparatio n f tel.installation universalS677AHIFI SYSTEM PROFESSIONALHiFi system Professional DSP
Code

Description (interface)
Description (EPC)
S818ABATTERIEHAUPTSCHALTERBattery master switchS925AVERSANDSCHUTZPAKETDispatch protection pack
https://www.parts.bmwgroup.com/webetk/images/minus.gif Standard equipment
Code

Description (interface)
Description (EPC)
S202ASTEPTRONICSteptronicS210ADYNAMISCHE STAB. CONTROL (DSC)Dynamic stability controlS216ASERVOTRONICHYDRO STEERING-SERVOTRONICS220ANIVEAUREGULIERUNGSelf-levelling suspensionS223AELEKTRONISCHE DAEMPFER CONTROL(EDC)Electronic Damper Control (EDC)S245ALENKSAEULENVERSTELLUNG ELEKTRISCHSteering wheel column adjustment,electr.S302AALARMANLAGEAlarm systemS319AINTEGRIERTE UNIVERSAL-FERNBEDIENUNGIntegrated universal remote controlS352ADOPPELVERGLASUNGInsulating double-glazingS416ASONNENSCHUTZROLLOSRoller sun visor, rear lateralS431AINNENSPIEGEL,AUTOMATISCH ABBLENDENDInterior mirror with automatic-dipS441ARAUCHERPAKETSmoker packageS456AKOMFORTSITZE ELEKTRISCH VERSTELLBARComfort seat with memoryS460AKOMFORTSITZE IM FOND, ELEKTRISCHELECTR.REAR SEAT ADJUSTMENTS473AARMAUFLAGE VORNArmrest front
Code

Description (interface)
Description (EPC)
S502ASCHEINWERFER-WASCHANLAGEHeadlight cleaning systemS522AXENON-LICHTXenon LightS645ARADIO-STEUERUNG USBMW US RadioS672ACD WECHSLER 6-FACHCD changer for 6 CDsS826AFAHRWERK-EXPORTABSTIMMUNGFahrwerk in ExportabstimmungS845AAKUSTISCHE GURTWARNUNGAcoustic fasten seat belt reminderS850AZUSAETZL. TANKFUELLUNG EXPORTAdditional Export tank fillingS853ASPRACHVERSION ENGLISCHLanguage version, EnglishS876AFUNKFREQUENZ 315 MHZRadio frequency 315 MHzS992ASTEUERUNG KENNZEICHENBEFESTIGUNGControl of number-plate attachment

[M I C H A E L]

You are correct. According to that VIN, this car does not have the m-sport package. I also don't think this is a real highline. According to this VIN, this car was built with a standard black leather interior. Someone's done an interior swap.

It has DSC, S EDC, ASC+T, Servotronic... does the sport not have that? I was also thinking, it has to be a highline, Why would somebody just swap an ENTIRE interior? sounds shady to me.. Also I ran the VIN Tom, It had
08/18/2005 GA

State Agency REAR IMPACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE (Case #:05080096)
MODERATE DAMAGE REPORTED Damage to the rear of the vehicle, try to get proof of it professionally repaired, check the frame for damage, if frame is bad, Dont even bother,

[slypher25aussie]

This car is not a sport.

[M I C H A E L]

Oh it's an IL. DUHH haha, thats my fault for overlooking.

[slypher25aussie]

iLs can still be sports though

[M I C H A E L]

Where is there an example of one? ive never heard such a thing

[GSXRliterbikz]

I have one.

[M I C H A E L]

IL sport? interesting.

[GSXRliterbikz]

IL sport? interesting.

Yup. Shadow line trim, s.edc, and m-pars. Window sticker said it was a 3200 dollar option.


I have since added sport seats, step shifter, swapped suspension to billies, and added a 3.15 diff.

[M I C H A E L]

Yup. Shadow line trim, s.edc, and m-pars. Window sticker said it was a 3200 dollar option.


I have since added sport seats, step shifter, swapped suspension to billies, and added a 3.15 diff.
That's sick! how much of a difference in percentage would you say it made from origonal DIF to the swapped?

[Tom Cruise]

It has DSC, S EDC, ASC+T, Servotronic... does the sport not have that? I was also thinking, it has to be a highline, Why would somebody just swap an ENTIRE interior? sounds shady to me.. Also I ran the VIN Tom, It had
08/18/2005 GA

State Agency REAR IMPACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE (Case #:05080096)
MODERATE DAMAGE REPORTED Damage to the rear of the vehicle, try to get proof of it professionally repaired, check the frame for damage, if frame is bad, Dont even bother,

-So the guy told me it had been in a front end collision in 2001...the cars first year on the road -___-
-He also told me that he had bought it with 108k on it last December and it now has 108,457 on it
-the odometer is its original
-the trunk button on his key opens the trunk a tad bit then closes it (according to him...he didn't know what the button did) which could be true since he had actually been on tour but it's a button on your keys
-the valve cover has a pretty solid leak (is that an easy fix?)
-moonroof doesn't work
-seats are in pretty bad condition
-the in car phone looked like the cord had been almost ripped out
-i felt like the transmission had some sort of kick in second or third gear
-plus the 3/4 window regulators were shot

I think that was it. The guy is asking $6200 which I feel like is a lot. He was a really nice and pretty much straight forward guy and he may have not known too much about some of the stuff he was saying.




This car is not a sport.

How do we know it's not a sport?

[M I C H A E L]

Well first off, It was not a front end collision, I already pulled the VIN and it was moderate damage to the rear.. Second, valve cover gasket is not a hard fix whatsoever.. third, mileage sounds iffy, As if he never drove it.. fourth, I agree that it is way overpriced, given the work it needs, Work that has been needed, take account its been in a wreck, is salvage... You will end up putting around 2k in it, maybe more.. Do you have any history of work that's been done to it? Also put into factor suspension, struts should be replaced at 100k, trans should be serviced, fuel filter, sparkplugs, there's a whole number of things in play, esp if you have a shifting issue..

[bobzdar]

That's about 2k high imo, but if you want a highline there aren't a lot of choices. Transmission most likely needs a fluid/filter change. If the seats aren't torn they can be refurbished. Window regulators are about a hundred a piece, but kind of a pain in the butt to change. VCG is fairly easy. Rip the in car phone cord the rest of the way out and be done with it...

[slypher25aussie]

Sounds fishy to me that he only had the car for 400 miles worth of driving.


How do we know it's not a sport?

Because we ran the vin and it doesn't say it has the m-sport package.

[Tom Cruise]

Sounds fishy to me that he only had the car for 400 miles worth of driving.



Because we ran the vin and it doesn't say it has the m-sport package.

Yeah I'm not sure if I completely agree that part of his story either.

I guess he just put M-pars on it then...they were pretty curbed IMO.


That's about 2k high imo, but if you want a highline there aren't a lot of choices. Transmission most likely needs a fluid/filter change. If the seats aren't torn they can be refurbished. Window regulators are about a hundred a piece, but kind of a pain in the butt to change. VCG is fairly easy. Rip the in car phone cord the rest of the way out and be done with it...

I mean ideally a highline would be sweet but not needed, you know?
The interior was also in pretty 'needing attention' condition. The seats weren't cracked but sure were getting there and were pretty used/dirty. The dash also had a lot of water spots almost like he had wiped them pretty often with a wet rag and just left them to dry.

One or two window regulators would have been understandable but three of them and the trunk being messed up isn't too much fun...I don't really like electric headaches. All that on top of the moonroof only tilting up.

I personally really like the car phone and was hoping to maybe utilize it somehow...maybe even a bluetooth type thing. Not sure if that's been done but I would sure love to try it.


Well first off, It was not a front end collision, I already pulled the VIN and it was moderate damage to the rear.. Second, valve cover gasket is not a hard fix whatsoever.. third, mileage sounds iffy, As if he never drove it.. fourth, I agree that it is way overpriced, given the work it needs, Work that has been needed, take account its been in a wreck, is salvage... You will end up putting around 2k in it, maybe more.. Do you have any history of work that's been done to it? Also put into factor suspension, struts should be replaced at 100k, trans should be serviced, fuel filter, sparkplugs, there's a whole number of things in play, esp if you have a shifting issue..

Thank you for pulling that up, I really appreciate it. If you don't mind me asking, did you just google the VIN or? The mileage does sound pretty iffy...I just don't think he had a story thought up and lied.

So he has absolutely no history and no pictures of the damage/work. He says the PO had a BMW dealership fix all the damage and bring it back to 'like new'


He also said he changed a hose that was for the braking system but he used an aftermarket hose instead of an OEM one so there wasn't as much pressure as there should have been...I honestly had no idea what he was talking about. His right turn signal worked but when he turned on the lights and the side markers usually turn on and stay on (only flashing when a turn signal is applied) only the left one would stay on...common problem?

I told him I'm going to have my mechanic look at it before I go any further in the sale.

Another fishy thing was the he only has the Bill of Sale and never actually put the car in his name because he didn't want to pay any of the fees since he knew he was selling it. That makes no sense...I mean who buys a car that he has apparently 'wanted since he was a kid' knowing they want to sell it.

[AquilaBMW]

Walk Away. Spend some more time on here learning more about this car and it's characteristics and then hunt a good one down.

Too many questions marks on this car. Sounds like he buys cars, fixes them and sells them. This in itself is not a bad thing, but it is not inline with just a private party selling their personal car. That is a almost a whole year that the car was not transferred over. You will have to pay back penalties on this when it is transferred over. Seems he may have bought it AND fixed it and was just doing this to sell it.

If he knew the OP enough to know that the car was fixed at a BMW dealership, how come no paperwork? How come absolutely no history? The moonroof can be a pain to replace or fix as well, that is at least another $200 or so expense you are looking at minus labour if you don't do it yourself.

[M I C H A E L]

Walk Away. Spend some more time on here learning more about this car and it's characteristics and then hunt a good one down.

Too many questions marks on this car. Sounds like he buys cars, fixes them and sells them. This in itself is not a bad thing, but it is not inline with just a private party selling their personal car. That is a almost a whole year that the car was not transferred over. You will have to pay back penalties on this when it is transferred over. Seems he may have bought it AND fixed it and was just doing this to sell it.

If he knew the OP enough to know that the car was fixed at a BMW dealership, how come no paperwork? How come absolutely no history? The moonroof can be a pain to replace or fix as well, that is at least another $200 or so expense you are looking at minus labour if you don't do it yourself.
+1 on that, The PO that i bought my car from, said he did all repair through bmw and i never got paperwork for it, I would walk alway, you can find something better.. He sounds way too fishy.
I just did a quick look on it through getvin.com. Also, you are welcome. I would hate to see someone else go through what i did over 3k in parts, and probably 5k in labor if It hadn't of been all side work.

[bobzdar]

Walk Away. Spend some more time on here learning more about this car and it's characteristics and then hunt a good one down.

Too many questions marks on this car. Sounds like he buys cars, fixes them and sells them. This in itself is not a bad thing, but it is not inline with just a private party selling their personal car. That is a almost a whole year that the car was not transferred over. You will have to pay back penalties on this when it is transferred over. Seems he may have bought it AND fixed it and was just doing this to sell it.

If he knew the OP enough to know that the car was fixed at a BMW dealership, how come no paperwork? How come absolutely no history? The moonroof can be a pain to replace or fix as well, that is at least another $200 or so expense you are looking at minus labour if you don't do it yourself.

Don't walk away, run. Unless you have to have this specific car (which it doesn't sound like), it's not worth it given what you just reported. There are plenty of these cars out there.

[Tom Cruise]

Definitely going to walk away/run from this one. I wish the guy could have been a bit more honest about what was going on. I'll just shoot him a text tomorrow letting him know that I am not interested unless he sells it for $500 :D

Thank you guys for all the input! Couldn't have gotten a warmer welcome :D
Hopefully you guys will be hearing more of me and my quest for an e38. I'll probably creep around the forum reading stuff/researching and maybe even giving my input or opinion...haha apologizing in advance for that one.

[SGS3]

Tom, if you want to check out my car, send me an email: cuongvtptit@yahoo.com; I'm in San Jose.