Buying a 540iA today need advice

[08BMWreloaded]

Hi

Im ready to buy a 540iA today from a audi dealer. Its a 99 Silver Sport Package with Grey interior and Gray trims,with 78k on it. It has Alpine Navigation, 2 JL subs plus amp. Its in excellent condition. Test drove it i loved it . I just checked CArFAX and everything is clean no records.. Serviced every 3k and i will be the third owner. They are letting it got for 14k Out the door. Is this a great deal?

Please reply for im here at the dealer now.

Thanks

[jamesdc4]

Welcome to Bf.c.

Don't buy it until you've checked the service records!!! You need to find out what has been replaced if anything. If certain things that are notorious for failing at or around this mileage haven't been fixed, then you can use that as bargaining leverage on the price!

[08BMWreloaded]

How do i checked service record? or where do i checked it online. I have the VIN with me right now.

[jamesdc4]

You have a BMW dealer run the VIN for you. If you are in a rush to buy the car, you take away your ability to get a good deal. The dealer knows this. If you are patient, it is less likely that you will take it up the *ss and or buy a bad vehicle!

[08BMWreloaded]

Thanks for the advice. I'll wait till tomorrow then. I will have our local BMW checked the VIN. But is the price 14k out the door good.

[ViolinARC]

You can get a good idea here: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=893732

[zimmer99]

check blue book value too if u havent

[540IForMe]

Eh, blue book value is shite. So is nada. Being in the car business myself, the black book is the closest to an accurate "guide" as you will get. I don't know the market in your area for e39s but 14 OTD seems very reasonable. You can probably figure a 13K selling price because you will eat up that last 1000 with doc fees, and taxes(our tax here is 3%).

The point is, you are going to hear of people who got steals, and people who paid more than you may be willing to. The car is only worth what someone will pay for it. 78K miles is very low, and you are looking at a great car. Go in ready to negotiate and armed with info and good luck.

[08BMWreloaded]

Thanks for all the advice! I did check with my local BMW and got the service history of the CAR. It has been service regularly. With regular oil changes and lubes etc. Had some minor repairs such as Cup holder broken, rear tail light problems but no major problems. I bought the car and drove it home today. I am a happy camper! Thanks to all of you and to this message board.

[landcruisermike]

Look at this from the dealer's perspective. No dealer worth his salt will pour more into that car than NADA low book less $1000 if its an absolute gem. Two to three grand back of low book is typical for a trade in Bimmer. I paid NADA low less $3000 for mine. Just my two cent's worth...

[mpath99]

Thanks for all the advice! I did check with my local BMW and got the service history of the CAR. It has been service regularly. With regular oil changes and lubes etc. Had some minor repairs such as Cup holder broken, rear tail light problems but no major problems. I bought the car and drove it home today. I am a happy camper! Thanks to all of you and to this message board.
Congrats on your purchase.

You didn't mention the cooling system, so assume it's still the original. Get ready for a cooling system overhaul soon.