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Thread: Need Thoughts/Feedback on Buying This Car...

  1. #1
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    '04 Rav4, '84 300SD

    Need Thoughts/Feedback on Buying This Car...

    Hi everyone,

    After 12.5 years I recently sold my 1998 GTI Vr6. She as the love of my life. After 250,000 she finally started to rot in the rear wheel well and I decided to part with her and move on to bigger and better things. I told myself after VW I would buy a BMW. Last weekend, at a little mom and pop dealership I found what seems to be a gorgeous 2004 325ci with 135,000 miles. I went to look at her and the interior and exterior were in great shape. Under the hood, I noticed no significant leaks and the underbelly looked clean as well as the exhaust. The minor flaws I saw were the rear quarter window rubber was deteriorating as well as the rain tray rubber (easy fixes) as well as the shifter knob was popping off in my hand as I drove it. The car did however drive very well, no noises, shakes, everything seems good. The major flaw I encountered was the a/c was not blowing that cold and only out of the driver side vents. The dealer took it to his mechanic today and said the system was just a tad under the normal range mark. He evacuated the freon and filled to its proper amount and I was told the car now blows super cold air. Mechanic could not find any leaks. Is it common for BMW's to loose a little freon over time if not used? Who knows how long this car sat or was jockyed around before it was put on this little dealers lot.

    The dealer is asking $4995 for the car. I am a little hesitant because one, could the a/c being low be a sign of much deeper issue(s), possibly inside the dash, and also I know very little about the quality of these cars. I am posting on here for thoughts and feedback about this car. Thanks everyone for listening to my rant and am looking forward to hearing what everyone has to say.

    Here is the car:


















    Last edited by BeastonMW; 07-12-2017 at 06:21 PM.

  2. #2
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    I wouldn't recommend a purchase without a PPI being performed.
    At the very least, since it seems you are attempting to do a self-inspection,
    Have a thorough BMW diagnostic scan performed-either at a BMW dealership or BMW specialist shop,
    that has access to BMW specific diagnostic equipment with BMW software,
    so BMW codes can be accessed from the multitude of computers contained in the vehicle, not just generic P-codes.
    A generic scan tool CANNOT communicate with BMW modules nor access the error codes they may contain.

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by MIKYZZ4 View Post
    I wouldn't recommend a purchase without a PPI being performed.
    At the very least, since it seems you are attempting to do a self-inspection,
    Have a thorough BMW diagnostic scan performed-either at a BMW dealership or BMW specialist shop,
    that has access to BMW specific diagnostic equipment with BMW software,
    so BMW codes can be accessed from the multitude of computers contained in the vehicle, not just generic P-codes.
    A generic scan tool CANNOT communicate with BMW modules nor access the error codes they may contain.
    Unfortunately, I highly doubt the mom and pop place is gonna have that done. It is pretty much caveat emptor for this car.

  4. #4
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    I would ask to see a CarFax AND AutoCheck. If either show a consistent dealer service history, you could be fine. Many will suggest a pre-purchase inspection but I've always found that if I couldn't evaluate a used car, paying someone else to was a waste of my money. The mileage is not high for the year and the M54B25 engine is a rock solid power plant if properly maintained. If the service history is satisfactory, show the dealer $4000 in ACTUAL CASH and sign on the dotted line. I would not pay more than that for it. Never forget that CASH talks. You can spend your cash at any dealer but the dealer can only get your money from you. I paid $5100 in CASH for my 2002 Cabriolet after a few weeks of going back and forth with the dealer. I never caved on my price but they finally did - accepting my $5100 for a car they had listed at $7000.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by BeastonMW View Post
    Unfortunately, I highly doubt the mom and pop place is gonna have that done. It is pretty much caveat emptor for this car.
    You misunderstood, ask them If they wouldn't mind if you had a PPI done,
    this would be performed at YOUR expense, not theirs.

  6. #6
    Join Date
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    '04 Rav4, '84 300SD
    This is what the car fax is showing me. Seems to have been routinely maintained and serviced by BMW dealers. Thoughts?

    02/23/2017
    Faulkner Cadillac
    o Pre-delivery inspection completed
    o Oil and filter changed
    SEE DETAILS
    03/09/2016
    122,134 mi
    Inspection Station
    o Passed emissions inspection
    SEE DETAILS
    02/22/2016
    121,680 mi
    Tires Etc.
    o Tire(s) replaced
    SEE DETAILS
    02/10/2015
    110,448 mi
    Inspection Station
    o Passed emissions inspection
    SEE DETAILS
    03/29/2014
    101,188 mi
    Inspection Station
    o Passed emissions inspection
    SEE DETAILS
    06/19/2013
    92,144 mi
    Miller Tire & Auto Co
    o Antifreeze/coolant checked
    o Oil and filter changed
    o Tire condition and pressure checked
    SEE DETAILS
    03/30/2013
    89,678 mi
    Inspection Station
    o Passed emissions inspection
    SEE DETAILS
    01/17/2013
    87,658 mi
    Service Plan Co.
    o Service contract claim
    SEE DETAILS
    03/13/2012
    78,631 mi
    Inspection Station
    o Passed emissions inspection
    SEE DETAILS
    12/13/2011
    76,594 mi
    Service Plan Co.
    o Service contract claim
    SEE DETAILS
    02/18/2011
    69,548 mi
    Miller Tire & Auto Co
    o Antifreeze/coolant checked
    o Emission system checked
    o Oil and filter changed
    o Tire condition and pressure checked
    o Wheel lug nuts torqued
    o Emissions inspection performed
    o Emissions or safety inspection performed
    SEE DETAILS
    02/18/2011
    Inspection Station
    o Passed emissions inspection
    SEE DETAILS
    01/29/2011
    69,141 mi
    West German BMW
    o Vehicle serviced
    SEE DETAILS
    03/30/2010
    61,532 mi
    Inspection Station
    o Passed emissions inspection
    SEE DETAILS
    09/03/2009
    West German BMW
    o Vehicle serviced
    SEE DETAILS
    09/01/2009
    56,516 mi
    Service Plan Co.
    o Service contract claim
    o Drivability/performance checked
    o Fuel pump replaced
    SEE DETAILS
    03/19/2009
    51,671 mi
    Service Plan Co.
    o Service contract claim
    o Starter replaced
    SEE DETAILS
    03/19/2009
    Inspection Station
    o Passed emissions inspection
    SEE DETAILS
    10/18/2008
    West German BMW
    o Vehicle serviced
    SEE DETAILS
    03/14/2008
    37,026 mi
    Inspection Station
    o Passed emissions inspection
    SEE DETAILS
    03/14/2008
    West German BMW
    o Brake fluid flushed/changed
    o Front wiper blades/refills replaced
    o Rear brakes replaced
    SEE DETAILS
    09/27/2007
    31,325 mi
    Morristown BMW
    o Maintenance inspection completed
    o Brakes checked
    o Front brake rotor(s) replaced
    o Noise checked
    o Radio/sound system checked
    o Wiper(s) replaced
    SEE DETAILS
    07/28/2006
    21,251 mi
    Daniels Cadillac
    o Axles checked
    SEE DETAILS
    07/28/2006
    Daniels BMW MINI
    o Axles checked
    o Transmission checked
    SEE DETAILS
    01/30/2006
    14,099 mi
    Daniels Cadillac
    o Oil and filter changed
    SEE DETAILS
    01/30/2006
    Daniels BMW MINI
    o Oil and filter changed
    SEE DETAILS
    06/06/2005
    Tom Hesser Chevrolet BMW
    o Oil and filter changed
    o Emissions or safety inspection performed
    SEE DETAILS
    05/13/2004
    136 mi
    Service Facility
    o Vehicle serviced
    SEE DETAILS
    05/13/2004
    Tom Hesser Chevrolet BMW
    o Maintenance inspection completed
    o Floor mats installed
    SEE DETAILS
    04/08/2004
    6 mi
    Service Facility
    o Pre-delivery inspection completed

  7. #7
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    Seems to have been regularly serviced and maintained,
    if you're good with it-who am I to say otherwise?

  8. #8
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    Honestly, the car looks fantastic. I think it's a bit over priced, but I've always been one to be happy to pay a bit extra for a nice example of whatever it is that I'm buying used.

    Still, at $5k, I think it would be worthwhile to get an inspection done to possibly root out any unknowns. Anything that turns up may not be a deal breaker, but may certainly serve as a bargaining point.

    In any case, being what it is and unless there is evidence to the contrary, you'll likely be looking at having to do some maintenance....
    - cooling system refresh (water pump, thermostat, radiator, pulleys, belt, expansion tank, etc.)
    - control arm bushings/joints
    - shocks
    - possibly brakes
    - fluids refresh
    - transmission service (lifetime fluid does not mean it is good for a lifetime)
    - other unanticipated incidentals

    I'm just saying that I think it's a bit over priced at $5k because starting at around $6k, you'd be in the bottom territory of getting into an E90 model. At $3,500 to $4k, I'd probably go for it, assuming that the interior isn't sagging and stuff like that. If $5k is your entire budget and you would't be able to fix the cooling system if it took a dump on you, I'd pass or try to get a better price. If most of what I listed does wind up needing to be done, you're likely looking at a bit over $1k in DIY maintenance.

  9. #9
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    Unfortunately, I don't think the guy will go much lower in price, As far as the cooling system, I figured it would need refreshed. My VW needed refreshed around the 130K mark (t-stat, water pump, etc.). Doing the work myself is not an issue. Just not sure I want to get back into fixing another German car. My Japanese cars never have cooling system issues. Since I have owned my VW that is the biggest qualm I have with German cars. There coolant parts are weak. Now I am having second thoughts on paying 5K for the car. I looked up the NADA dealer price and it looked to me to be under book value, but I am no professional or scheister I should say

  10. #10
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    Also, funny you mention sagging interior. Everything in the interior is great EXCEPT the two pillars on the driver/passenger side. The cloth at the bottom where it meets the dash is starting to wrinkle and peel. It looks like the consensus is the car may be over-priced for a 13 year old car...

  11. #11
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    Man, I'd try to see if they'll budge on the price. Since getting my son his '01 E46 with 75k miles on it for $1700, I've been freak for E46s. I keep looking for that one deal that I'd be stupid to pass up.

    Consequently, I've looked at a LOT of E46s. One common and recurring thing that I've found is that most people, once a car is out of warranty, will only have work done when something breaks. What that means is that just about any E46 that you look at is going to need control arm bushings and a cooling system refresh (at least to some extent). I got my son's car at a very good price because it's beauty is under the hood. The body is in good shape, but the clear coat is peeling in places. Pillar covers have fallen off...in short, the one you're looking at looks a lot better than the one I bought.

    My point being, don't let the common problems dissuade you. The E46 is KILLER. In many ways, I like the his E46 better than I like my E90. After I bought it, I put (if I remember right) just over $1k into it that needed to be done. All else was cosmetic or for the stereo. The thing runs like a champ. In fact, it runs so well that I'm starting to think that taking it in to get a fresh paint job will be worth it. The E46 is just new enough that it still looks like a "modern" BMW, but old enough that fixing it is (relatively) dirt cheap. If you are a DIY'er, hop on ebay and see what complete engines and transmissions are going for and have no fear.

  12. #12
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    Oh, and what's under the peeling stuff actually isn't a bad surface. My son and I are toying with the idea of just peeling it all off and using an airbrush to dye it.

  13. #13
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    Tony, I'm no painter or body-man, but I've always wondered if a total body wet-sanding followed by a polishing,
    then finally followed by a total reapplication of clearcoat,would restore to a showroom finish, is this possible?

  14. #14
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    After seeing the video below I think I may stray away. Some of what's in the video I see on the one I'm looking at.

    https://youtu.be/04gTnckMaeo

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  16. #16
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    Your video makes valid points. I'm torn to buy or not to buy. I really love the look of the car. When I drove her she was solid. And the one man band dealer was willing to check and recharge the ac for me before I even committed to buy it.

  17. #17
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    If your not able to drive it to a shop to give it an inspection,
    and perform a BMW diagnostics scan of the computers for codes,
    and your general inspection that you have performed satisfies you, Go for it.
    It seems like a clean vehicle that was properly maintained, and you seem to love it.
    If you can afford it, and are DIY on repairs, I'd say it's a worthy gamble on purchasing this vehicle.

  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by MIKYZZ4 View Post
    If your not able to drive it to a shop to give it an inspection,
    and perform a BMW diagnostics scan of the computers for codes,
    and your general inspection that you have performed satisfies you, Go for it.
    It seems like a clean vehicle that was properly maintained, and you seem to love it.
    If you can afford it, and are DIY on repairs, I'd say it's a worthy gamble on purchasing this vehicle.
    I definitely love the car and my inspection didn't yield any showstoppers. I see a big difference though in NADA dealer price vs KBB. I guess my ultimate question is is 5k way to high or within range?

  19. #19
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    The determining factor on price-to me,is whatever the buyer is willing to pay.
    Those books-KBB,NADA,whatever,just use them as general guidelines,
    as prices vary-state to state. How I narrow my choices is simple:
    can I obtain another vehicle of the same make and model that I am interested in,
    and easily find such a vehicle in the same excellent condition and price range as the current one I'm interested in?
    If the answer is no, and I would have to search high and low, maybe even cross country, and an excessive amount of time,
    Then the answer is obvious-I purchase the vehicle, as I don't know when another that exceeds my expectations will come along.
    I hope that my insight helps in you making a decision that is right for you.

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by MIKYZZ4 View Post
    The determining factor on price-to me,is whatever the buyer is willing to pay.
    Those books-KBB,NADA,whatever,just use them as general guidelines,
    as prices vary-state to state...
    I agree with you whole heartedly. My VW I just sold is a prime example. KBB booked it for $1500 but 5 minutes after I posted it, I sold it for $2700!! What I like is the one man band dealer is honest with me. He seems very straightforward and I respect that. I've been looking for a nice e46 for a few months and my issue I've run into is they are either automatics or the manuals I've looked at are beat to hell. I looked at an 05 325ci last month with 105k miles and it was beat to living hell. As I let it idle it was leaking oil onto the ground. The trunk was ripped apart and all the wiring was boogered up. Interior Interior was eh and that dealer wanted $6,000.

    I'm so close to taking a gamble and buying this car. I'm gonna go tomorrow and look at it again and drive her. Afterwards I'll try and haggle price and hopefully he budges even of it just a few hundred bucks. Thanks for listening to my ranting and indecisiveness.

  21. #21
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    One thing to note, not sure if it makes a.big difference or not is the car was Pennsylvania state inspected 2 months ago and passed as well as emissions. I know PA is stringent with there Inspection's. So the vitals have all been checked and pass. One thing I did notice is the rear shocks which were yellow bilsteins looked practically new. Does anyone know if yellow bilsteins came with the factory setup?

  22. #22
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    This car is pretty nice, but the fact the owner is saying the clutch is going makes me wonder.

    https://harrisburg.craigslist.org/cto/6156976450.html

  23. #23
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    If you have the last 7-digits of the VIN#, enter it,
    Here:http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select
    Or here:https://www.etkbmw.com/
    Also here:http://bimmer.work/
    Lots of helpful info, if not now-later.

  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by BeastonMW View Post
    This car is pretty nice, but the fact the owner is saying the clutch is going makes me wonder.

    https://harrisburg.craigslist.org/cto/6156976450.html
    I like it also, clutch replacement shouldn't be a deal killer, but a negotiating point!
    You sure have some tough decisions to make.

  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by MIKYZZ4 View Post
    I like it also, clutch replacement shouldn't be a deal killer, but a negotiating point!
    You sure have some tough decisions to make.

    MIKYZZ4, I have to say though, it really boils down to supply and location as you pointed out. For the last 2 hours Ive been searching for e46 ci's within a 3 hour radius of me and there are very few and even fewer that are manual. Of the manuals, a good subset of those look to be hot-dogged by the younger crowd. I'm 36, and remember how I treated my poor VW at 24 years old. Poor girl held up well thank god! I found a few e46 i's but the 4-door just doesn't appeal to me as much. The 2-door ci is much sharper.

    BUT if I was going to get a 4-door this would be the one: https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/6215459312.html

    Name is Craig by the way.
    Last edited by BeastonMW; 07-13-2017 at 04:21 AM.

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