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Thread: Buying first bmw

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2018
    Location
    Lakewood, CO
    Posts
    3
    My Cars
    2002 2.5i

    Buying first bmw

    I just wanted to say hi. Buying my first bmw tomorrow. 2002 z3 2.5i. Dark green color. Sooooo excited. I’ve loved the look of this car since it came out. A little apprehensive about the mileage, 120K, but it’s a single owner and when I went to test drive it, his other cars and garage was immaculate. So I have faith he’s taken care of this one. It appears to be in top notch shape. Anyway, excited to,learn more from all of you.
    Thanks! Have. Great weekend!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Louisville, KY
    Posts
    4,503
    My Cars
    1997 BMW Z3 1.9L 5MT
    The usual advice is to read
    http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...urchase-Advice
    http://www.carproblemzoo.com/bmw/z3/
    http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...5#post26973905

    Then
    1. Put the last 7 of the VIN into http://bimmer.work to see all the info on its build.
    2. Pay for a CarFax to see its ownership history and possible accidents.
    3. Ask to see its maintenance history and receipts. After 60,000 miles, the cooling system should have been replaced, and by 120,000, the struts and shocks.
    4. Take a thorough drive. Note what the instrument cluster is displaying, the feel of the shifter, the feel of the suspension.
    5. Work all the accessories, features, controls and switches.
    6. Feel for dampness in seats, floor, trunk.
    7. Be wary of aftermarket alarms and sound systems. Poor installations or removals can cause problems.
    8. If all seems good, then pay for a Pre-Purchase Inspection by a knowledgable import shop. It should cost around $100, will put the car on a lift to look at the brakes, drivetrain and suspension, and scan for any stored trouble codes.
    9. Ask the forums questions if any.

    But if you trust this seller and the car, you may have to jump on it. You might not have the time for all this diligence before someone else buys it.
    Last edited by Vintage42; 06-23-2018 at 02:30 PM.
    BMW MOA 696, BMW CCA 1405

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Franklin, TN
    Posts
    1,361
    My Cars
    00 Z3 2.3
    Welcome. The 00-02 dark green (oxford green metallic II) is the best color.

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