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Thread: Pre-Purchase Inspection Resources

  1. #1
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    Pre-Purchase Inspection Resources

    Good morning all.

    I'm considering a car that's about an 8 hour drive from me and regardless of what the owner says about it's reliability, I'd like to get a pre-purchase inspection done to be sure before I hop on a flight.

    Is there a nationwide go-to website or service that you all like? or should I start researching local indy mechanics on Yelp? The car is in Raleigh, NC.

    Thanks for any info. =)
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  2. #2
    geargrinder's Avatar
    geargrinder is offline Having No Trouble Here BMW CCA Member
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    PM user Redshift here. I think he's done them for people before (he's not an Indy per-se but he has a lift and an automotive based business) but if he can't / not interested, then he'll definitely be able to tell you where to go.
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  3. #3
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  4. #4
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    Bimmer Performance Center is my go to indy in Raleigh.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by geargrinder View Post
    PM user Redshift here. I think he's done them for people before (he's not an Indy per-se but he has a lift and an automotive based business) but if he can't / not interested, then he'll definitely be able to tell you where to go.

    Will do! Thanks


    Quote Originally Posted by blilrat View Post
    Bimmer Performance Center is my go to indy in Raleigh.

    According the the carfax, this is where the car had been serviced in the last couple of years, so they may be familiar with it. I'll give them a call.


    Thanks guys.
    Instagram: ​Ethirtynine

    2003 M5 Sterling Grey
    (Weekend Fun)
    2002 540iA Schwartz Black (SOLD at 230K)
    1999 528iTA Titanium Silver
    (SOLD at 200K)

    2003 530i/5 Titanium Silver (SOLD at 122K)
    2002 530iA Sterling Grey (SOLD at 156K)
    1997 528i Aspen Silver (SOLD at 269K)

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Thanassi44 View Post
    Will do! Thanks





    According the the carfax, this is where the car had been serviced in the last couple of years, so they may be familiar with it. I'll give them a call.


    Thanks guys.
    If there is another reputable place close I would take it somewhere it hasn't been before. You don't know the relationship the car owner has with the shop owner. Maybe their best buds. Not likely but possible.

  7. #7
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    While I've thought about this scenario, the current owner who has had the car for just the last year said his shop was World Class Auto. The Carfax shows the car being serviced at Bimmer Performance Center just before his ownership. They have great reviews and host enthusiast car meets from what I can tell. They were very friendly and accommodating on the phone. Let's see.
    Instagram: ​Ethirtynine

    2003 M5 Sterling Grey
    (Weekend Fun)
    2002 540iA Schwartz Black (SOLD at 230K)
    1999 528iTA Titanium Silver
    (SOLD at 200K)

    2003 530i/5 Titanium Silver (SOLD at 122K)
    2002 530iA Sterling Grey (SOLD at 156K)
    1997 528i Aspen Silver (SOLD at 269K)

  8. #8
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    hiss by my window
    I'd suggest seeing it in person for yourself if you have the knowledge to evaluate it.
    Lots of things only you will be able to judge, cleanliness for example which is subjective and pictures cannot effectively convey.
    Having flown one way to San Fran to buy what turned out to be a disappointing car and then having to buy a return ticket at the counter($$$) to get home I'd suggest buying a round tripper just in case.

    If you can leave two black stripes from the exit of one corner to the braking zone of the next, you have enough horsepower. - Mark Donohue

  9. #9
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    I'm gonna pass on this one. Not worth the trouble in my opinion....

    Bimmer Performance Center performed a thorough PPI but quoted about $9000 in parts and labor to bring this car up to snuff/ Granted that's "dealer" high, but I'd still shell out about $6000 between my indy and DIYs. not to mention the $600-$1000 cost to ship it to NYC from Raleigh.

    The hunt continues...
    Instagram: ​Ethirtynine

    2003 M5 Sterling Grey
    (Weekend Fun)
    2002 540iA Schwartz Black (SOLD at 230K)
    1999 528iTA Titanium Silver
    (SOLD at 200K)

    2003 530i/5 Titanium Silver (SOLD at 122K)
    2002 530iA Sterling Grey (SOLD at 156K)
    1997 528i Aspen Silver (SOLD at 269K)

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