Look at an M3: What to get done at a preinspection (PPI)?

[bmwpower]

Found a nice M3 , but I'd like to get it inspected prior to purchase. I'm going to take it to the place where the guy had it serviced since he bought it (used) from the same dealership. Not the ideal situation, but it's the only dealer close.

Question is, what do I have them check? Or is there a common list of thing they check with this type of inspection? I don't want to break the bank on a PPI, just want to find out if there is anything major, etc. Leakdown? Compression? Coolant pressure? Suspension?

The only issue on my list so far is to have them check the reason why it pulls to the right? Alignment? Ball joints? What do you think?

Also, does the dealer have the capability to test for paintwork or is that going to be strictly a body shop?

Need help quick...looking to call the dealer tomorrow

Thanks. Trying to get closer to M ownership.

[Verruckt]

This subject has been beat to death, please do a search.

EDIT: I'll make it easy, at the top of this forum under "please read before posting - FAQs": http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=323985

[bmwpower]

Sorry to take up your time. I did do a search, but came up with junk. Forgot about the stickied threads.

[Verruckt]

give me my time back dammit... GIVE IT BACK TO ME

[tscarola]

give me my time back dammit... GIVE IT BACK TO ME

It's your own fault dude.

[M3Alpine99]

well a a PPI most of the time will tell you nothing,
they wont notice a water pump that is on the way out and is pretty worthless
you NEED to take a GOOD independent shop and tell them you want it checked out thourogly...
so not go to a stealership because they could careless

[jetmech3421]

Just replaced this item on my 328iC to the tune of $300.00 so add it to your list of inspection items.

The secondary air pump. It's an electric air pump on OBDII cars only )post 1996 I think). It's located on under the hood against the fire wall on the passenger's side of the engine bay.

You can tell it's going bad on cold initial engine start. It only runs for about a minute after starting a cold engine. Normally, you can't tell it's running unless you put your hand on top of it and feel it. But when it's going bad, it will sound like a sick vacuum cleaner.

It can become defective if the non-return valve that it feeds fresh air into the exhaust manifold through goes bad allowing exhaust gases to backflow into the the air pump.

Bottom line; make sure you open the hood and listen for this noise immediately after the first start of the day. If the engine is warmmed up, even if only for a minute or two, the pump won't run and you'll have no idea of its condition.

The pump was about $220.00 and the non-retunr valve another $90.00 so put it on your list of things to check. It failed on my 328iC after 65K miles.

[colleran]

well a a PPI most of the time will tell you nothing

I disagree. A qualified M3 mechanic can assess accurately the condition of numerous vehicle components. Many of those components/parts could cost $$$$ if in poor condition. The pre-purchase inspection should also include evaluation of maintenance records...never buy without a pre-purchase inspection.