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awdirtdrifter · 09-30-05, 07:10

Do you like to tinker a bit with your cars? At the very least oil changes? Bimmers (especially older ones) need more TLC and preventative maintenance than, say, a Honda or Toyota. You've really got to stay on top of things or you'll pay later on. If you do that, they can last a very long time.

If you decide to go with a BMW:

Look for one with all maintenance records/receipts.
Get a pre-purchase inspection (I would recommend a good indy BMW specialist). Make sure they do at least a compression check along with their visual checks.
Ask about the cooling system (what has been replaced). With that many miles, I would hope the whole system has been replaced (rad, water pump, thermostat, hoses); otherwise, it's on borrowed time.
Ask about the bushings (LCABs, RTABs). Those need to be replaced by this point.
Ask about the rear shock mounts. Should be replaced already.
Ask about the shocks/struts. Should also be replaced by now.
Ask about the flex disc.
Ask about any problems with the differential.
If it has an aftermarket sway bar, ask about reinforcement of the sway bar mounts.
DRIVE the car and listen for any weird noises. How does the tranny feel?
Look for any electrical/electronic glitches.
Look for white smoke in the exhaust when you first start it up.
Check that all body panels have the same VIN number.

If all that turns out okay, you MAY have a winner.

Option 2: Get a honda. Go nuts.

09-30-05, 07:10	#11 (permalink)
awdirtdrifter Registered User awdirtdrifter is offline Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NorCal--Sac area Posts: 50	Do you like to tinker a bit with your cars? At the very least oil changes? Bimmers (especially older ones) need more TLC and preventative maintenance than, say, a Honda or Toyota. You've really got to stay on top of things or you'll pay later on. If you do that, they can last a very long time. If you decide to go with a BMW: Look for one with all maintenance records/receipts. Get a pre-purchase inspection (I would recommend a good indy BMW specialist). Make sure they do at least a compression check along with their visual checks. Ask about the cooling system (what has been replaced). With that many miles, I would hope the whole system has been replaced (rad, water pump, thermostat, hoses); otherwise, it's on borrowed time. Ask about the bushings (LCABs, RTABs). Those need to be replaced by this point. Ask about the rear shock mounts. Should be replaced already. Ask about the shocks/struts. Should also be replaced by now. Ask about the flex disc. Ask about any problems with the differential. If it has an aftermarket sway bar, ask about reinforcement of the sway bar mounts. DRIVE the car and listen for any weird noises. How does the tranny feel? Look for any electrical/electronic glitches. Look for white smoke in the exhaust when you first start it up. Check that all body panels have the same VIN number. If all that turns out okay, you MAY have a winner. Option 2: Get a honda. Go nuts. __________________ ~Chris 95 M3, 99 323i, 87 Nissan pickup--it runs, 91 Nissan Sentra--288K miles.