Is this an official badge of some sort?

[c4sman]

A car I am interested in but don't know if this badge is "afermarket"? If not, what does it signify?

[c4sman]

A completely standard M3 Cab that I am thinking of buying. Thats why it confused me. Funny how something so small can put you off an entire car as I draws into question what sort of previous owner had it!

[c4sman]

Had some feedback from the dealer. Previous owner wanted to "differentiate" his E93. Made the car look like a fake when it is actually real! Could be harmless or could signify the previous owner was "special".

Edit: Needless to say, the dealer has now removed the badge...

Edited by c4sman on Tuesday 21st June 15:44

[c4sman]

dufflecoat said:

Yep, official badge.

the official badge confirming the previous owner was a weapons grade cock socket.

[c4sman]

andyman_2006 said:

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Hmmm attentive dealer who didn't notice it to start with, questions the reliability of the dealer, what else did they miss on the cars inspection? give it a very stern eye when looking it over, sure its harmless if nothing but odd, but keep your wits about you on the rest of the car, if in doubt walk away.

Andy

Yes, all my warning systems are set to maximum! a definite concern....

[c4sman]

dufflecoat said:

You are sure its not a 316 subjected to some dubious de badge/badging arent you?

I don't think so, unless they have really gone to town on the bodywork, interior, exhaust and engine swap

[c4sman]

So, I'm looking at the car at the weekend. For a novice to BMW and M, what are the 10 easy things I should look at when assessing whether I buy the car (E93 M Cab). I am happy with the spec and the buyers guides seem to focus on this rather than what things should put me off a car?

[c4sman]

The car is at an indie. Great advice. Thanks!

Edited by c4sman on Thursday 23 June 11:12

[c4sman]

andyman_2006 said:

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You welcome, i didn't want it to appear as though i was teaching you to suck eggs so to speak!!

But if its at an Indie then you wont have the BMW AUC warranty to fall back on so any checks you can do will help.

I was also thinking (as i did with mine) ask if they will allow another independent BMW service centre inspect the car? and see what faults crop up? It could save you some hassle in the long run, and for say £150 give you a clear picture of the cars health.

Andy

Don't worry, I am not proud. I have bought multiple £50k+ cars in the past (and many below that!) and haven't made a mistake before, however this time I know less about the dealer and the brand, so welcome any advice. The dealer idea seems a good one and I have spotted that there is one 10 mins away from the dealer so am going to give them a ring. That would take a lot of risk out of it for me for a relatively small investment.

[c4sman]

AOK said:

Why on earth didn't the dealer just take the 'i' off before marketing, if only not to give potential buyers the wrong impression?! These sort of badges are stuck on with double sided tape which is very easy to saw off with floss tape.

Has the rest of the car been prepped at all? Seems like these days traders just buy them in from auction and stick them straight up for sale...

Couldn't agree more and I don't know what prep has been done. Dealer has agreed to a BMW main dealer inspection which is a good sign so in the worst case I can walk away having spent minimal amounts. I don't want to let this badge stupidity stop me from buying what has the potential of being a good buy.