645CI cabrio.....what to look for

[rswift]

So, I'm going to look at a 2004 645CI Cab, I know about the oil leaks & and the possible premature valve guide wear. It's done about 83K, last serviced at BMW around 66k, it's a UK reg, RHD car but 1000 miles away from the UK........

What else should I look for ?

Edited by rswift on Monday 5th September 13:51

Edited by rswift on Thursday 15th September 14:26

[rswift]

I'm in the South of France at the moment, and often down here for business.....a mate and I went to look at it. Its not uncommon for ex-pats to use RHD UK reg cars, much cheaper to bring one down that buy locally. It all seems genuine, same owner for 4 years, he's now got an 11 plate M3. The car has got a parking scrape in front wing, def has an oil leak.....cam overs, suspiciously clean oil ..... a warning light to change brake pads.....but everything else works, sounds glorious......I just fancied buying it. I can use it here for another couple of quick jaunts, then have a great drive home (!) and try and flog it to pay for itself, journey home etc......I'm not fussed about getting involved in the repairs, but guess that still makes it a cheap car for someone who can do their own, or are on first name terms with a local Indie.

Edited by rswift on Monday 5th September 13:50

Edited by rswift on Thursday 15th September 14:27

[rswift]

Well the coda to this story is.....on Sunday I got the 7 am Red Eye flight to Nice, bought a BMW.....left at 11.30, and hit Calais just gone midnight.

I was expecting a 2 day journey, the car was faultless.....and far more comfortable than anticipated (hence the long journey).

It's quite a formidable machine, not sure it's a keeper for me, but a great journey I'll remember & relish.

Now at the body shop making the bumpers etc "less French"

[rswift]

There are some very eye watering bills in the history.....and I only have odd bits of it .

£4K to sort out an adaptive steering issue, £900 for a headlight unit....part of a £2k bill for a lighting issue.

They're also prone to oil leaks and worn valve guides.

So not a cheap car for long term ownership I would guess.