E46 M3 pre purchase inspection
Discussion
Probably best to get a local marque specialist to have a look at it, rather than the AA/RAC.
Last e34 M5 I had inspected by one of the big organisations (before I knew much about them), it turned out to be 'not as good' as the inspection purported...and they said there was no comeback on their 'warranty' as I hadn't provided the VIN number in the 2 week window they'd specified (although the issue was nothing to do with identification.
First issue I spotted was poorly repaired (bodywork dents full of filler) that started flaking a month later, and then some made up history of valve clearance checks (at a dealer that didn't exist).
Although they did report on the lumpy idle could be due to TPS or a sticky throttle (when in fact it was due to the 'racy' cams in it).
Last e34 M5 I had inspected by one of the big organisations (before I knew much about them), it turned out to be 'not as good' as the inspection purported...and they said there was no comeback on their 'warranty' as I hadn't provided the VIN number in the 2 week window they'd specified (although the issue was nothing to do with identification.
First issue I spotted was poorly repaired (bodywork dents full of filler) that started flaking a month later, and then some made up history of valve clearance checks (at a dealer that didn't exist).
Although they did report on the lumpy idle could be due to TPS or a sticky throttle (when in fact it was due to the 'racy' cams in it).
adbett said:
Most owners probably won't want to drive too far for an inspection? So depends where you are looking
That’s a really good point. If I were selling mine , I’d only be prepared to use my preferred Indy or local BMW.
With these cars , assuming priced well and preliminary checks okay there are probably several interested parties so a person wishing an inspection might be a pain.
In fact such an example case up in a thread the other day with the delay until an inspection being arranged losing sale to another buyer.
Post details of any potential purpose here, on M3 Cutters and UK E46 M3 Facebook page to see if it's a known car, or if previous owners are around?
Pre 'data protection' you could have traced previous owners of any car you'd bought but no longer possible. You can try checking history with your local dealership though?
Main things to check are whether the 'running in' service and s54 bearing recall were completed? Also the RACP / subframe mounts. If these jobs haven't been done just go into any potential purchase with the cost of those tasks in mind. Mine had been inspected by Reddish and the subframe mounts were deemed to be 'one of the better ones they'd seen'. There were still a couple of cracked spot welds though, so I figured prevention was better than cure. Creep meant the trailing arms bushes, rear brake lines etc saw me paying a further £2K bill after purchase. I consider it money well spent, as it's a more desirable car for the work having been done, but it still stung a bit.
Maybe post details of potential purchases here and hopefully you'll get some decent advice / opinion?
Pre 'data protection' you could have traced previous owners of any car you'd bought but no longer possible. You can try checking history with your local dealership though?
Main things to check are whether the 'running in' service and s54 bearing recall were completed? Also the RACP / subframe mounts. If these jobs haven't been done just go into any potential purchase with the cost of those tasks in mind. Mine had been inspected by Reddish and the subframe mounts were deemed to be 'one of the better ones they'd seen'. There were still a couple of cracked spot welds though, so I figured prevention was better than cure. Creep meant the trailing arms bushes, rear brake lines etc saw me paying a further £2K bill after purchase. I consider it money well spent, as it's a more desirable car for the work having been done, but it still stung a bit.
Maybe post details of potential purchases here and hopefully you'll get some decent advice / opinion?
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