A few questions for 4 series GC owners ...

[FFS]

Checking out a very competitively priced, relatively low mileage (30K) 430d GC and a few things about it have me thinking:

1. 1st and only service at 24K miles - this seems quite late to me, even if driven by a saint?
2. The iDrive vehicle info was blank (i.e. tyre pressure, oil levels etc.), I had to go into each and click to get them to give a value - does this suggest the battery was recently disconnected?
3. A very dirty engine bay, with an incredible amount of crud in the area indicated below, the bonnet struts were very clean though - is this typical?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YVooaDX0nnfrIw6n1

[Pericoloso]

I don't care what the service indicator told the driver but 1 service in 24K is not good for long term engine health.

I wouldn't buy it.

[Ninja59]

24k is far too long for an N57 it should be a max of approx 18500 miles or 24 months if you have the vin run it through a checker and it should tell you that. But even then i would say around every 10k and year get it swapped out for oil and filter minimum!

In regards to the idrive yes you need to click into each area from memory to get the figures or values etc depending on year tyre pressure wont register until the car is driven either.

The bonnet one not sure but most bmws tend to have a seal around that area so it could be that. But i have a 6 so could be talking rubbish.

[anonymous-user]

The iDrive is correct, you have to click each item to see the info. If you go to service in the iDrive it should show you the service on there, I *think* if it was too late it's shown in red. I know the cars start out showing 19k for the first service, they can drop if the driving recognises the need, I dunno if it can go up though.

[numtumfutunch]

FFS said:

Checking out a very competitively priced, relatively low mileage (30K) 430d GC and a few things about it have me thinking:


3. A very dirty engine bay, with an incredible amount of crud in the area indicated below, the bonnet struts were very clean though - is this typical?

I have a youngish F31 and under the bonnet is almost as disgusting as my teenage daughters bedroom

Its seriously filthy

Your pic looks pristine by comparison

Cheers

[FFS]

Thanks for the replies, it seems that that the main reason for it being cheap is the very late 1st service. Now I just need to figure out is it cheap enough to balance the slightly higher probability of something expensive going bang.

[Smuler]

FFS said:

Thanks for the replies, it seems that that the main reason for it being cheap is the very late 1st service. Now I just need to figure out is it cheap enough to balance the slightly higher probability of something expensive going bang.

I have read quite a few threads here with first services over 20k and people asking. Responses were it’s possible.

It’s more than I’ve ever got , but I drive cars hard. First owner of my 335i got 21k miles albeit done within 2 years.
That wasn’t late , I checked with BMW so unless you know it is late , maybe it’s worth seeing if you can confirm either way.

[FFS]

Smuler said:

I have read quite a few threads here with first services over 20k and people asking. Responses were it’s possible.

It’s more than I’ve ever got , but I drive cars hard. First owner of my 335i got 21k miles albeit done within 2 years.
That wasn’t late , I checked with BMW so unless you know it is late , maybe it’s worth seeing if you can confirm either way.

I'll check with the dealer, although it had its 1 and only service at 24K which was 6k miles ago, it wants another in 5K miles, so 24K to the first then 11K to the 2nd service!

[Smuler]

FFS said:

I'll check with the dealer, although it had its 1 and only service at 24K which was 6k miles ago, it wants another in 5K miles, so 24K to the first then 11K to the 2nd service!

Looking at that maths , it’s definitely late! That is assuming by next service seller means ” oil service “as around 35k would be the vehicle check Service I reckon. Plus depending on age , brake fluid service would be due.

If next service due is indeed the oil service means it was driven for thousands of miles with the first oil service overdue !

What does that say about the owner ?

I wouldn’t risk it.

[FFS]

Smuler said:

Looking at that maths , it’s definitely late! That is assuming by next service seller means ” oil service “as around 35k would be the vehicle check Service I reckon. Plus depending on age , brake fluid service would be due.

If next service due is indeed the oil service means it was driven for thousands of miles with the first oil service overdue !

What does that say about the owner ?

I wouldn’t risk it.

Good advice, that's what I'm thinking, even if I got it thoroughly checked out it would always nag me. I can get an older 330d with 2 year BMW warranty for the same price ... I don't think I need a "hatchback" that much.

Edited by FFS on Saturday 9th June 09:08

[stuart_83]

FFS said:

Good advice, that's what I'm thinking, even if I got it thoroughly checked out it would always nag me. I can get an older 330d with 2 year BMW warranty for the same price ... I don't think I need a "hatchback" that much.

Edited by FFS on Saturday 9th June 09:08

Remember the 4 series GC has a higher spec as standard than the 3 series ... And pillarless doors :-) Mine feels a lot more special than my friend's new 3 series. Not that I'm biased or anything!

I wouldn't ignore the GC overall, just maybe the one you've had a look at.