Put a deposit on a used 420d m sport from a main dealer …

[waz10]

Hey guys! I put a deposit down on a 420d m sport plus from a BMW main dealer. It’s an LCI car. I love listening to music when commuting so the HK sound system should sound great from what I’m used to! I haven’t actually physically seen the car yet, but I’ve missed out on a few other cars recently by dithering so this seemed to be a good spec at a decent price so went for it! Hopefully will pick it up next weekend.

This will be by far the most expensive/nicest car I’ve owned, could you guys give me some tips on anything I should ask/ensure has been done this week from the dealer? Anything that I should check for when I pick it up? I’d like to think I can trust them to do a proper job but I’ve recently bought my first house (moved in end of last month!) and it’s honestly made me not trust anyone ever again now haha, from the mortgage broker to estate agents, I’ve learnt they’ll say anything!

Also, It’s got those 19 inch diamond cut wheels, I’m actually considering the wheel insurance thing depending on the cost because I’m sure I’ll end up getting my money’s worth! Any advice on that?

Thanks a lot!

[mmm-five]

How old is the car, how many miles on it, is it a manual or an auto, what 'packages' does it come with, does it have the 'big brakes', etc.?

Some of the answers will direct the course of further questions/suggestions.

e.g.?

• if it is over 3 years old, did you negotiate any extra warranty/breakdown cover?
• if it's over 60,000 miles and auto are you going to get the transmission filter/oil/pan changed?
• did you negotiate any of the ConnectedDrive services (OTA map updates, carplay, etc.)?

[waz10]

Oh thanks for the tips on the maps/car play etc - no i didn’t even think to ask!

It’s an auto, 2017 and 30,000 miles - It’s got 12 months warranty and breakdown.

It’s a 2017 LCI car, i honestly have no clue the sat nav/connected drive etc. Should I be asking for certain updates to be performed?

Many thanks!

[waz10]

Some updates - this is the info I have about the in car tech/map etc

6AC BMW Emergency Call
6AE BMW TeleServices
6AK BMW Online Services
6AM Real Time Traffic In
6AP Remote Services
6NH Bluetooth with USB
6WA Full Black Panel Dis
609 BMW Navigation Syste
654 DAB Radio
688 Harman/Kardon Surround

Then there’s this info

Road Map EUROPE EVO 2021-

And says this Enabling code valid for navigation maps with release date up to 31- Aug-2021 (SWID: 0120005B).

Does that sound like I have the latest map installed and I’m able to access updates i until August 2021?

I don’t think I have apple car play but I do use an iPhone, will be able to play music via bluetooth?

Many thanks - my last car was from 2007 and didn’t really have any technology type stuff in it!

Edit - oh I think it does have the big brakes being the m sport plus, I think I have sun protection glass, HK speakers and the brakes!

[mmm-five]

These are standard:

• 6AC BMW Emergency Call (part of ConnectedDrive)
• 6AE BMW TeleServices (part of ConnectedDrive)
• 6AK BMW Online Services (part of ConnectedDrive)
• 6AM Real Time Traffic Info (part of ConnectedDrive)
• 6AP Remote Services (part of ConnectedDrive)
• 6NH Bluetooth with USB
• 6WA Full Black Panel Display
• 609 BMW Navigation System
• 654 DAB Radio

This is an optional extra:

• 688 Harman/Kardon Surround

Some of the ConnectedDrive stuff is available for free (e.g. Emergency Call, TeleService, Online Services, Map Update), but others will be chargeable after the first, free year (e.g. RTTI, map updates, etc.).

You've got the LCI model, so your device is a bit newer than mine, and I think there's a Road Map Europe Evo 2021-2 map update just come out, and I can't tell if you've got the 2021-1 or 2021-2 installed. Looks like you've got at least one free update in there.

CarPlay/AndroidAuto can be added when/if you feel you need it, by paying BMW to switch it on (or find someone friendly to enable it for you through coding) - but the iPhone will connect perfectly via bluetooth (that's how mine is connected for both phone & music). You can also connect a USB stick/HDD to the centre USB socket under the armrest to play audio/video (video only when stopped).

The big blue brakes are great, and you'll probably notice the rears are as big as the fronts, which is unusual.

A really good forum for all the F3x series can be found at Bimmerforums (F30 section).

You can get your full build sheet by typing your fill VIN number into one of the VIN decoder websites (which go up & down randomly). The one I've used most recently is https://bimmer.work/

You'll want to look out for adaptive headlights as this is an upgrade to the standard LED headlights; as is the sport-automatic gearbox option which speeds up all the gearbox modes.

Mine was a 4 page PDF showing all the standard items, country-specific items, and optional extras...

Edited by mmm-five on Monday 14th June 19:30

[waz10]

Ah thanks for much for your time - it's really appreciated! Cool I just used that VIN decoder! Will come in useful. Was nice to see the options. Great information, I've just checked and it looks like it has the 2021-1 update - I'll send them an email and ask if they can update it to the second version!

That's great, as long as it will play music through bluetooth that'll do!

Thanks again, I'll sign up the forum!

[mike9009]

Couple of things that spring to mind

1. Check the tyre tread depth (@30k miles they might need doing soon at a few £££££s which can be annoying)
2. Have you had RWD before? If it's wet, just go easy until you get a little confidence - don't hoon off roundabouts down a dual carriageway......
3.Check the MOT history on the web....it might give a few pointers (or not) to some advisories.....
4. If you are a little OCD, check the bodywork for any small dings scratches/ alloy kerbing etc. that might bother you. They may just put it right for you... although the temptation to get in and drive might be too great.....
5. Enjoy!!

[waz10]

Thanks they are some really helpful tips!

It says on the last MOT that one or the tyres is slightly damaged/close to legal limit - I’ll ask if that’s been/being replaced and if any others have.

I’ll also ask for pictures of the 4 alloys! Going to ask for the map update too.

In fact, before I email, is there any point in asking if they can throw Apple CarPlay in for free or is that a bit cheeky?

Thanks - these tips are great. The service history looks good on the car, looks all on time and had an end of warranty check last year.

[Andeh1]

Ask about extending the warranty via BMW approved used scheme. I did on my old 5 series (several years ago now) and got an extra +2 years for mot that much. They were brilliant & I found it pretty good for the several little issues I had, which would have added up considerably over time.

[mmm-five]

Andeh1 said:

Ask about extending the warranty via BMW approved used scheme. I did on my old 5 series (several years ago now) and got an extra +2 years for mot that much. They were brilliant & I found it pretty good for the several little issues I had, which would have added up considerably over time.

...and if they do offer you a good deal on the extended warranty, make sure it's the BMW Insured Warranty.

I only say this as I thought I'd got a good price for an extra 2 years of BMW Insured Warranty...but 3 months down the line I got the paperwork (had the basic stuff via email when the car was delivered) and it showed it was a 'dealer equivalent' to the BMW Insured Warranty.

According to the dealer, it covers all the same things (warranty, breakdown, zero excess, repairs at any BMW garage with pre-approval before any work is carried out, etc.) but probably costs the dealer significantly less than the BMW Insured product.

In my naivety I'd assumed that by specifically stating that I had a quote for 2 years of BMW Insured Warranty from BMW, and the dealer saying they could beat that price, we were talking about the same product

Only one way to find out how 'equivalent' it really is...and that will be when I start doing the big mileages in it again when WFH ends and I can start driving abroad again.

[david-j8694]

Personally, I'd be looking at the service history and interim oil changes. If the latter hasn't been done within the last 6-9 months I'd get them to do it before you pick it up.

BMW's recommended oil change intervals are notoriously spaced out, and it has caused issues in the past, especially with their 2.0 4cyl diesel engines.

[Trevor555]

waz10 said:

Also, It’s got those 19 inch diamond cut wheels.

On any car I buy for myself nowadays that has expensive alloys, and tyres, I take it straight to my local Tyre place and pay them a small amount to lift the car and carefully inspect the tyres for damage, and the alloys for damage,.

A slight bend on the inside of an alloy, or a crack, is easily missed, as is a split on an inside sidewall.

[waz10]

Hey everyone, can’t stress enough how much your advice is helping me! So thank you.

They are looking into the sat nav for me, they said the car has now had its 3 free updates with the last one being carried out on June 3rd. Unfortunately as mentioned above, a new one has been released since then! They said they will see if there’s a way they can do it, so fingers crossed.

Next, I asked for photos of the 4 wheels and they’ve just sent them all to be refurbished as part of prep. Hah so will see what they’re like on Saturday!

The service history looks ok - it’s had 2 oil changes. I’ll probably go to once a year though. Basically every 15,000 miles/2 years so far which I believe is within spec. It’s just had an oil change last month which is good.

It had an MOT today. It was showing on the last one as having a word tyre and now that’s gone so hopefully it’s been replaced.

I will ask about extending the warranty tomorrow! Great tip.

Thanks a lot everyone got it’s a big help!

[thatdude]

mmm-five said:

How old is the car, how many miles on it, is it a manual or an auto, what 'packages' does it come with, does it have the 'big brakes', etc.?

Some of the answers will direct the course of further questions/suggestions.

e.g.?

• if it is over 3 years old, did you negotiate any extra warranty/breakdown cover?
• if it's over 60,000 miles and auto are you going to get the transmission filter/oil/pan changed?
• did you negotiate any of the ConnectedDrive services (OTA map updates, carplay, etc.)?

With regards t the transmission servicing, BMW always state "fill for life". However, BMW dont manufacture the transmissions, ZF do, and they recommend (strongly!) servicng every 60,000-80,000 miles.

[mmm-five]

thatdude said:

With regards t the transmission servicing, BMW always state "fill for life". However, BMW dont manufacture the transmissions, ZF do, and they recommend (strongly!) servicng every 60,000-80,000 miles.

Yes, completely agree.

ZF have recently changed their stance on the latest gearboxes as they've got enough info to extend their servicing intervals (or they've been 'forced' by manufacturers to tow the line).

I believe it used to be 100,000km/62,000 miles and has now changed to 150,000km/93,000miles...or less for hasher conditions (towing, mapped 335D, nutters)...so I'll be sticking to the original suggestion of 60,000 miles.

[waz10]

Hey guys! I finally picked the car up today it’s better than I expected! Here’s a snap of it, thanks for the help

https://flic.kr/p/2m83zQ5

[Olivergt]

OP, nice to hear that it is better than expected.

Hope the sound system is what you expected too.

flickr is demanding logon crendentials, so not able to see your fine new machine.

[gtidriver]

Op did you get the wheel insurance?? I had that on my last BMW but the dealer I used this time didn't offer it, I got the gap insurance. Ive gone from the f31 to the coupe and im getting pissed off with the lack of space in the boot opening, I normally keep my cars for around 3-4 years, I can't see this one lasting that long.