Recommendations for Inspection for purchasing an M5

[JD123d]

Looking at an E39 M5 near Reading and want to get it inspected before I buy so that I know what I am letting myself in for.

I have heard about people using RAC/ AA inspections or even BMW official ones, which is best and how much do they cost. I am happy for a good indy to do it as that would allow me to build a relationship with the person who would look after my car.

Also I have asked a load of questions (below), can you recommend any other sensible things to ask?

JD123d in an e-mail to the seller said:

- You mention that the car has full service history, but could you supply more details. For example how many services have been done by BMW, what work has been done as well as the dates.
- How recently was the car serviced, and how many lights are lit until the next one?
- How new are the tyres, what brand are they and how much tread is left on them?
- What software has the Sat Nav been updated to, and does the system include a bluetooth hands free?
- Are you amenable to an independent inspection of the car taking place?
- You mention warranties on you website, does the car come with one and if so what does this provide?
- Are there any blemishes or marks on the wheels, exterior or interior?

Thanks for help in advance

[968CSReading]

Hi

I have just had Munich Motors in Wokingham service mine and they seem a decent bunch, might be worth trying them.

Edited by 968CSReading on Thursday 22 April 10:15

[belleair302]

Where are you buying the car from? There are a number of people who for a very reasonable sum will inspect the car with you and ask the more mechanical / electronic questions as required with these cars.

[JD123d]

belleair302 said:

Where are you buying the car from? There are a number of people who for a very reasonable sum will inspect the car with you and ask the more mechanical / electronic questions as required with these cars.

Sorry, I'm confused at your answer, perhaps you are offering your services as a consultant? The car is in Aldermaston by the way.

I have found mention (positive of what I can find) of Birds in Iver, which is mentioned on the M5board, has anyone had a positive experience with them?

[Brewsters]

I use Birds in Iver - I have an M6 and a 123d - they are absolutely spot on, well priced and extremely knowledegable with excellent facilities. I live 1.2 miles away and stumbled upon by accident! Much better than an official dealer, alrhough you need a dealer if any warranty issues crop up.

[Rags]

Get CPC to do it.

The oracle as far as I am concerned.

[belleair302]

Phil @ CPC will give the car a real going over whilst up on a ramp, electronics, suspension, repairs etc, but needs the car at his place in Chorleywood Herts. Not so sure he is a great one to travel for free!!!!!

[Vixpy1]

Rags said:

Get CPC to do it.

The oracle as far as I am concerned.

+1

[ukwill]

belleair302 said:

Phil @ CPC will give the car a real going over whilst up on a ramp, electronics, suspension, repairs etc, but needs the car at his place in Chorleywood Herts. Not so sure he is a great one to travel for free!!!!!

He must have more business than he can deal with. I wanted someone to PPI mine and his name came up, so phoned to be told that he was working on a car and would call back - never did. Tried phoning several more times and left a voice mail.

After no response gave it to the local BMW dealer to do instead. Strange as I would have been happy to use him for future work, but that won't be happening now.

[Vixpy1]

ukwill said:

belleair302 said:

Phil @ CPC will give the car a real going over whilst up on a ramp, electronics, suspension, repairs etc, but needs the car at his place in Chorleywood Herts. Not so sure he is a great one to travel for free!!!!!

He must have more business than he can deal with. I wanted someone to PPI mine and his name came up, so phoned to be told that he was working on a car and would call back - never did. Tried phoning several more times and left a voice mail.

After no response gave it to the local BMW dealer to do instead. Strange as I would have been happy to use him for future work, but that won't be happening now.

I think he'll be the first to admit he's completely crap with the phone, he does get very busy. However he has more staff now and the phone is answered almost all the time now. He returned my call today, but then I am sending his son through private education

[belleair302]

If you can get the car to a specialist most will look cloesly at the car but getting somebody to a car is hard. You need a ramp.

[Rags]

Vixpy1 said:

ukwill said:

belleair302 said:

Phil @ CPC will give the car a real going over whilst up on a ramp, electronics, suspension, repairs etc, but needs the car at his place in Chorleywood Herts. Not so sure he is a great one to travel for free!!!!!

He must have more business than he can deal with. I wanted someone to PPI mine and his name came up, so phoned to be told that he was working on a car and would call back - never did. Tried phoning several more times and left a voice mail.

After no response gave it to the local BMW dealer to do instead. Strange as I would have been happy to use him for future work, but that won't be happening now.

I think he'll be the first to admit he's completely crap with the phone, he does get very busy. However he has more staff now and the phone is answered almost all the time now. He returned my call today, but then I am sending his son through private education