E92 Advice

[BrewsterBear]

A little knowledge from the wise if I may. I'm in the market for a 330d Coupe and I'm considering taking a look at this one;

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

Are the alloys on this BMW or aftermarket? I'm not too sure about the tinting, but I doubt the low light in the photos helps. Obviously I'll HPI and thoroughly check over anything before parting with any money, but this does seem about £1k underpriced.

Edited by BrewsterBear on Friday 6th August 01:23

[Phunk]

Tints are illegal, the wheels are genuine, but not the original colour

[BrewsterBear]

Phunk said:

Tints are illegal, the wheels are genuine, but not the original colour

You think the tints are that dark? It had occurred that the wheels may be genuine but refurbed in a darker colour. Hmm, something just doesn't seem right about it. I think I might give it a miss, but it'd be a shame to let what may be a bargain go because someone decided to chav the glass.

[daemon]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

You can also get replicas now in that style.

[the_g_ster]

I would step away, a car like that which is played with may have a few hidden horrors you don't know about. Looking at original cars is always better as reduces risk on there being a hidden gremlin.

[DennisCooper]

the_g_ster said:

I would step away, a car like that which is played with may have a few hidden horrors you don't know about. Looking at original cars is always better as reduces risk on there being a hidden gremlin.

I'd definitley disagree with that statement - Surely, when you look at a car that's been slightly or mildly modified, it's the same due diligence as looking at a totally standard car? the components are all the same - just modified parts are also alot better in quality and perform better especally when they're quality branded bits. To further reduce risk and this applies to standard and modified cars, perhaps get an independant AA or RAC type check done on it.

Of course, I do 'understand' where your coming from in the larger picture of things, just like the psychological '100K' miles thing that still exists with used cars, but as more and more people understand how it's important to inspect a car prior to buying, I think there'll be less and less advice of 'walking away becuase it's been played with' floating about on forums etc!

Cheers, Dennis!

[DennisCooper]

Hi toxicnerve,

I'd also suggest keeping the original parts and swapping them back over come resale time and then selling off the performance bits on the forums/classifieds. Tasteful modifications don't mean 'boy racer' at all, although, it has to be said some peoples 'versions' of tasteful modifications can be difficult to stomach!

There is a well known contingent of BMW owners who throw their hands up in horror at anything that's non standard fitted to BMW's and then proceed to run for the hills with arms flailing - fair enough, everyone has their opinions, but I'd also put forward that with good planning on which modifications to do, with an eye perhaps on resale like you want, there's no harm in putting a modification on and then removing it re-sale time.

My own E39 Touring I guess in some BMW enthusiasts minds is extensively modified, to me it's just 'mildly' done, but I do see why many do indeed like to leave alone!

Cheers, Dennis!

[briers]

I agree,

When buying my e92 335d i noticed a few modded cars. One was the perfect buy, coupe, space grey, red leather and the right wheels. But it had a remap and just that alone put me off. Confirmed when speaking to the bloke on the phone who sounded like he couldn't give a fk. Not good when shifting a 20 odd k car.