Quote:
Originally Posted by BMW86
aka Sir Flinch-a-lot.
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well that's a new one to me hah
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheungs
The things I need to know:
- Is there anything I should look out for when buying a second hand car/130i?
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nothing really major other than the normal car things (rust/damage/all electric stuff working). I've made my share of terrible car purchases over the years, seriously be careful, and try to keep a level head/don't 'emotion' buy as much as you can (i know, it's impossible hah)
if PDC is fitted (rear parking beeping), make sure the driver side tail light is sealed properly, or water gets in and makes the module corrode.
the motor can have an annoying LOUD ticking noise if you let it idle. seriously don't let it idle. it's the lifters in the head getting some air in them or something. it doesn't usually mean much, but if it never goes away:
a) it's annoying
b) could mean a little bit of bad wear is present
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheungs
- Maintenance issues?
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don't listen to BMW's 'lifetime fill' transmission+diff fluids. It's not super expensive to drain+refill with some high quality stuff, and even 50,000km would be plenty often enough
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheungs
- Inclusions? (I know the M Sport is fitted standard for Aus)
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sunroof? park assist (front and or rear)? leather colours? - someone else could probably answer this better than me, mine only has sunroof+ rear PDC.
130i has the xenon's standard, which is really the most important thing haha
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheungs
- Is iDrive really worth it?
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for you? maybe, inbuilt nav etc. can be cool. Personally i've never lived with it, someone else can answer this better.
Personal choice though really. just test one that has it and see if you like what it does.
I didn't want it, as i wanted to be able to more easily do a full aftermarket stereo... i never ended up doing so for reasons (all going in our other car), but still don't desire it really.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheungs
- What is the process like when going in for a private sale?
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TEST DRIVE MULTIPLE OTHER CARS
have you tested cars OTHER than the 130i? if not, just do it. IMO there's not really many better cars for the age/money/p-plate legal without getting an exemption.
otherwise..
find car you like
get inspected
if all good, leave deposit usually happens if you have to sort out finance/get money together [this is usually when the seller sorts out RWC/fixing anything if needed, if not already roadworthied, if it's agreed to come with one.. which is much easier]
get money together
get paperwork together (department of transport has it all, or available online) - transfer of registration.
get buyer to sign form with all details needed, you sign with all details needed
pay for car, collect keys etc.
go to department of transport with paperwork, pay stamp duty (percentage value of car, it sucks yes), car is officially yours!
oh and don't forget to sign up for the toll-road tag service whatever it's called
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheungs
- Is it recommended to bring a mechanic/BMW specialist or RAC bloke to
assess the car beforehand?
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yes, always is, just in case.
the 130i doesn't really have any major unique issues to be aware of
but it's still a car, so can have any normal car issues with any component.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheungs
- Flexibility in advertised price?
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offer something inoffensive.. a couple thousand lower usually.. It's always worth a try.
Also, even over 6-12 months ago i've seen some 130i's come up with excellent tasteful modifications for <$25,000 (coilovers and such) if that's to your taste.. no holding your breath, but it's a possibility if willing to wait around.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheungs
I've had a search of the forums on this question and came across evolution42's post, and that was a good read, but the questions I wanted answered where on the last post.
I've been watching carsales.com.au for a couple of months now and I can see i'll probably be spending around ~ $21k.
Any help or advice would be appreciated!
TL;DR
Hi, my names Michael. Happy to be a part of this forum!
Any tips on purchasing a 130i?
Any help or advice would be appreciated!
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welcome!
there's a facebook 130i owners group with a few melbourne owners, friendly folk.
130i is a great car, fits a good ikea lounge setup/a 50" TV in the back, with all the fun of RWD haha.
no spare tire/room beneath the floor of the boot though. bit of a downer for me lol.