Hi Cheung, welcome,
- Is there anything I should look out for when buying a second hand car/130i?
Not really, n52's are pretty reliable, some annoying things ppl have reported are power deadzones and throttles not that responsive in some areas. Apparently BMS powerbox helps, but personally I believe its the VANOS solenoids gumming up. After replacing those it felt a lot more urgent.
Check the Bluetooth.. they are nearly all guaranteed to die and not cheap to fix. I've changed mine over twice, and the latest to a newer model (mulf2) that shouldn't die now. I got pedantic because I wanted the steering wheel button to work!
Electric waterpumps are a common issue
Vanos solenoids as i've mentioned before.
(i think that's it from the top of my head)
- Maintenance issues?
Do the oil around 10k kms. Otherwise VANOS solenoids gum up.
- Inclusions? (I know the M Sport is fitted standard for Aus)
Standard:
M sport
Rear park standard
Xenons
BT
Voice control
Sunroof
CD Changer!
17" wheels
I believe the only options were upgraded Hifi Audio/iDrive/Auto/USB/front park assist/heated seats/heated steering wheel/18" wheels, those double spoked ones were an option.
As a note normal audio is pretty bad, the OEM alpine upgrade is great upgrade. (you can buy and install this at a later stage if the car has normal audio)
That's the good thing about buying top of the line beemers, they pretty much include all the options in Aus.
- Is iDrive really worth it?
Personally, Nope. You get a cleaner dash, and 2x cupholder lol. (That said one of them is useless unless you dont want an armrest)
In the end Google Maps is so much better, and pre-lci its not great, pretty slow, and takes ages to put in directions (i have it in the 335i).
Post LCI gets cic which is a much better system, but still, you cant really go past google maps.
- What is the process like when going in for a private sale?
Have a chat over the phone, take a look, test drive. Personally I like test-driving various cars at dealers first. Then go to private to not waste the guys time.
- Is it recommended to bring a mechanic/BMW specialist or RAC bloke to assess the car beforehand?
Kinda depends, see how you go with the "interview" if it's private you get a better feel of the person and how well its maintained..
If from dealer i'd generally get it checked out as you wont know the history.
- Flexibility in advertised price?
Probably, doesn't hurt to ask, but be polite, no super low balls. you'll generally know the price after looking at a few.
- 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.
tee hee i wrote that last post.. I now have all the answers
Anyway I've sent you a PM.
mods you want:
bmwp intake - expensive, but you can go the cheap option and just get the K&N airfilter (which i did) as a note.. there's a sound port from the bmwp intake that makes it sound better, but it goes out the left side, so I assume it isn't as loud for RHD ppl as it is for LHD german cars.
bmwp exhaust - i've been contemplating this for a long time but the stock sound is pretty dam good already.
Quaife LSD - changes the driving feel! the push and traction coming out of a corner is great!
BMW performance brakes - probably not necessary but looks so nice
SSK i probably wouldn't bother, the shift is already very sharp and short.
suspension - M Sport is pretty low already (but maybe i'm just getting old)
For the more hardcore:
some members have changed to m3 suspension bits and swear by it.
Workshops:
i like
bm central for general stuff (good bunch of guys)
southernbm for performance orientated stuff (but they aren't cheap)
active autowerk (good bunch of guys)