I tend to overthink big purchases. In doing so, I am the type "when I find" it feels right almost immediately.
I started this thread and have since reached an agreed price on the car. The agreed price is slightly higher than CarFax private party:
https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2080555
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...ibextid=dXMIcH
I can't say why, but something feels off about this car. I was excited when I saw it, drove it, kicked the tires, etc. Now, not so much. I think it's because I am comparing it to my previous one and the seller is a bit like a used car salesman.
I paid a BMW Shop to do a presale inspection for me:
https://app.autoserve1.com/report/h9R2W8ZKageittEtP
Scroll down to "13 items have service suggested" to see the list of what needs attention now, or soon.
The shop tech guys said it's a good car, showing it's age, needs to brought up to date on service. The paint has swirls, shows blending (from previous repairs) scratches, and such that should be addressed. See below. They said "it looks like the seller ran it thru car wash places".
Carfax shows a great service history, personal use, 4 owners and 2 accidents, one moderate, one minor.
I paid for, and we are waiting for, an oil analysis even though I know it will not show anything with the bearings (2011 car, different medal, not copper, they are aluminum). Seller did an oil analysis 10k ago that showed high fuel and iron, so I want to see that come down in the current analysis. I also paid 1/2 for the oil/filter change to get the oil sample, as a good gesture to the seller. So, I have about $400 in the car.
The rod bearings have not been replaced. I have $4000~ estimates, plus motor mounts to get them done.
To me it looks like an owner who deferred some maintenance and is now selling the car, after they purchased a new one.
It doesn't show as well as my prior 08 335i E93. That car was pristine by the time I sold it. But I think it has potential to get there.
Seller is odd, too salesy, retired, doesn't seem to have abused the car. He is not a car guy, this was a daily driver for him. It will be a weekend driver garaged car for me.
Does anyone see any red flags with this car, reasons not to purchase it, etc.?
Thanks