Re: Buying used bimmer

[alex.fadeev@xxxxxxxxxxx]

"Jeremy Williams" <fairbairn1@domain.elided> wrote:
> I found a 1998 BMW 328 iS for sale online and before I pay the $150 
> transfer fee, 

Wow, is that all these cars go for these days?
'-)

> I wanted to have some questions to ask the guy to better find out about 
> the quality. To give you a background: it's a 98 with 65k miles on it,
> power everything, sunroof/moonroof, 5 speed manual, leather. I obviously
> figured  to ask questions about the state of the paint, dents, interior,
> etc. The biggest thing I am worried about is the clutch. Are there any
> specific questions I should ask to find out about the condition? 

Start by checking with local BMW CCA chapter members and find the most 
reputable shop in the area to handle your PPI (pre purchase inspection). 
Make arrangements with the shop with you paying 100% of the inspection 
cost.

Now ask the seller two questions: 
1. What shop was servicing the car and can I see the service records. The 
answer you do not want to hear is 'I took it to the dealer/QuickLube and 
did not keep any records'.
2. Will he drop the car off for the PPI at the shop of your choosing? The 
answer you want to hear is 'sure, no problem'.

> And if so, what would be a good answer to hear in regards to the 
> condition of the transmission, clutch, etc.

There is no way to diagnose verify those answer remotely anyway, so there 
is little point in asking beyond the basic "are they OK?".

alex f

------------------------------