potential new owner

[JimmyJimmyYaw]

Hi guys,

looking at possibly buying a 328i in the next week or so. So looking for some what to look for advice.

I'll try and use the search function as much as possible.

Cheers

[p38fln]

Be sure the oil housing cap isn't missing the center piece and the fuel cap is there....  I just spent 3 weeks of pure aggravation due to mine missing those parts.  

I strongly recommend taking a BMW specific code scanner with you before buying it and seeing what codes it currently has, the MIL won't come on unless a rather severe issue is detected but all kinds of minor annoyances will set codes.  Some codes will be historical, like "Left tail light burned out" just verify the light is actually working.  The code won't clear on its own.  

Check that the windshield washer actually functions, mine doesn't and I haven't had time to deal with it due to all the other problems I was having.  It's apparently a very common issue on the 3 series.  

Listen for a good strong starter, they're an absolute pain in the rear to change.  You can do it yourself in your driveway and about 4 hours of time and the appropriate tools and a helper to hold the intake manifold out of the way, but it's not the easiest thing to do.  

 

[p38fln]

Also check that the positive battery terminal isn't cracked, definitely a known issue on the 328i depending on the model year.  Pu