Hi to all, I am a new member an d will hopefully be purchasing my 1st BMW on Saturday. Any members with some usefull pointers on what to check would be greatly appreciated. The vehicle in question is a late 2001 320D SE Tourer, 168,000 miles full BMW service history, allegedly exellent condition in and out, mechanically A1 with reciepts for all work that has been done, priced at £2000.

My current car is a Rover 75 with the BMW diesel engine has covered over 200,000 miles and still runs as sweet as a nut, so I know these engines have no problems with longevity so thought I would upgrade to a "Real" BMW.

Ade.

Welcome to the best BMW Forum by far, Ade...

TBH Just make sure you test drive it from cold, watch the temp gauge and listen for any knocks on the suspension and any other suspicious engine noises...

BTW two Grand seems a little cheap don't you think?

DAZ

i paid £1350 for my e46 with 117k on, all it needed was a £9 temp sensor, i got it in the auctions btw.

£2k does seem cheap but yes it is high miles, but as you no already there great engines which run and run.

id say just check for battle damage, eg shut lines, dodgy paint etc.

as dabsy said, make sure engine is cold when started, watch the gauge, it should sit at 12 oclock position when up to temp.

also check things like engine oil cap for any 'mayo' if it looks to clean its proberbly been wiped clean.

Edited April 16, 201114 yr by andy-mcq
cheers gav

You have a E46 Andy...

2k aint too cheap with them miles, some people dont realise BMW milage potential!

With full BMWSH, its got to be looked after as there service prices are madness

Plus the 2ld is an amazing engine...I know, i have one with 115k, its a beast ask Andy-mcq ;)

cheers gav, was tired lol. first full week back in work lol

yeah gavs is a beast, although he could only pull away from me in the straights :lol:

Thanks fellers for all your advice and comments.

I did purchase the vehicle after giving it a good check over and test drove it for approx 50 miles :).

This is what I found:

Bodywork excellent, all panels straight and only minor age related marks such as minor scuffs on bumpers and slight stone chips on front valance, amazingly the bonnet is fine.

All keyfob controls work fine.

M3 wheels with recently fitted tyres.

Charcoal velour interior with no rips, holes or damage to seats, genuine BMW mats, load cover and dog guard, spare wheel, jack, tool kit and triangle, 6 CD changer all present in boot. Interior does need a good clean though (will be busy today).

Under bonnet, all fluid levels checked and found to be adequate and clean, no evidence of oil or water leaks, no evidence of botched repair jobs etc.

Started from cold fine and temp gauge moved up to the 12 o'clock mark gradually and stayed there for the complete drive (approx 40 mins).

Smooth power delivery in all gears, changed through gears with ease, no unusual noises from engine, transmission, steering or suspension.

Drove through minor B roads, A roads and M-way, pulled like a train when accelerating onto M-way (checked in mirror, no black smoke).

All switches, controls etc working as they should be.

Brake pad warning light on dash, owner ensured me that the pads are fine probably a loose wear indecator wire (will need to check this out)

Front nearside headlamp bulb out (also indicated on dash).

Full BMW service history up to 2009, private thereafter with reciepts.

MOT Feb 20012.

HPI report.

I even had the cheek to barter the price and came away with the car for £1850 !!!

ANOTHER SATISFIED CUSTOMER, then B)

Nice write-up pal