Any BMW (car) drivers input welcome on used car purchase.

[rphillips]

Well, it seems he's had a pretty "Merry Christmas", Wishing everybody can have one that nice. Congrats.

[gsbill]

BMW cars are good. Learn how to maintain them and do your own work. It’s expensive if you don’t. Seek a mom and pop European/BMW shop for stuff beyond your abilities. Find an online group to help out with minor odds and ends.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Already on it. Thanks Bill.

[storm 64]

If he doesn't already have a girlfriend, he will soon driving a BMW.
Well that and after he gets a haircut!
haha
(I sound like my dad)

[JMHJ]

I saw a kid with that same hair in the tag agency today; must be a thing.

Yeah if he's not happy with that, something wrong...

There was an older BMW specialty shop here that closed up maybe 6mos or a year ago. I saw the guy I took to be the mechanic arrive to work to unlock the property gate around 0800 time and again. Then it seemed like it wasn't being opened anymore. Then I saw him with a crutch or leg cast or something, and not long after, it was being completely cleaned out, all the old BMWs parked there, etc. Even stripped the sheet metal off the outdoor shed and left the frame to topple. And that was that.

[bonanzadave]

Did you give the asking price ($7.7k?) ?

Curious about the all wheel drive. My GSons S40 T5 is all wheel and gutless in the snow. Seems like the all wheel system is designed to keep you on a dry road in the event of a skid. There is apparently a secret option -wintermode- in the menu but you gotta be a sweede to find it. I told him if he gets stuck turn off trac control. His sisters subi with xmode don't get stuck !

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Yes, 7.7k. I’m back at the dealer today for him to sort the headlight issue. Supposed bad switch. I’m at a diner down the street enjoying a French Dip. I know the AWD isn’t like on our Subi. That car I believe could drive through get out of just about anything without breaking a sweat. I’ll inform my son about the TC button if he gets stuck. Good tip.

[rphillips]

At a "BMW" dealer to sort the headlight issue?... No idea about how ya'll deal with things but folks, local to me, would have made a deal with the used car guy they were buying from, you fix the issues then I'll buy the car.... Hoping all goes good for ya.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Not a BMW Dealer. It’s an independent used car (primarily Euros) where I bought the car. He/ I were not aware of the headlight issue when I left with the car on Saturday. He’s taking care of me.

[rphillips]

You had me fidgeting a little, should have known you had it under control.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Final report on this car buy, I hope, knock on wood. Had the car back at the seller’s shop last Thursday to try and fix the headlight issue. Try as thy might, even with their most up-to date scan tool, could not get the high beams to function (or the low, I’m still not sure, have watched way too many videos about BMW headlights). So they made an appointment for this past Thursday at the BMW dealer that they work with 1/2 hour from the shop, (1/2 hour further from home for me). Took the day off Thursday, got the car to seller’s shop early, they took it to BMW for 10am appointment. Noah and I got a good breakfast at a diner (same one I went to week before), did some thrift shopping, found a bowling alley and bowled 2 games. We each won one, we’re both terrible bowlers, but had a great time.

Took our time getting back to the shop. 1pm, 2pm, still no word. Seller called BMW, they still hadn’t gotten the car in. Seller had a few persuasive words for the BMW dealer. Short time later BMW calls back to say they would not fix the headlight issue unless they also fixed the TPMS error (I didn’t care about that. Have driven cars for years that didn’t tell me if my tire pressure was low, but I digress). But they wouldn’t have all necessary parts/modules til maybe Friday. Seller didn’t really have a choice, he drove use to BMW, arranged for a loaner so we could make the 3 hour drive home. Got home 8pm.

Yesterday, 3pm, sellers called me to say car was done, and he was on the way there to settle his bill. Too late for me to drive there yesterday. Left this morning so I could be sure to be there when they opened at 8. Big dealership, lots of activity, went in, got the paperwork, collected my car before 8. Headlights now work the way they are supposed to, even the headlight washers, which I didn’t think the halogen models were even equipped with, headlight module replaced and programmed. TPMS light out too, module replaced and programmed. They also took care of a PCV valve recall. I just got home to beat the snow. Gas mileage improved greatly too. I have no explanation for that. PCV valve?

Big shout out to Sam, owner of Top Auto, who took great care of us. His bill at the BMW dealer- $1100 and change..

Yes, I had to make 3 extra trips across the state, but Noah and I are very happy, and just in time for him to go back to college tomorrow, once the roads are clear of snow.

[Nessism]

Awesome update, Rich. Glad to hear the car is sorted now. You guys did well with the dealer you purchased from. I wonder, doubt, most dealers would go the extra yard that yours did.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Who knew there were good used car dealers. Faith in humanity restored.

[rphillips]

OOOooohhhh, I just read post # 11 again. Hoping the best for ya'll

[Rob S.]

I told him if he gets stuck turn off trac control.

Same with the Town Car/Crown Vic. How are you going to get out of the snow if you can't spin the wheels?