[Ant Man]

Hi

I looked at a E92M3 today and under the bonnet, the rubber strips that run parallel and close to each wing are missing 2 sections.

On the slam panel the centre black sticker (oil warning I think) and the 2 yellow stickers, one each end are also missing.

The gap between the bonnet centre and grill was also about 6-7mm.

No other signs.

Does it mean it's had a new front end?

The headlights where they merging with the grill, looked a bit weird with regards to the panel gap not being even but were both the same. Not sure if they all look like this?

Any guidance appreciated.

[mjh93sa]

An under-bonnet shot of an M3 incase this helps:

[M3-FAST]

Pic of mine if it helps at all - defo should have three stickers on though.....

If it has had frontal damage bad enough to have had this replaced I would walk away - have you done a cardata check on it?

[scottishpete]

Sounds like every sign of a shunt

[chris330D]

For a car like this, if you have any doubts walk away. sounds like it has been repaired to me.

[jjbirch]

if i was you i would buy some stickers and it will be all ok

[dxb335d]

Sounds like its been smacked to me also.

No reason for them to be missing.

Take a paint depth gauge/?

[DJKhan85]

The hood is different.....the one mjh93sa posted has m3 on them.

[Oli]

Hood?

[jjbirch]

ones a coupe and one is a saloon

[M3-FAST]

Originally Posted by jjbirch

ones a coupe and one is a saloon

shouldn't make any difference - both got the same front end and the bonnet's are unique to 'M3's' - they are a few mm different in length to a standard E92/E93.

Not sure why mine doesn't have 'M3' stamped in it - maybe another LCi cost cut??

Mikr and I posted our pics at virtually the same time, and I thought they looked identical until this was spotted!

Anyway, they both have stickers on which proves the point!!

[mjh93sa]

There are a few differences... (the one I posted is a pre-LCI E92 courtesy of booforty)

[Ant Man]

thanks guys.

Have checked a mates M3 and the way the panel gap changes along the headlights and the way the lights fit under the centre piece (grill area) of bumper is the same.

No signs of any work being done at all. Age and condition matches rest of car so it if did have a new front it must have been a while ago. Car was sold as BMW approved car in May 09.

Additionally, no stickers (xenon warning) on headlights either which again makes me think replacement headlights.

Haven't yet done a car data check. Is this like HPi? Which is the best source to use pls?

[M3-FAST]

There are tons of places doing this now pretty cheaply:

A text one I have used before is......

Simply text CTC then a space followed by the registration number to 83600

Get an instant Car Text Check report sent straight to your mobile phone in seconds for only £3

'Car Text Check' provides UK vehicle buyers instant access to authentic DVLA and POLICE information, as well as serious damage and written-off data recorded by British insurers.

With Car Text Check you can check the details of any mainland GB registered vehicle, including whether it is written-off, accident damaged, scrapped, stolen, number of keepers, colour change, date first registered and of course make, model and vehicle identity


Or try an online one: www.mycarcheck.com

Either should highlight any insurance paid work on the vehicle - obviously won't indicate any privately paid for repairs.

Is there any evidence of paint finish/colour difference - most bodyshops struggle to paint a car as badly as BMW do, and often a lack of orange peel may indicate a resprayed front end?

[dxb335d]

Doubt it was written off if it has been smashed. Still worth alot of dough.

[M3-FAST]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Doubt it was written off if it has been smashed. Still worth alot of dough.

who has mentioned it being a previous write off?

[Ant Man]

Originally Posted by M3-FAST

There are tons of places doing this now pretty cheaply:

A text one I have used before is......

Simply text CTC then a space followed by the registration number to 83600

Get an instant Car Text Check report sent straight to your mobile phone in seconds for only £3

'Car Text Check' provides UK vehicle buyers instant access to authentic DVLA and POLICE information, as well as serious damage and written-off data recorded by British insurers.

With Car Text Check you can check the details of any mainland GB registered vehicle, including whether it is written-off, accident damaged, scrapped, stolen, number of keepers, colour change, date first registered and of course make, model and vehicle identity


Or try an online one: www.mycarcheck.com

Either should highlight any insurance paid work on the vehicle - obviously won't indicate any privately paid for repairs.

Is there any evidence of paint finish/colour difference - most bodyshops struggle to paint a car as badly as BMW do, and often a lack of orange peel may indicate a resprayed front end?

OK, thanks. I'm also going to check for outstanding finance so will just use hpi for £20.

The rubber strips are missing from every car I've seen including pics above, must be cost cutting.

The front bumper has very small stone chips that match those on the rear bumper where it forms the wheel arch. No difference in colour to rest of car and condition on radiator and cooler in front left air dam certainly match mileage and age of car.

I spoke briefly to the previous keeper today. He purchased the car from Sytner High Wicombe in April 09 and he never had any work done. We will talk more tomorrow and I'll call Sytner to see what they make of the lack of stickers. Apart from lack of stickers there are absolutely no signs of any parts being replaced unless it was between Dec08 and April 09 as every part looks like it has covered 20k miles.

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by M3-FAST

who has mentioned it being a previous write off?

Some one mentioned HPi, which would only show a write off.

Still could have been wrapped. But not written off.

[dxb335d]

Some cars are damaged before delivery. Could be a quick repair before owner took it.

[Ant Man]

There were some other issues with the car and I decided not to go ahead with the purchase.