[JoshLee89]

Hello. My friend is on the verge of purchasing BMW. He could not post the thread, so I'm posting on behalf of him.
It seems bit long.. lol but please help him out. Thank you!

LINK to the CAR
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...39197391&Log=0

Hello, I really need you guys to guide me to a purchase that I won’t regret!
My first car…a beautiful 2010 328i Alpine White got wrecked recently..
It was a great car but now I need to get another..I was shopping around to pick from a MB, Audi and a BMW but after getting into a 335i sedan…I couldn’t believe that I even considered a C350…even the thought of comparing the two didn’t do the 335i justice! After a long process, I found this awesome 2010 335i convertible!


Here are the specs:
M-SPORT PKG / PREMIUM PKG / COMFORT ACCESS / NAVIGATION
*The dealer agreed to install heated seats (not OEM but with 1 year warranty) free of charge.
Exterior: Alpine White
Interior: Crème Beige Dakota
Rims: 18-inch M-Sport Alloys
Miles: 29K
Price: $35,000 (before tax of 1.7% which makes Out the Door $37,500)

Other factors:
1. Clean Carfax

2. 2 owners (second owner owned it for just 6 month and drove 3,000miles) is this something that I should worry about?

3. According to BMW’s service record:

a. At 23K miles: “Cylinder head cover cracked/ broken/ torn off” and “Fuel injector permanent damage.”

b. At 28K miles: “Fuel injector Fault code stored in diagnosis fault code memory (warning lamp on)”- NO IDEA what this means..
I’d say the exterior condition is between “Excellent to Very Good”. I can tell that it’s been taken car of. Engine runs smooth with no problem. Front tires are basically new and back tires have 7.5 left (based on the gage-dealer says it’s pretty good)

The dealer is a great guy (the best that I’ve met since I started searching for a new car) honest, upfront and just cool. But I’m just worried that although it might be a good deal, because the 4-series are coming out in the 3rd quarter of this year, this 2010 335i convertible model will take a pretty significant hit in resale value..If I get this car, I’m probably going to have to sell this car in like 3 years and the resale value is really getting me thinking.
So, to simplify my questions!

1. Based on the options (like M-Sport Package), is Out the Door price of $37,500 a good deal?

2. Is that still a good deal based on the fact that the 4 series is coming out later this year? (I fear for a drop in resale value)

3. Handle is a little loose/light for a BMW. I like the tight, secure feel of the BMW steering wheel but are all BMW convertible handles a bit loose?

4. When I brake from high speeds (80mph), the handle shakes.

5. When I go over bumps with the roof on, a little rattling noise from the
back area…is it normal?

6. The dealer mentioned that I should get “Easy Care” warranty after my factory warranty expires and not get the maintenance warranty. Is that a solid warranty to get?

I know it’s been a long post, but thank you so much for bearing with me!
Any and all comments would be very much appreciated!
Thanks!

[Artmasterx]

Originally Posted by JoshLee89

Other factors:
1. Clean Carfax

2. 2 owners (second owner owned it for just 6 month and drove 3,000miles) is this something that I should worry about?

3. According to BMW’s service record:

a. At 23K miles: “Cylinder head cover cracked/ broken/ torn off” and “Fuel injector permanent damage.”

b. At 28K miles: “Fuel injector Fault code stored in diagnosis fault code memory (warning lamp on)”- NO IDEA what this means..
I’d say the exterior condition is between “Excellent to Very Good”. I can tell that it’s been taken car of. Engine runs smooth with no problem. Front tires are basically new and back tires have 7.5 left (based on the gage-dealer says it’s pretty good)


So, to simplify my questions!

1. Based on the options (like M-Sport Package), is Out the Door price of $37,500 a good deal?

2. Is that still a good deal based on the fact that the 4 series is coming out later this year? (I fear for a drop in resale value)

3. Handle is a little loose/light for a BMW. I like the tight, secure feel of the BMW steering wheel but are all BMW convertible handles a bit loose?

4. When I brake from high speeds (80mph), the handle shakes.

5. When I go over bumps with the roof on, a little rattling noise from the
back area…is it normal?

6. The dealer mentioned that I should get “Easy Care” warranty after my factory warranty expires and not get the maintenance warranty. Is that a solid warranty to get?

I know it’s been a long post, but thank you so much for bearing with me!
Any and all comments would be very much appreciated!
Thanks!

w/r/t 3: Does it have active steering? That could make it feel lighter than normal BMW steering.

w/r/t 4: The brake rotors may be slightly warped and may need to be machined down or replaced. BMW may do this under warranty, but can't be sure because they are wearable parts.

w/r/t a & b: Maybe worth calling up the dealer that did the service, or another you trust, and ask them if these are serious issues that could cause long-term issues. I am not sure, but "a" sounds a little serious, but probably nothing some part replacement could take care of.

[JoshLee89]

Anyone else?

[hemi to e90]

i dont think the car has active steering, but i could have missed it


what are your concerns exactly? we cant really view the car other than internet history.

[JoshLee89]

basically, I guess, he wants to know. Is this a good purchase? price seems reasonable??

[deluxe 247]

don't those look like pre lci taillights? if so it may indicate a rear end accident and replacing with used parts.

[JoshLee89]

2010 models has pre-lci taillights tho. That's normal isn't it

[asdflkijd]

For service records, you can give your local dealership a call with the cars VIN and they should be able to tell you everything. Also a PPI is a must, since there could be things wrong with the car that the owner may not disclose. Has your friend considered just a e92? the e93 will be considerably more in price, since that's what he seems to be worried about. I don't know about Atlanta but Seattle/ WA used car tax is crazy stupid.

[Trooper9009]

I would call up the place where the car was serviced regularly and find out if car has any issues. I am not familiar with how Verts are priced and I know that in GA there is not much room for negotiating too. I would say 35K OOD would be fair enough.

[Prissy]

No not a good deal. Also like above said, 2010 does not come with LCI lights (both front and rear).