Is the warranty that important?

hen · 05-19-2007, 10:55 AM

Hi, I'm thinking of buying a used e90 330i because the prices are great on them. I found one for a good deal that has a software upgrade, exhaust and intake mods. My questions is, is it a bad idea to buy a modded car that probably isn't under warranty? I'm pretty new to all of this so any info would be greatly appreciated.

MacAttack · 05-19-2007, 10:59 AM

What type of software upgrade & intake mods are you talking about?

DasBlitz · 05-19-2007, 11:29 AM

For me warranty is a big deal especially if spending over atleast 6k or so. What if something happens to the engine or drivetrain that has nothing to do with the modifications? But since you do not have the warranty or have broken it you have to pay out of your pocket. That's when it sucks. Especially if you are keeping the car for the long haul.

But exactly what has been done to this car? Little things should not matter.

toofasttooslow · 05-19-2007, 11:39 AM

Just be prepared to pay big $$$ for anything that goes wrong with the car. There's a reason why people complain about keeping up an older bimmer - because it's really expensive. The shops will charge you around 1.5 times what a comparable repair would cost on an American or even Japanese car. If they deny your warranty you'll be in that same boat.

Some mods won't negate your warranty. The way a warranty works is that BWM needs to prove that the mods interfered with "normal" operating conditions. If they can't they still need to honor it.

Personally I'd stay away from modded cars though. To me a modded car means it's been at the very least street raced and at the most beaten on. Never know what kind of can of worms you'll open with one of those cars.

hen · 05-19-2007, 11:46 AM

From the description it says "302hp via software upgrade, exhaust & high flow air filter (paid $2k)." it also has 36k miles for a 2006 which seems a little high. i think i might hold off and keep searching

Carnage · 05-19-2007, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hen

Hi, I'm thinking of buying a used e90 330i because the prices are great on them. I found one for a good deal that has a software upgrade, exhaust and intake mods. My questions is, is it a bad idea to buy a modded car that probably isn't under warranty? I'm pretty new to all of this so any info would be greatly appreciated.

Blow the engine, tranny or anything else not under warranty and ask that question to your wallet....

toofasttooslow · 05-19-2007, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hen

it also has 36k miles for a 2006

Definitely been beaten on...

Ninjaneer · 05-19-2007, 12:14 PM

I'd get warranty. Especially from a BMW dealer, CPO gives you 100K instead of the standard 50K.

alexalex · 05-19-2007, 01:40 PM

Modded, unmodded, you still see people put everything back to stock before selling. But I would suggest you going with CPO, at least you know the car will be warranted...and chances you won't get stuck with a Trade Assist vehicle.

05-19-2007, 10:55 AM	#1
hen Private 20 Rep 70 Posts Drives: 328 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Is the warranty that important? Hi, I'm thinking of buying a used e90 330i because the prices are great on them. I found one for a good deal that has a software upgrade, exhaust and intake mods. My questions is, is it a bad idea to buy a modded car that probably isn't under warranty? I'm pretty new to all of this so any info would be greatly appreciated.
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05-19-2007, 10:59 AM	#2
MacAttack Colonel 29 Rep 2,134 Posts Drives: fast enough Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Afghanistan iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW [0.00]	What type of software upgrade & intake mods are you talking about? __________________ 2007 E92 335i Coupe: Monaco Blue/Premium/Sports/Winter Package/Nav/CA/6MT/TT/Active Cruise/Active Steering/iPod/Rear Shade/Tint/Short Shifter/OEM Alum Pedals//
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05-19-2007, 11:29 AM	#3
DasBlitz Major 62 Rep 1,141 Posts Drives: bmw 328i 07 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: new england iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 328i [0.00]	For me warranty is a big deal especially if spending over atleast 6k or so. What if something happens to the engine or drivetrain that has nothing to do with the modifications? But since you do not have the warranty or have broken it you have to pay out of your pocket. That's when it sucks. Especially if you are keeping the car for the long haul. But exactly what has been done to this car? Little things should not matter. __________________
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05-19-2007, 11:39 AM	#4
toofasttooslow Galactic Emperor 75 Rep 801 Posts Drives: Fast Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: WA iTrader: (3)	Just be prepared to pay big $$$ for anything that goes wrong with the car. There's a reason why people complain about keeping up an older bimmer - because it's really expensive. The shops will charge you around 1.5 times what a comparable repair would cost on an American or even Japanese car. If they deny your warranty you'll be in that same boat. Some mods won't negate your warranty. The way a warranty works is that BWM needs to prove that the mods interfered with "normal" operating conditions. If they can't they still need to honor it. Personally I'd stay away from modded cars though. To me a modded car means it's been at the very least street raced and at the most beaten on. Never know what kind of can of worms you'll open with one of those cars.
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05-19-2007, 11:46 AM	#5
hen Private 20 Rep 70 Posts Drives: 328 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: US iTrader: (0)	From the description it says "302hp via software upgrade, exhaust & high flow air filter (paid $2k)." it also has 36k miles for a 2006 which seems a little high. i think i might hold off and keep searching
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05-19-2007, 12:14 PM	#8
Ninjaneer Shadow Warrior 139 Rep 2,095 Posts Drives: '07 335i Sedan Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	I'd get warranty. Especially from a BMW dealer, CPO gives you 100K instead of the standard 50K. __________________ 335i E90 / Arctic / Gray / Burl Walnut / Steptronic / ZPP / ZSP / Paddles / CA / Nav / PDC / OEM Spoiler Mods: PIAA Angel Eyes, Rear Fog Switch, Escort X50 Blue hardwire, 30% Charcoal Llumar Installing soon: Rear Power Outlets (Happy Robot mod!)
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05-19-2007, 01:40 PM	#9
alexalex Moogoogaipan 0 Rep 45 Posts Drives: E90 330i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Modded, unmodded, you still see people put everything back to stock before selling. But I would suggest you going with CPO, at least you know the car will be warranted...and chances you won't get stuck with a Trade Assist vehicle.
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