[hadoob024]

Have been in love with Bimmers my entire life (my dad's owned the last three generations of the 5) and am FINALLY in a place to get my first one. The number of options of going about this are kind of mind boggling (model versus means of acquiring it). As of now I'm thinking a CPO 335i. My dream is still an M3, but unfortunately am not in a position to be considering that (yet... or am I).

Any pitfalls/suggestions/gotchas/tips? What should I be looking for and/or asking about when looking at CPO's? Are turbos an issue with 335i CPO's? Is an M3 even an option at this point? Even the amount of info on this site is kinda daunting. Thanks in advance!!!

[E30M3Driver]

Originally Posted by hadoob024

Have been in love with Bimmers my entire life (my dad's owned the last three generations of the 5) and am FINALLY in a place to get my first one. The number of options of going about this are kind of mind boggling (model versus means of acquiring it). As of now I'm thinking a CPO 335i. My dream is still an M3, but unfortunately am not in a position to be considering that (yet... or am I).

Any pitfalls/suggestions/gotchas/tips? What should I be looking for and/or asking about when looking at CPO's? Are turbos an issue with 335i CPO's? Is an M3 even an option at this point? Even the amount of info on this site is kinda daunting. Thanks in advance!!!

If you are asking the question of whether or not an M3 is an option and you aren't sure of the answer then it is definitely not an option for you.

What to look for in a CPO 335i is no different than any other used car - inspect it thoroughly. Keep in mind CPO doesn't cover wear items or radio or nav electronics - pay particular attention to those items because you are stuck with any defects that haven't been corrected under the factory warranty or as part of negotiating a deal.

Turbos are a potential issue regardless if it is CPO or not - only difference is you can likely get those replaced under CPO warranty if they are a problem.

[hadoob024]

Originally Posted by E30M3Driver

If you are asking the question of whether or not an M3 is an option and you aren't sure of the answer then it is definitely not an option for you.

What to look for in a CPO 335i is no different than any other used car - inspect it thoroughly. Keep in mind CPO doesn't cover wear items or radio or nav electronics - pay particular attention to those items because you are stuck with any defects that haven't been corrected under the factory warranty or as part of negotiating a deal.

Turbos are a potential issue regardless if it is CPO or not - only difference is you can likely get those replaced under CPO warranty if they are a problem.

I only meant to ask if they do CPO M3's. I don't see why not, but I couldn't find anything on any of the local BMW dealership websites, so I wasn't sure.

It really comes down to comparing prices versus what's available (which I guess is always the issue )

Cool. That's good to know. I assumed that little things like that would be caught and fixed by a CPO, but I guess not. From what I've read on this forum, looks like (for a 335i) I would have to look out for HPFP issues, wastegate rattle issues and turbo issues. Sound right?

Someone also suggested looking at LeaseTrader. Any thoughts on this?

Going to swing by the dealership this weekend and start my research. Can't wait!

[rg87]

Just make sure to inspect the car thoroughly. Buying CPO doesn't necessarily mean the dealer is being truthful about the car. Speaking from experience, I bought an E46 CPO from a BMW dealership and when I sold the car, I found out that the car was previously accidented. And I did have it inspected....

Make sure to get a vehicle history report. Most dealers use "carfax", but I would recommend using "autocheck.com". They appear to be more accurate with vehicle history!

[Royal Flush]

Ask in your regional sub-forum about a reputable dealer and salesman, and you shouldn't be worried about getting the run-around on a CPO.

[hadoob024]

Originally Posted by rg87

Just make sure to inspect the car thoroughly. Buying CPO doesn't necessarily mean the dealer is being truthful about the car. Speaking from experience, I bought an E46 CPO from a BMW dealership and when I sold the car, I found out that the car was previously accidented. And I did have it inspected....

Make sure to get a vehicle history report. Most dealers use "carfax", but I would recommend using "autocheck.com". They appear to be more accurate with vehicle history!

Cool. Wow! Didn't know that would be an issue.

Yeah, I know about Carfax, but hadn't heard of autocheck.com. Will definitely run my potential buy through both of them though. Thanks for the heads up!

[hadoob024]

Originally Posted by Royal Flush

Ask in your regional sub-forum about a reputable dealer and salesman, and you shouldn't be worried about getting the run-around on a CPO.

Cool. Thanks! Yeah, I went through those as well. Everyone in my area seems to have high opinions of Nalley BMW in Decatur, GA (which is only like 10 minutes away). In fact, my dad bought his last three generations of 5 series cars from them!

[Royal Flush]

Originally Posted by hadoob024

Cool. Thanks! Yeah, I went through those as well. Everyone in my area seems to have high opinions of Nalley BMW in Decatur, GA (which is only like 10 minutes away). In fact, my dad bought his last three generations of 5 series cars from them!

Ask if they have any salesman they recommend. While you're at it, also ask for recommended SAs/techs. If your dad purchased the last three generations of 5 series from them, dropping your last name and your Dad's name should only benefit you. If the salesman your Dad worked with is still there, that'd probably benefit you also.

[hadoob024]

Originally Posted by Royal Flush

Ask if they have any salesman they recommend. While you're at it, also ask for recommended SAs/techs. If your dad purchased the last three generations of 5 series from them, dropping your last name and your Dad's name should only benefit you. If the salesman your Dad worked with is still there, that'd probably benefit you also.

Yup. Had a couple of them mention a Mark Tishler. I think my dad knows someone else there. Cool. Yeah, already planning on going there this Sunday with my dad!

[Royal Flush]

Originally Posted by hadoob024

Yup. Had a couple of them mention a Mark Tishler. I think my dad knows someone else there. Cool. Yeah, already planning on going there this Sunday with my dad!

Good deal, but don't be in a rush to get one. Wait for the one you absolutely want.

[hadoob024]

Originally Posted by Royal Flush

Good deal, but don't be in a rush to get one. Wait for the one you absolutely want.

Thanks. Yup. I'm in no rush. The XTerra's holding up for now so I'm not in a "need" situation, just a "want and can afford" situation. Plus, I figure once the 2012's start rolling out, I'll be able to find better deals on new 2010's/2011's or CPO's!

[E30M3Driver]

Originally Posted by hadoob024

I only meant to ask if they do CPO M3's. I don't see why not, but I couldn't find anything on any of the local BMW dealership websites, so I wasn't sure.

Cool. That's good to know. I assumed that little things like that would be caught and fixed by a CPO, but I guess not.

Yes you can CPO an M3 - cost is higher of course.

The CPO is simply an inspection, the thoroughness of which is as only as good as the tech doing it. Sure they fix things that would otherwise have the car be out of BMW spec/standards for the car/age - but it is still a used car in the end. In the words of a BMW field service rep who shall remain nameless - the point of CPO is "not to refurbish the car to like new"...

Inspect it like you would any other car, especially those items not covered by the CPO warranty and you'll do well.

And, if you find a good non-CPO car, you can always buy the BMW extended warranty that is equivalent to or even better than the CPO warranty for about the same money or just a little more.

[hadoob024]

Originally Posted by E30M3Driver

Yes you can CPO an M3 - cost is higher of course.

The CPO is simply an inspection, the thoroughness of which is as only as good as the tech doing it. Sure they fix things that would otherwise have the car be out of BMW spec/standards for the car/age - but it is still a used car in the end. In the words of a BMW field service rep who shall remain nameless - the point of CPO is "not to refurbish the car to like new"...

Inspect it like you would any other car, especially those items not covered by the CPO warranty and you'll do well.

And, if you find a good non-CPO car, you can always buy the BMW extended warranty that is equivalent to or even better than the CPO warranty for about the same money or just a little more.

Hmmm.. Good to know. I kinda thought it was "to refurbish the car to like new".

Any other gotchas with the 335i other than the ones I listed previously?

[E30M3Driver]

Originally Posted by hadoob024

Hmmm.. Good to know. I kinda thought it was "to refurbish the car to like new".

Any other gotchas with the 335i other than the ones I listed previously?

If you are looking at automatics - keep an eye out for transmission fluid leaks - a known problem with the Mechatronic seal.

Pay attention for trim wear issues around the driver and passenger side center consoles, where the seat belt connector is located.

[hadoob024]

Originally Posted by E30M3Driver

If you are looking at automatics - keep an eye out for transmission fluid leaks - a known problem with the Mechatronic seal.

Pay attention for trim wear issues around the driver and passenger side center consoles, where the seat belt connector is located.

Cool. Are there any model year's in particular that suffer from the transmission fluid leak issue or trim wear issues?