[bplewis24]

Update: So, I ended up buying it! I got it for $2500 off list, which is still more than I wanted to pay but she was a good salesperson. I don't have any good pics yet because I didn't get out of the dealer and back home until it was dark outside. Still can't believe I went through with it.

Original warranty through October 2014 or 50k miles (might happen slightly sooner). CPO warranty through October 2016 or 100k miles.

To my surprise the original warranty comes with free maintenance. I had no idea. I might purchase extended maintenance through 100k miles for another $1800 or whatever it was. I did go with the tire protection. More pics eventually.







Original post below:
================================================== ======
So, I think I'm finally ready to buy the car I've been waiting and saving for. I figured I may have some questions along the way so why not start a thread and get some help from all of the knowledgeable enthusiasts here.

I've never actually purchased from a dealer before, and I don't have any experience with BMWs, but I've had my heart set on a 3 series for a while. After months of reading and researching, I've decided I want an E92 2011 (N55 engine) 335i.

The CPO inventory on this model appears to have all but dried up from the market for some reason, but I'm still looking. I came across one about 55 miles away from me. Here is the carfax: http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory...&partner=CDM_U

Listing: http://www.bmwusa.com/standard/conte...lSearchRD.aspx

My questions:

1) I noticed in the carfax that the fuel pump has already been replaced. Is this a good or bad thing, or is there no way of knowing?
2) Anything else jump out at you guys from the Carfax?
3) Any other general buying tips or suggestions you guys have?

I'm not sold on that color at all, but I'd like to at least take it for a test drive or something.

[idrift4wd]

its not bad at all, nothing to bad. people amy say corporate fleets are usually beat on but its a 2011 with warranty. you'll be fine.

pumps were recalled so even if they were fine they probably replaced them. no issue there. make sure you test drive it!

[calicolorado]

Buy the car, you'll love it.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

BMW "Corporate Fleet" vehicles are generally driven by BMW or BMW dealer people so they tend to get regular maintenance.

[335BBS]

Originally Posted by idrift4wd

its not bad at all, nothing to bad. people amy say corporate fleets are usually beat on but its a 2011 with warranty. you'll be fine.

pumps were recalled so even if they were fine they probably replaced them. no issue there. make sure you test drive it!

Only buy it if CPO imo.

[Mardio]

I have heard that fleet vehicles are very well taken care of. Get it...

[Nite Flight]

I have the same search criteria as you, though I also want a MT and the M Sport package.

I have assumed there are few 2011s in the system as they're still too new for their leases to be up. FWIW, there are lots of 2010s.

I'm not completely clear on when the N55 entered production with the E92s. Was it a running change in the 2010 MY or did it start with 2011?

But I agree with everyone else, at least drive it and if you like it buy it

[bplewis24]

Originally Posted by Nite Flight

I'm not completely clear on when the N55 entered production with the E92s. Was it a running change in the 2010 MY or did it start with 2011?

I was under the impression that the N55 began with 2011 model year cars, but I don't know that for sure.

The weird thing is that about 4-5 months ago I could generally spot about 3-5 2011 E92 335i options within a 75 mile radius, but then a month or two ago they all but disappeared. This one in Concord is the first one I've seen in about a month. I'm not sure why that is.

[bplewis24]

The sales manager for that silver 335i contacted me and said she wanted to send me a "list of options" for that car. What type of options do dealers offer on used vehicles?

[E92 M Sport]

Originally Posted by bplewis24

I was under the impression that the N55 began with 2011 model year cars, but I don't know that for sure.

N55 began in 2011 for the E92. Corporate fleet usually means service loaner from all the cars I've looked at, across different brands as well. The only thing here is the car was registered to BMW directly, from the corp office, not a dealer. So this might have been driven by BMW employees. Ask them to be sure. Also, my car had 4 new tires installed prior to purchase, around the same mileage as this car has. The Carfax shows only 2 being replaced. Might want to look at that. Have them put the car on a lift for you to check out prior to purchase also.
As far as general buying tips, try to buy it closer to the end of the month.
Good luck.

[bplewis24]

Originally Posted by E92 M Sport

N55 began in 2011 for the E92. Corporate fleet usually means service loaner from all the cars I've looked at, across different brands as well. The only thing here is the car was registered to BMW directly, from the corp office, not a dealer. So this might have been driven by BMW employees. Ask them to be sure. Also, my car had 4 new tires installed prior to purchase, around the same mileage as this car has. The Carfax shows only 2 being replaced. Might want to look at that. Have them put the car on a lift for you to check out prior to purchase also.
As far as general buying tips, try to buy it closer to the end of the month.
Good luck.

Thanks for the tip. I'll make sure to remember to ask those questions. The earliest I would be able to go out and test drive it is on the 26th, so I'm sure that's close enough to the end of the month. I I plan to make an aggressive cash (personal check) offer if I like the test drive and see how they respond.

I'm starting to wish there were more cars available with the M Sport package because the front grille looks so much better and so does the steering wheel, but that seems pretty rare to find. If they don't accept an offer lower than the asking price for this car then I will probably just wait.

[E92 Snow]

Honestly bro, when you test drive the car you're going to want to buy it.

[bplewis24]

Originally Posted by E92 Snow

Honestly bro, when you test drive the car you're going to want to buy it.

No doubt...I believe you. The few things I have going in my favor are that it's not close to home so I wouldn't be able to drive it off the lot that day anyway...so there's no temptation on that front. Also, I really don't like the color combination, so if they don't budget on the price I won't have a problem walking away.

How easy is it to purchase parts for the M-Sport looking front bumper and replacing it myself?

[morphius909]

I have 25,000 kilometers on my N55 and it's in it's second winter and zero issues.

You'll love the Turbo and refinement!

[Karbon]

My 2010 335i was a 'Corporate Fleet' vehicle on a lease. It has Nav, Sports and Premium package with Comfort Access.
It was very well taken care of and CPO'd when it was turned in. CPO is a must and it's great peace of mind. My warranty expires in 100k or on 6/2016!!

To be completely honest, Corporate Fleet can really mean anything. Some guy could have had a business that he bought the car under for tax reasons and drove it as his personal vehicle.

You'll love the car. I love mine!

[335BBS]

Originally Posted by Karbon

My 2010 335i was a 'Corporate Fleet' vehicle on a lease. It has Nav, Sports and Premium package with Comfort Access.
It was very well taken care of and CPO'd when it was turned in. CPO is a must and it's great peace of mind. My warranty expires in 100k or on 6/2016!!

To be completely honest, Corporate Fleet can really mean anything. Some guy could have had a business that he bought the car under for tax reasons and drove it as his personal vehicle.

You'll love the car. I love mine!

Killer warranty but how do you know how it was cared for/driven?

[nbkkvv5]

Originally Posted by bplewis24

So, I think I'm finally ready to buy the car I've been waiting and saving for. I figured I may have some questions along the way so why not start a thread and get some help from all of the knowledgeable enthusiasts here.

I've never actually purchased from a dealer before, and I don't have any experience with BMWs, but I've had my heart set on a 3 series for a while. After months of reading and researching, I've decided I want an E92 2011 (N55 engine) 335i.

The CPO inventory on this model appears to have all but dried up from the market for some reason, but I'm still looking. I came across one about 55 miles away from me. Here is the carfax: http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory...&partner=CDM_U

Listing: http://www.bmwusa.com/standard/conte...lSearchRD.aspx

My questions:

1) I noticed in the carfax that the fuel pump has already been replaced. Is this a good or bad thing, or is there no way of knowing?
2) Anything else jump out at you guys from the Carfax?
3) Any other general buying tips or suggestions you guys have?

I'm not sold on that color at all, but I'd like to at least take it for a test drive or something.

1.Based on carfax history, second owner bought from BMW of Concord and owned the car for about 15,000 miles and then may have traded it in after that. Looks like the car was serviced there so that's good. I bought my car new from them and they have a very good service dept.
2.Just because carfax says “registered as Corporate Fleet” does not mean the car was driven by BMW. When I sold my wife’s Lexus RX350 (we bought it new) I ordered up a carfax for my autotrader car ad. The carfax showed the same exact thing “registered as Corporate Fleet”. Last time I check, my wife and I are not a corporate entity…lol
3.I would say, do not pay asking price. Start with a low offer and see where things go from there. You should be able to get a minimum of $2500 to $3,000 off the asking price. That car has been sitting on their lot for over 3 months now so I'm sure they would like to get it sold.

[bplewis24]

Originally Posted by nbkkvv5

1.Based on carfax history, second owner bought from BMW of Concord and owned the car for about 15,000 miles and then may have traded it in after that. Looks like the car was serviced there so that's good. I bought my car new from them and they have a very good service dept.
2.Just because carfax says “registered as Corporate Fleet” does not mean the car was driven by BMW. When I sold my wife’s Lexus RX350 (we bought it new) I ordered up a carfax for my autotrader car ad. The carfax showed the same exact thing “registered as Corporate Fleet”. Last time I check, my wife and I are not a corporate entity…lol
3.I would say, do not pay asking price. Start with a low offer and see where things go from there. You should be able to get a minimum of $2500 to $3,000 off the asking price. That car has been sitting on their lot for over 3 months now so I'm sure they would like to get it sold.

Thanks for the feedback, I was hoping to find somebody on this forum that has dealt with the dealer before. I'm really looking forward to a test-drive now. I've never even driven a BMW before, let alone a 335i. I'm coming from a beat up 96 Mustang GT (with a very good and reliable V8 engine).

[VMRWheels]

New HPFP is a good thing. Carfax should tell you at how many miles as well.

[335BBS]

Originally Posted by nbkkvv5

1.Based on carfax history, second owner bought from BMW of Concord and owned the car for about 15,000 miles and then may have traded it in after that. Looks like the car was serviced there so that's good. I bought my car new from them and they have a very good service dept.
2.Just because carfax says “registered as Corporate Fleet” does not mean the car was driven by BMW. When I sold my wife’s Lexus RX350 (we bought it new) I ordered up a carfax for my autotrader car ad. The carfax showed the same exact thing “registered as Corporate Fleet”. Last time I check, my wife and I are not a corporate entity…lol
3.I would say, do not pay asking price. Start with a low offer and see where things go from there. You should be able to get a minimum of $2500 to $3,000 off the asking price. That car has been sitting on their lot for over 3 months now so I'm sure they would like to get it sold.

Exec's kid could have driven it..................

[bplewis24]

Is there a way to circumvent a credit check? If I paid via personal check or cash should they run my credit? My credit is great, but I want to avoid getting dinged for another credit report.

[E92 M Sport]

Originally Posted by bplewis24

Is there a way to circumvent a credit check? If I paid via personal check or cash should they run my credit? My credit is great, but I want to avoid getting dinged for another credit report.

If you're buying it outright, your credit is none of their business.