BMW 316i: Advice Required Ref Problem

Julietta

Hi all

Am looking to buy a BMW 316, found a 2004 one that was all good condition wise, price wise - as was private sale, I got an independent inspection done and 2 problems came back, an oil leak and a "fluid leak in the area of the steering pump" - the inspector reckons the fluid leak in the steering is a deal breaker so I regretfully told the owner that I wouldn't be buying the car. The owner then said he would have the problem addressed and sent me the contact detail for his mechanic - I have just spoken with the mechanic who is maintaining that the oil leak is caused by a faulty rocker gasket which he is replacing but in his opinion, the fluid leak in the power steering is "tiny, tiny" and does not need to be addressed.

I really want to buy this car but don't want to be stupid about it either, does anyone have any opinions/advice? I guess my gut is to walk away, even if the fluid leak is "tiny, tiny", it's not going to get any better and I don't want to be looking at paying for this myself come next service. I also don't quite undertsand how a car with only 36,000 miles on the clock could have this problem but again, the mechanic said this is not uncommon.

Help

Julietta

Owen

Walk away. There's plenty of 2004 316i SE's around.

bazz26

Julietta wrote: »

Hi all

Am looking to buy a BMW 316, found a 2004 one that was all good condition wise, price wise - as was private sale, I got an independent inspection done and 2 problems came back, an oil leak and a "fluid leak in the area of the steering pump" - the inspector reckons the fluid leak in the steering is a deal breaker so I regretfully told the owner that I wouldn't be buying the car. The owner then said he would have the problem addressed and sent me the contact detail for his mechanic - I have just spoken with the mechanic who is maintaining that the oil leak is caused by a faulty rocker gasket which he is replacing but in his opinion, the fluid leak in the power steering is "tiny, tiny" and does not need to be addressed.

I really want to buy this car but don't want to be stupid about it either, does anyone have any opinions/advice? I guess my gut is to walk away, even if the fluid leak is "tiny, tiny", it's not going to get any better and I don't want to be looking at paying for this myself come next service. I also don't quite undertsand how a car with only 36,000 miles on the clock could have this problem but again, the mechanic said this is not uncommon.

Help

Julietta

OP you paid to have an independant inspection done on the car, they gave you a report saying they would not advise buying the car because of the outlined problems. Now the seller's mechanic is telling you they are "tiny, tiny" issues that can be sorted. Given the choice between an independant inspector and the seller's mechanic I'd know which one I would believe.

No offence OP and I'm not trying to be rude to you but it is pointless paying for an independant inspection if you are not going to abide by their findings?

My advice, find another car that doesn't have question marks over it.