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BMW 318I ADVICE NEEDED

  • 25-07-2009 5:35pm
    #1
    tattoo man
    Closed Accounts Posts: 174 ✭✭


    folks whats your thoughts on these cars,this one got in aroung 105 thousand kms on clock,its 2002 model,and when do you change timebelt???


Comments

  • #2
    An Ard Ri
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 143 ✭✭An Ard Ri


    it has a timing chain not a belt, so you alright on that score


  • #3
    tattoo man
    Closed Accounts Posts: 174 ✭✭tattoo man


    An Ard Ri wrote: »
    it has a timing chain not a belt, so you alright on that score

    realy??/thats great,i was lead to believe that it was a belt,and that would need to be change about now...thanks very much An Ard Ri...thats realy helpful,cheers
    TM


  • #4
    An Ard Ri
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 143 ✭✭An Ard Ri


    Other things to look out for on a 318 of that age are:
    • Front wishbones
    • Air flow meter
    • Expansion tank (coolant leaks)
    Otherwise a good solid car, and if you get one with a good service history all the better. Had one myself for 5 years.

    Also make sure the air con works as like any car it can be expensive to repair.


  • #5
    tattoo man
    Closed Accounts Posts: 174 ✭✭tattoo man


    will do,thanks very much for advice An Ard Ri,cheers


  • #6
    mick.fr
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,974 ✭✭✭mick.fr


    Seriously though, check those things:

    => History point of view

    - Inspection I/II done regularly at dealer/indy.
    - Regular fluids change (Oil, coolant, brakes...)
    - Spark plugs change
    - Filters change
    - Any relevant reparation/service.
    - Defective parts changed? Such as water pump etc, should have been changed at 70k miles no matter what for example.

    Check the bills and mileage reported on each service to make sure they make sense with actually mileage.

    If no service history, bills, walk way period!

    => Do a HPI check.
    - Check the reg number to make sure this is the same car you are going to view.

    => Test the car

    - Turn the car on. Turn it off right after a few seconds. Some codes will come back if they got cleared previously, such as SES light on the dash etc.
    - Drive the car for over 10mn. When you come back, let it running on idle to make sure she is not overheating.
    - Make sure the brakes are alright.
    - Listen to the engine for strange noises.
    - Make sure the engine is not running raugh, bad idle, niddles going up and down.
    - Check under the car.
    - Turn the wheel left and right a few times to make sure there is no strange noise. Might be a sign of dead bushes.
    - Make sure all the gears are working fine. If car is manual, put her on gear 3 and make sure it is able to get going even on gear 3 and not 1. If not, not a good sign.
    - Origins of the car.
    - Check for rust, under the car, and under to bonnet.

    => Check the documentation
    - Make sure all VIN numbers do match under the hood, on the door frame sticker, on the front windscreen and registration documentation obviously.
    That's about the best you can do without a diagnostic computer.

    Don't get fooled by your wish to buy a bimmer on spot. Step back a few minutes, take a deep breath, make sure you covered all the stuffs so you won't have any bad surprise after you take her home.

    In fairness, the car might not be perfect. It might need a few things to get fixed up.
    That is fair enough if you know what you are doing. Make sure you evaluate properly the cost. Then negotiate the car price down, since you know you will have to spend a few extra bobs to get her right.

    Don't listen to the seller, unless you ask a direct question and want a direct answer.
    Don't listen to his jokes.

    HTH


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