What do you think?

John_Mc

I put a deposit down on a 131 BMW 3 Series efficient dynamics over in the UK subject to the all clear in a vehicle inspection.

The car has 35k miles on the clock, and he said it had a service history although not with a dealership because it was a leased car and the leasing company did their own servicing.

I hired Dekra to do a comprehensive report and they came back yesterday saying that there was a visible oil leak and the oil level was low.

They also said that the car had been started and kept running prior to the inspection so they couldn't tell what it would be like from a cold start.

Other that that, the car is in good condition according to them.

The dealer said "it was a simple fix plastic oil seal now all done".

I'm still uneasy about this and have decided to withdraw. Am I doing the right thing though? I know low oil level can destroy an engine but is it a common occurrence and something that could be caused during servicing, which is what he said it had just been given.

Appreciate your thoughts because the car is exactly what I'm looking for.

Henry Ford III

A small oil leak is easily fixed. Low oil level might come from this leak.

Starting and warming up the car beforehand is suspicious however.

bazz26

The having the car warmed up prior to the inspection would make me suspicious. Given that it is not a rare model I'd just look elsewhere to be honest.

tossy

There's enough there to walk way,why take the risk if they seem intent on trying to cover up something. There are plenty of 3 er's out there so no need to buy one with an oil leak (until you know the source of that you don't know how expensive it will be)

If the oil leak was such a simple fix, why didn't the dealer be professional and fix it prior to inspection ?

John_Mc

Just a follow up on this. I spoke to the dealer and he said if the inspector had lifted the engine lid he would have immediately seen the cause of the leak. The dealer sent me pictures of the location of the leak and said it has now been fixed.

As for the engine being warm; he said they are a small family run operation and had to move 3 rows of cars to get it out and ready for the test drive which seems plausible?

I have just booked a follow up inspection from Dekra where the engine will be cold and he will verify that the leak has been fixed.

The reason I'm giving it another go is because the spec and colour of the car is exactly what I'm looking for, the price is right, and the way the dealer handled the whole situation when I went to withdraw and get my deposit. He was understanding and not pushy, and took it fairly well.

gavman1

If you can't satisfy your suspicions and it doesn't feel right walk away.there is no such thing as a completely honest car dealer.dont rely on anything they tell you.confirm everything independently. Once that car leaves his yard it your problem.

John_Mc

gavman1 wrote: »

If you can't satisfy your suspicions and it doesn't feel right walk away.there is no such thing as a completely honest car dealer.dont rely on anything they tell you.confirm everything independently. Once that car leaves his yard it your problem.

Thanks for your reply. I got Dekra out to do a follow up inspection to check the cold start and verify that the oil leak was fixed.

He confirmed that it was, and that the engine warmed up as expected. Emissions from the exhaust were ok (no white/black smoke etc) and he gave it the all clear.

The oil leak was from a damaged O-ring so it was a small issue.

Going over to collect it on Saturday

tossy

John_Mc wrote: »

Thanks for your reply. I got Dekra out to do a follow up inspection to check the cold start and verify that the oil leak was fixed.

He confirmed that it was, and that the engine warmed up as expected. Emissions from the exhaust were ok (no white/black smoke etc) and he gave it the all clear.

The oil leak was from a damaged O-ring so it was a small issue.

Going over to collect it on Saturday

Best of luck with it.