Just got my RAC inspection report back

crystalbrite

I'm planning on importing a 2016 BMW 330e from the UK. I just got my RAC inspection report back. The main thing that popped up is that there was some oil residue on the back axle.

Is this something to worry about or is the RAC report being overly pedantic?

What could I ask the dealer to do for this issue or would I have to pay for some mechanic in the UK to look at it?


The other issue that popped up were:

-Slight uneven tyre feathering on front passenger tyre. This could point to steering alignment issue.

-Surface corrosion on brakes (probably due to sitting and not being used).

-Several visual scratches/bumps/dents/stains. I got the dealer to take pictures of all these and they seem like a non-issue. Can't see most of them.

richardsheil

crystalbrite wrote: »

I'm planning on importing a 2016 BMW 330e from the UK. I just got my RAC inspection report back. The main thing that popped up is that there was some oil residue on the back axle.

Is this something to worry about or is the RAC report being overly pedantic?

What could I ask the dealer to do for this issue or would I have to pay for some mechanic in the UK to look at it?


The other issue that popped up were:

-Slight uneven tyre feathering on front passenger tyre. This could point to steering alignment issue.

-Surface corrosion on brakes (probably due to sitting and not being used).

-Several visual scratches/bumps/dents/stains. I got the dealer to take pictures of all these and they seem like a non-issue. Can't see most of them.

I think you can talk with the inspector as part of the deal. I'd ask them. Probably nothing

crystalbrite

richardsheil wrote: »

I think you can talk with the inspector as part of the deal. I'd ask them. Probably nothing

Ya I talked with the inspector yesterday first. I might ring him again as I've now had time to read the report properly and digest the information.

The issue with the RAC inspector though is that they say you should get everything checked independently to cover their own asses I suspect so they're not going to say, "ya it should be grand, I wouldn't worry about it".



Some examples of this:

As some of the brake components were not visible during the inspection, it is recommended that a full brake inspection is carried out, in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations, prior to purchase.

The exhaust has been identified as having limited life because, although there was no leakage,the inside of the system, which may have deterioration, cannot be inspected.

Due to climate conditions unable to test the Radiator cooling fan operations advise check within workshop for correct operations prior to purchase.

Uneven tyre feathering to Nsf tyre/ wear, as noted within this report, may indicate incorrect steering geometry, resulting in excessive and abnormal tyre wear. Therefore a full steering alignment and geometry check is recommended.

It is advised that the road wheels be removed and a general brake wear and serviceability inspection be carried out prior to purchase, to ensure that all components are within manufacturers' specified wear limit.

Oil Residue/seepage, as documented in this report, may indicate a potential major problem. Further investigation is strongly recommended.

This vehicle is designed with Hybrid Electric technology and these vehicles utilise high voltage battery storage systems to improve on fuel efficiency and reduce emissions output. These systems require specialist testing and repairs and this should only be carried out by qualified personnel. The systems operated correctly during the inspection, however the engineer is unable to confirm the full correct operation of the hybrid system, and this should be submitted to the relevant specialist for testing.

crystalbrite

I suppose with regards to the oil residue/seepage found on the rear axle, what ask/insist the dealer to do about it before buying the car?

Do I get him to get the car checked to see if there are any leaks in the rear axle/differential that need to be fixed?
Or does this fall on me to pay for another check?

Also should I be able to get him to do a wheel re-alignment for the uneven tyre feathering found?

Also, where can I find information on the recommend service intervals for this BMW 330E, specifically differential fluid?

Thanks!

richardsheil

I think the whole purpose of the chat with the inspector is to get the things that they can't write down.

You could pick up from their way of giving a vague answer whether that was vague in a positive or negative sense. We know for example that the guff about not being able to inspect the inside of the exhaust is just guff. It will be up to you to see if you can figure out of the oil seepage is in the same category.

Good luck

crystalbrite

I didn't actually find the chat with him too useful. Sounded like he was just regurgitating what he had wrote down in his report and get off the phone as soon as possible. I had to interrupt him several times because he wasn't giving me a chance to ask questions.
He rang me at 16:40 so it could have been near the end of his day.

The general sense I got was that there was nothing obviously wrong with the car.

The dealership is sending the car to a local BMW specialist to get it checked for an oil leak in the rear axle so that's good anyway.

corks finest

crystalbrite wrote: »

I'm planning on importing a 2016 BMW 330e from the UK. I just got my RAC inspection report back. The main thing that popped up is that there was some oil residue on the back axle.

Is this something to worry about or is the RAC report being overly pedantic?

What could I ask the dealer to do for this issue or would I have to pay for some mechanic in the UK to look at it?


The other issue that popped up were:

-Slight uneven tyre feathering on front passenger tyre. This could point to steering alignment issue.

-Surface corrosion on brakes (probably due to sitting and not being used).

-Several visual scratches/bumps/dents/stains. I got the dealer to take pictures of all these and they seem like a non-issue. Can't see most of them.

Seems nominal,,,,plus they have to find something, surface rust etc,this can happen in a week in our climate,you're feathering etc possible tracking issue,get the dealer to track it and pay for another RAC report

crystalbrite

corks finest wrote: »

Seems nominal,,,,plus they have to find something, surface rust etc,this can happen in a week in our climate,you're feathering etc possible tracking issue,get the dealer to track it and pay for another RAC report

Is tracking it the same as a wheel re-alignment?

The dealer said he'd do a wheel re-alignment on the 4 wheels too so hopefully that will take car of any potential issue there.