looking into this bmw 330ci. advice needed.

[efficient]

Just like my title states. Looking at getting into a 330ci to replace my on going vandalized acura. i was looking at this 330ci

http://www.auto.com/cars/BMW-330-Ci-2002-WBABN53452JU25830

because of its low mileage and its stick but then on the car fax it says everything is good but then i autochecked it
and it says "Frame/unibody damage record(s)"

http://charlieobaugh.com/AutoCheckReport.aspx?vin=WBABN53452JU25830

i googled unibody damage and this is what i found

"Frame/unibody damage will be defined by Dealer Sealed Bid Auctions with reference to the NAAA standards. Scrapes, scratches, jack/lift marks, clamp marks, minor corner tie-down marks not resulting from an accident, core support damage, damage in front shock towers on unitized bodies not affecting integrity, and if vehicle measures to NAM standards are non-arbitratable bumper and trailer hitches welded to frame are not considered frame damage. Vehicles with altered suspension are not subject to frame arbitration if damage is from alteration."

the car also had 6 previous owners aswell.

so my question is should i even consider looking at the car?

[5Toes]

no, because a clean 3 owner car is the same price!!!

[efficient]

no, because a clean 3 owner car is the same price!!!

been looking and everything seems to be over 100k, auto, and more then 10k.

[gtdragon980]

I'm willing to bet that is from the subframe recall issue.

[efficient]

That is what I was thinking^. Maybe they fixed it.

[evandael]

gtdragon, good hunch.

go check it out, if you like it, get a PPI at a quality BMW shop. they can tell you what's really up. then offer a bit less, cause honestly it's a pre-facelift 2 gen-old coupe.

maybe see if you can get some stock wheels w/ new tires tossed on and get it for $7k or thereabouts. it may be worth it then.

[efficient]

What is a PPl?^

[Redfox]

no, because a clean 3 owner car is the same price!!!

Have you checked all surrounding areas/counties of CL? Don't settle for that, not worth the price or high number of POs IMO.

[evandael]

What is a PPl?^

it's a common initialism in the Porsche world.. it stands for Pre-Purchase Inspection.


whilst many of us are familiar with E30's enough to find trouble spots when we look for a car to buy, the E46 is newer and more complex, and therefore it'd be smart to have a professional take a look at it. call a shop and ask.


it's not an uncommon procedure, and worth the price for the peace of mind it can offer especially in the case of this supposed 'frame damage'.

[efficient]

Have you checked all surrounding areas/counties of CL? Don't settle for that, not worth the price or high number of POs IMO.

I've only checked one county. Maybe I'm pulling the trigger on this car too fast. Ill look around

it's a common initialism in the Porsche world.. it stands for Pre-Purchase Inspection.


whilst many of us are familiar with E30's enough to find trouble spots when we look for a car to buy, the E46 is newer and more complex, and therefore it'd be smart to have a professional take a look at it. call a shop and ask.


it's not an uncommon procedure, and worth the price for the peace of mind it can offer especially in the case of this supposed 'frame damage'.

Oh alright that sounds like a good idea. Plenty of bmw specialist in the la area. Ill definately look into it.
Thanks guys! Ill keep looking and try to be patient.

[Kevinl]

I don't know when salvage title vehicles became the same price as a normal vehicle

I have been looking for a 4 door M3 and they are either ragged looking or nice looking with a salvage title but they still want 9k for them

[lcoleman]

I would look at it, but it's probably not up to snuff. Something about it makes me think "run."

There are plenty of e46s out there, even if you're in a rush to buy you should still be picky.

[der affe]

Hold out for the car you want.

It took me forever, but I found an 04 6speed with new front suspension, zhp front bumper, UUC clutch kit and flywheel, new front suspension, 3:15 diff, h&r sways, koni/h&r springs struts, sport package (leather power, premium sound), 19" staggered BBS Lemans rims, 144k miles and a clean carfax for $8k.

It needs a few things like billet RSMs, cooling system refresh (unknown history as to when it was done) and I want to upgrade to bimmerworld engine mounts (on back order )
But I have been driving the shit out of it and love it.

A week before I almost overpaid for an 04 ZHP car at $14.5k with 78k that needed new tyres the next day, would be due for suspension soon by the mileage, was still on it's orginal cooling system (needs to be changed out at around 60k ). It was dammmmm tempting, but I let it go and bought this one 2 weeks later.

If you see something in AZ & need someone to check it out, lmk. As is only a quick flight or drive away and the pricing is more reasonable for them here.

[SL Blak Soldier]

Hey, one of my friends pointed me towards your thread. I'm about to put my jet black 330ci 5spd up for sale. 140k miles.

I don't want to thread jack, but if you are interested send me a PM and we can talk further.