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      08-14-2015, 05:07 PM   #1
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Considering remote (out of state) purchase of used Z4

Hi everyone,

I've found a used, low mileage 2013 35i that I'm interested in pursuing, but it is across the country. Anyone here have experience with buying in this arrangement and the best way to proceed? Of course I think it best to get the car checked by a dealer or independent (suggestions in Calgary, Alberta?!). Any problem areas for that vintage that I should have them focus on?

My kneejerk thought is to fly out to see the car, but on reflection, a clean bill of health and carproof is probably as much as a non-mechanic such as my self would be able to handle. Better to put the money to shipping the car? The drive home if I flew out would be 4 or so days.

Anyhow, looking forward to possibly joining this community in a more meaningful way soon. Thanks in advance for any insights or advice!
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      08-14-2015, 08:30 PM   #2
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Here's a thread that deals with that kind of thing http://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1034239
My wife and I were faced with the same kind of decision late last year. We are in Calif. and found a great candidate Z4 in Chicago. The dealer was very unresponsive and the salespeople we dealt with over the phone were dolts. Put the fear of God in us about what hoops we would have to jump through to make sure the car was as represented. We subsequently found a similar '13 35i in the Phoenix, AZ area which allowed us to fly down and drive it back. Took a chance and did not have it inspected first, taking the salesman's word that it was in perfect condition. When we arrived, first thing I noticed was a bad re-spray job which, luckily, was limited to the front bumper valance. I was able to negotiate them down another $500 which paid for a proper respray at my favorite body shop when we got home. Does BMW have a CPO program in Canada and is this car in that program? That would offer you some peace of mind.
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      08-15-2015, 10:33 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paris1 View Post
Here's a thread that deals with that kind of thing http://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1034239
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.
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Does BMW have a CPO program in Canada and is this car in that program? That would offer you some peace of mind.
Thanks for the link and for sharing your experience. I had searched for relevant threads, but apparently didn't get the right terms (or had left it too late at night when my brain wasn't working)?

BMW.ca does indeed have a CPO program, but this car is for sale by a non-BMW dealer. It still has some factory warranty. I've been looking into the possibility of factory warranty extension which I may be able to buy. I do note that the roof and dct are the things that I'd really want to make sure are covered.
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      08-15-2015, 10:35 AM   #4
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If the Z is under warranty (I assume it is being a 2013) and especially if it is a CPO most of your concerns are taken care of.

I've purchased 3 Z3s and my latest Z4 cross country. Never had a problem. I have the seller take close up HD pictures of the entire car and one time had an independant inspector check it out.

I've always flown out and drove back which I found was a lot of fun enjoying the new purchase for a couple days on the road.

Again I feel that if the car is under full warranty, and carfax checks out (not always fool proof) and a complete set of pictures shows no body problems then go ahead and fly out and drive back or have it shipped to your driveway!
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      08-17-2015, 01:34 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steam Pir8 View Post
Hi everyone,

I've found a used, low mileage 2013 35i that I'm interested in pursuing, but it is across the country. Anyone here have experience with buying in this arrangement and the best way to proceed? Of course I think it best to get the car checked by a dealer or independent (suggestions in Calgary, Alberta?!). Any problem areas for that vintage that I should have them focus on?

My kneejerk thought is to fly out to see the car, but on reflection, a clean bill of health and carproof is probably as much as a non-mechanic such as my self would be able to handle. Better to put the money to shipping the car? The drive home if I flew out would be 4 or so days.

Anyhow, looking forward to possibly joining this community in a more meaningful way soon. Thanks in advance for any insights or advice!
I have been through this issue a few months ago when i purchased and shipped my 35is from California to Boston. (The link Paris referenced is mine)
I never really considered an in person viewing being so far away, but the best piece of mind I received, besides how great the dealer said the car was, was hiring a BMW Specialty shop to perform a Pre-Purchase Inspection on the car.
You can read my Hunt For Z4 post to explore my entire experience with this issue.

One thing not in there is, I have recently learned that BMW is modifying their CPO warranty transfer rules. I think for cars after 2014 that are not purchased from a BMW dealer, the warranty will not transfer with the car anymore.
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      08-17-2015, 01:41 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by Dejablue View Post
One thing not in there is, I have recently learned that BMW is modifying their CPO warranty transfer rules. I think for cars after 2014 that are not purchased from a BMW dealer, the warranty will not transfer with the car anymore.
My 2013, purchased from an MB dealer last October, was CPO'd to the previous owner in January of '14 and the extended warranty did not transfer to us.
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      08-17-2015, 01:52 PM   #7
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This car is not CPO unfortunately, however I understand that one can purchase an extended warranty from BMW so long as it is currently under the factory coverage. Would that not be equivalent?
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      08-17-2015, 04:29 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by Steam Pir8 View Post
This car is not CPO unfortunately, however I understand that one can purchase an extended warranty from BMW so long as it is currently under the factory coverage. Would that not be equivalent?
I'm sure it would be (more or less, depending on how these warranties vary), but here's another way to look at it. You're looking at the same situation we were last year, buying a low mileage non-CPO 2013 with factory warranty left on the clock and (presumably) a clean CarFax from a non-BMW dealer. From what I've seen here, by 2013 most of the bugs had been worked out of the Z4. I'm watching mine like a hawk for anything that might be defective as the warranty clock winds down. Two weeks ago I took it in to have the top checked out as the mechanism had developed some creaking noises in the trunk when the top was up. Tomorrow it goes in to have the have the latch mechanism in the center console replaced as the console cover door creaks and moves when you rest your arm on it. These are small things, but my plan is to have the car in as perfect shape as I can when the factory warranty runs out. The only other issue that's come up on the past 10k miles is one of the brake pad sensors went bad which triggered a dash light. So rather than invest in an expensive extended warranty, I'm just being really anal about having BMW repair or replace anything and everything I find marginal about the car during it's first four years. Full disclosure: I have never purchased an extended warranty for anything and don't intend to start now!
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      08-17-2015, 05:01 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paris1 View Post
I'm sure it would be (more or less, depending on how these warranties vary), but here's another way to look at it. You're looking at the same situation we were last year, buying a low mileage non-CPO 2013 with factory warranty left on the clock and (presumably) a clean CarFax from a non-BMW dealer. From what I've seen here, by 2013 most of the bugs had been worked out of the Z4. I'm watching mine like a hawk for anything that might be defective as the warranty clock winds down. Two weeks ago I took it in to have the top checked out as the mechanism had developed some creaking noises in the trunk when the top was up. Tomorrow it goes in to have the have the latch mechanism in the center console replaced as the console cover door creaks and moves when you rest your arm on it. These are small things, but my plan is to have the car in as perfect shape as I can when the factory warranty runs out. The only other issue that's come up on the past 10k miles is one of the brake pad sensors went bad which triggered a dash light. So rather than invest in an expensive extended warranty, I'm just being really anal about having BMW repair or replace anything and everything I find marginal about the car during it's first four years. Full disclosure: I have never purchased an extended warranty for anything and don't intend to start now!
I purchased an extended warranty for my first BMW, a 3 series vert. I never used it.
I'm a month from the BMW free maintenance expiry, and I cannot find anything to complain about...I am looking intently...but it's been great.
I have the CPO until 100k but what exactly does that do for me? I don't really even know.
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      08-17-2015, 06:27 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dejablue View Post
I purchased an extended warranty for my first BMW, a 3 series vert. I never used it.
I'm a month from the BMW free maintenance expiry, and I cannot find anything to complain about...I am looking intently...but it's been great.
I have the CPO until 100k but what exactly does that do for me? I don't really even know.
It's limited coverage (mainly drivetrain; not sure about electronics) and of course there's no maintenance.
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      08-17-2015, 09:53 PM   #11
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I'd definitely check the car out in person before finalizing.

I bought an extended warranty last year. Having to make my first claim on it now. Minor thing, but $800 I shouldn't have to pay. We'll see. Overall after 5 years in my experience I'd say these things are reasonably reliable.
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      08-18-2015, 02:20 AM   #12
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One other minor/basic thing to add, is that if the car is 6MT, you should ask to see the data for max RPM to check for any mechanical over revs.

For a 35i you should specifically ask the inspector to look for evidence of modifications that have been brought back to stock, such as any trimming of the area around where a front mount intercooler would go, or broken tabs in the box that holds the DME (look on the JB4 forums for instructions about routing the cable into the glovebox to see what I mean)

It is pretty common to modify N54, and I guess it is one thing if you are buying a car with mods from a known owner, but another if you are buying one with unknown mods in the past
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      08-18-2015, 05:57 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nicknaz View Post
One other minor/basic thing to add, is that if the car is 6MT, you should ask to see the data for max RPM to check for any mechanical over revs.

For a 35i you should specifically ask the inspector to look for evidence of modifications that have been brought back to stock, such as any trimming of the area around where a front mount intercooler would go, or broken tabs in the box that holds the DME (look on the JB4 forums for instructions about routing the cable into the glovebox to see what I mean)

It is pretty common to modify N54, and I guess it is one thing if you are buying a car with mods from a known owner, but another if you are buying one with unknown mods in the past
dCT in this case.

Excellent advice re: mods. I hadn't even considered that!
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      08-19-2015, 05:32 PM   #14
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I would never purchase a car sight unseen, no matter who was selling it or who checked it out. I did it once and it was an absolute nightmare. There are about a million things that could be wrong with a used car and I would not expect anyone to care as much as I would when it is not their money. Just my thoughts.
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      08-19-2015, 06:53 PM   #15
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I would never purchase a car sight unseen, no matter who was selling it or who checked it out. I did it once and it was an absolute nightmare. There are about a million things that could be wrong with a used car and I would not expect anyone to care as much as I would when it is not their money. Just my thoughts.
So assuming I fly out to see the car - not being a mechanic myself (more a digital guy), what would you recommend? I can certainly look for really obvious stuff - are there scratches/dings/signs that a fussy eye could detect as odd. A test drive on unfamiliar roads to rule out obvious clunks/buzzes/vibes/etc.

What else? Top of my head says pull the codes. Dealer service records show that this low mile car has only received the recommended oil and brake fluid changes. Nothing else shows.
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      08-19-2015, 07:04 PM   #16
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I think all the things you mentioned are quite a bit actually and could be a sign of accidents or other trouble. I will tell you about another experience. My first new car was a 99 Pontiac Trans Am. I test drove it with my Dad and everything seemed fine except there was a clunk in certain transitions from off throttle to on throttle. My Dad was like it is new, don't worry, they will fix it. Well I bought it and it got worse and worse and I had it back about 6 times for them to fix it and they were never successful. I tried to lemon law it and they flew some big shot lawyer in and I lost. They also had an expert at the hearing who said that the problem was play in the rear differential and it was normal. I eventually got rid of it by trading it in, but I loathed that car the entire time I had it. So much time and money wasted. Think of how many times people bring their car into the dealer to fix stuff and they say that it is normal. You don't want to start off with a car that has those issues that drive you crazy but everyone else, including the people you are counting on to fix it, are saying is no problem at all.
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      08-19-2015, 07:54 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steam Pir8 View Post
So assuming I fly out to see the car - not being a mechanic myself (more a digital guy), what would you recommend? I can certainly look for really obvious stuff - are there scratches/dings/signs that a fussy eye could detect as odd. A test drive on unfamiliar roads to rule out obvious clunks/buzzes/vibes/etc.

What else? Top of my head says pull the codes. Dealer service records show that this low mile car has only received the recommended oil and brake fluid changes. Nothing else shows.
What's the actual mileage on the car? Given your lack of expertise, I would line up a reputable BMW specialist in the area and have them do a thorough inspection either on site or in their shop (preferably the latter). I actually think you'd probably be better off just paying someone to do the inspection and staying home. Save the airfare and apply it to the shipping charges if the deal goes through.
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      08-19-2015, 08:03 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paris1 View Post
What's the actual mileage on the car? Given your lack of expertise, I would line up a reputable BMW specialist in the area and have them do a thorough inspection either on site or in their shop (preferably the latter). I actually think you'd probably be better off just paying someone to do the inspection and staying home. Save the airfare and apply it to the shipping charges if the deal goes through.
To think that someone would have the expertise, the tools and the foresight that they would need to effectively evaluate a car like the Z4 is a big assumption.
I certainly do not have the confidence to use my own judgement with the sort of systems and electronics that this car has, and that's why I researchedand hired a BMW specific shop that was highly rated and I trusted them...and paid them well, to be my agent and it has worked out very well.

Even if the car was a mile away, I probably would have done it the same way.
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      08-19-2015, 10:21 PM   #19
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Best case is to have it checked out by an independent BMW specialist, check it out and drive it yourself, obtain all records possible on the car, etc. Since there are going to be constraints on you doing all of this, decisions need to be made on what is most important. Yes, things can turn out fine with purchasing long distances sight unseen. Things can also turn out fine without an independent inspection. My car was a CPO with less than 10k miles and I took it for two long drives and went over it with a fine tooth comb. That was enough to satisfy me. I am not a mechanic, but I can test that things are working correctly or not and I checked everything. I even checked the radio presets and stored music to try to gauge what type of driver the previous owner was. With the exception of a TPMS sensor issue which was fixed under warranty, the car has been rock solid. This doesn't mean every case will be like this, it is just one example. I also was careful not to buy a former lease car. Again, personal preference, your results may vary. In my office, everyone seems to lease their cars and they don't seem to treat them well. When I mention that they should slow down more over speed bumps for example, they simply reply "It's a lease." I am sure there are plenty of people that lease their cars and respect them, but no thanks for me.
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      08-24-2015, 10:18 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paris1 View Post
What's the actual mileage on the car? Given your lack of expertise, I would line up a reputable BMW specialist in the area and have them do a thorough inspection either on site or in their shop (preferably the latter). I actually think you'd probably be better off just paying someone to do the inspection and staying home. Save the airfare and apply it to the shipping charges if the deal goes through.
8k so either a garage queen or.....??
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      08-24-2015, 10:20 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dejablue View Post
To think that someone would have the expertise, the tools and the foresight that they would need to effectively evaluate a car like the Z4 is a big assumption.
I certainly do not have the confidence to use my own judgement with the sort of systems and electronics that this car has, and that's why I researchedand hired a BMW specific shop that was highly rated and I trusted them...and paid them well, to be my agent and it has worked out very well.

Even if the car was a mile away, I probably would have done it the same way.
BMW dealer ok? Or a good indie? Not being a local, I have literally no insight into the good vs bad shops.
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      08-24-2015, 10:22 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RobC2 View Post
Best case is to have it checked out by an independent BMW specialist, check it out and drive it yourself, obtain all records possible on the car, etc. Since there are going to be constraints on you doing all of this, decisions need to be made on what is most important. Yes, things can turn out fine with purchasing long distances sight unseen. Things can also turn out fine without an independent inspection. My car was a CPO with less than 10k miles and I took it for two long drives and went over it with a fine tooth comb. That was enough to satisfy me. I am not a mechanic, but I can test that things are working correctly or not and I checked everything. I even checked the radio presets and stored music to try to gauge what type of driver the previous owner was. With the exception of a TPMS sensor issue which was fixed under warranty, the car has been rock solid. This doesn't mean every case will be like this, it is just one example. I also was careful not to buy a former lease car. Again, personal preference, your results may vary. In my office, everyone seems to lease their cars and they don't seem to treat them well. When I mention that they should slow down more over speed bumps for example, they simply reply "It's a lease." I am sure there are plenty of people that lease their cars and respect them, but no thanks for me.
Agreed on avoiding lease returns. And even low mileage demos. Was burned by the latter with a past car.
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