[akl1234]

Question in Title. Anything in particular to look for when purchasing a G8x second hand. All of them are still within warranty so I’m not too concerned. But If Carfax is clean I would think they are solid?

Obviously the usual Paint related things and wheel curbing. But not sure if there is anything that would be a red flag?

Thanks All!!

[JY01]

Make sure the break-in service was performed around 1200 miles.

[MJBO]

I'm not from the US, but from the things I've read about CarFax here and elsewhere on the internet, it's helpful but definitely no guarantee of anything, especially damage or crash history.

I've gotten PPIs on cars far less expensive than a G8x in the past, wouldn't consider a used purchase like this without one.

[akl1234]

Originally Posted by JY01

Make sure the break-in service was performed around 1200 miles.

So that was cleared. They are the second owner and have owned it for 8 months…. Reasoning lines up so not really concerned. But it’s a clean example for what they are asking!

It’s out of state so investigating a PPI atm

[kgelfen360]

Originally Posted by akl1234

So that was cleared. They are the second owner and have owned it for 8 months…. Reasoning lines up so not really concerned. But it’s a clean example for what they are asking!

It’s out of state so investigating a PPI atm

Yea no way to really know how hard the car was driven. I would say if this car was in an accident it would be hard to hide from CarFax becuase it would likely cost a lot of money to repair out of pocket.
Tire wear could be an indicator of how the car was used.
What’s the mileage?
So you will be third owner ?

[akl1234]

Originally Posted by kgelfen360

Yea no way to really know how hard the car was driven. I would say if this car was in an accident it would be hard to hide from CarFax becuase it would likely cost a lot of money to repair out of pocket.
Tire wear could be an indicator of how the car was used.
What’s the mileage?
So you will be third owner ?

Yes, I would be third owner. Owner states he wants an older BMW to modify. Only things done to the car are lowered(springs) and an intake… Accident would be tough so I agree with that. A bumper or paint is no small fee… I have the full Carfax but rather not post it for anonymity haha. Can PM if interested

[kgelfen360]

Originally Posted by akl1234

Yes, I would be third owner. Owner states he wants an older BMW to modify. Only things done to the car are lowered(springs) and an intake… Accident would be tough so I agree with that. A bumper or paint is no small fee… I have the full Carfax but rather not post it for anonymity haha. Can PM if interested

Are you going to be able to look it ? Or just gonna get it shipped to you? Sounded like your are not close to where the car is.

[PVC]

Originally Posted by akl1234

Yes, I would be third owner. Owner states he wants an older BMW to modify. Only things done to the car are lowered(springs) and an intake… Accident would be tough so I agree with that. A bumper or paint is no small fee… I have the full Carfax but rather not post it for anonymity haha. Can PM if interested

I usually run away from lowered cars, but I guess I'm old fashioned. The brake pads and tires can tell you a lot about the car. Also, if they haven't reset the trip data, you could look at the gas millage, etc.

You could also call a dealer to get some service related info such as 1200 mile service and any repairs they might have done.

[akl1234]

Originally Posted by kgelfen360

Are you going to be able to look it ? Or just gonna get it shipped to you? Sounded like your are not close to where the car is.

I will be looking at it but plan was to one last look buy and drive type thing. Now nothing seems sketchy so that’s a big plus just like to cover my A in these situations service at 1300 was done suppose dealer could help if they are willing to

Considering the lemon squad or some service like that to do a full analysis before I go there

[beamlord]

Originally Posted by akl1234

Yes, I would be third owner. Owner states he wants an older BMW to modify. Only things done to the car are lowered(springs) and an intake… Accident would be tough so I agree with that. A bumper or paint is no small fee… I have the full Carfax but rather not post it for anonymity haha. Can PM if interested

So you're buying a used high-performance car that changed hands twice in just a couple of years and has been modified? Lowering springs means higher wear on suspension components and full denial of any warranty claims on it. Modified air intake means same on the engine.

I don't want to be overly negative but, eh, the price better be WELL worth it.

[vbb]

I'm of the opinion that as long as you have a warranty, you shouldn't stress too much about "how the car was used" absent clear signs of abuse. These are high performance cars that are meant to be used. That said, your factory warranty may have some issues with the mods, so just be aware of that. I don't think and intake will void the whole thing, but it's not a fight you want.

[TopJimmy]

I would meet the owner at a BMW dealership after making an agreement to have the car plugged into ISTA and checked for a Red Flag. The owner would also request a printed copy of their BMW Service Record to give and review with me. If there is a dealer cost to this I would pay.

If miles are >36K then the free oil change service is passed, so maybe pay for an oil change and ask them to check ISTA for you.

[Habber]

Flood damage.

[PVC]

Originally Posted by akl1234

I will be looking at it but plan was to one last look buy and drive type thing. Now nothing seems sketchy so that’s a big plus just like to cover my A in these situations service at 1300 was done suppose dealer could help if they are willing to

Considering the lemon squad or some service like that to do a full analysis before I go there

I have called BMW dealers about this type of thing in the past. From CarFax find out which dealer sold the car or serviced the car and call their service department.. Tell them you want to know if the 1200 mile service was done, and they'll connect you to a service advisor. You give them the VIN and they tell you the basic details.

[G MONEY]

Originally Posted by beamlord

So you're buying a used high-performance car that changed hands twice in just a couple of years and has been modified? Lowering springs means higher wear on suspension components and full denial of any warranty claims on it. Modified air intake means same on the engine.

I don't want to be overly negative but, eh, the price better be WELL worth it.

Air intake will not void warranty. Lol

[BuckysBMW]

Third owner -- Bruv? You'll be back and forth between here, and r/BMW looking for advice as to how you can rectify a multitude of problems. RUN!

[akl1234]

Originally Posted by BuckysBMW

Third owner -- Bruv? You'll be back and forth between here, and r/BMW looking for advice as to how you can rectify a multitude of problems. RUN!

Well after speaking to the seller things seem more normal. Will be having it take for a PPI on my dime tomorrow and see what comes of that! Warranty is still valid and one more service left(free)

No hesitation when asked questions about the car or reasoning

[akl1234]

Originally Posted by TopJimmy

I would meet the owner at a BMW dealership after making an agreement to have the car plugged into ISTA and checked for a Red Flag. The owner would also request a printed copy of their BMW Service Record to give and review with me. If there is a dealer cost to this I would pay.

If miles are >36K then the free oil change service is passed, so maybe pay for an oil change and ask them to check ISTA for you.

I imagine a performance shop such as eurocharged would have such tools

[CMW33]

Two owners in less than three years is a red flag to me. Like others said, PPI and a close look at service records is a must. Whether it's in warranty or not, you don't want to buy a $85,000 headache. Honestly, I might look elsewhere, or new, preferably.

Only other thing I'll flag for you: you say only mods are lowering springs and intake that are on the car, but what about other things that might've been taken off before it was put up for sale?

[akl1234]

Should I bother asking if getting a new M2 is a better option? Haha! There is one local to me for similar price…. But it’s black on black which is boring to me ha

[beamlord]

Originally Posted by G MONEY

Air intake will not void warranty. Lol

Messing with air intake of a high-performance engine, "LOL" is what you will get from BMW.
And they want and will use every possible reason to deny warranty especially with something as expensive as the engine.

There's a good chance the car was running a tune because almost nobody just installs an air intake for the sake of it.

[G MONEY]

Originally Posted by beamlord

Messing with air intake of a high-performance engine, "LOL" is what you will get from BMW.
And they want and will use every possible reason to deny warranty especially with something as expensive as the engine.

There's a good chance the car was running a tune because almost nobody just installs an air intake for the sake of it.

Not sure you are trolling. Right now I would bet anything, more owners have intake /exhaust and springs than the ones tuned. ( G series ) They are not voiding you warranty for an intake still. Lol. Please show me where anyone EVER got shot down with an intake.