How/What To Check When Buying a Used BMW | E90 E92 328i 330i 335i

Thinking of buying a used BMW, but want to know what to look for so you don't buy a bad car? Well then listen up?

In today's video, I'll be showing you the TOP things I check when buying a used BMW or any car for that matter!

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MY FAVORITE UPGRADES:

My Exterior Modifications:
E92 M3 Style Front Bumper w/ Braking Ram Air Ducts: UNAVAILABLE

My Interior Modifications:

My Performance Upgrades:

My Wheel Setup:

My Lighting Upgrades:

BMW E92 Seatbelt Extender Arm Fix Hooks:

My Diagnostics Scanner Tool:

[AmeliaKhairi]

To summarise for everyone:
1. Check exterior body paint for any rust spots/dents. Check the traction of the tires
2. Check panelling and panel gaps. Check the rotors and brake pads as well by looking into the rims.
3. Check interior for wear and tear (Seats, cup holders, boot)
4. Turn on all the lights: Fog lights, headlights, indicator lights, reversing lights
4. Check the dashboard for any warning signs, and tamper dot (where the odometer is)
5. Check interior functions (Music, radio, sound system, aircon, heater)
6. Check for leaks under the car
7. Open the bonnet and check the engine while the car is running. Listen for any sounds/clunking
8. Check fluid levels (Coolant, brake fluid, engine oil)
9. Check that all screws for headlights/bumpers are OEM
10. Check Settings > Vehicle info > Vehicle settings for servicing requirements
11. Check the transmission by switching between D and R while having your foot on the brake
12. Test drive the car with no radio on to hear/check for vibrations/sounds (Test over bumps and on the highway if possible)

Hope this helps :)

[Steelr]

Bought a 2016 BMW 535i xdrive from a local dealership. It looked like it came off the showroom 60, 000 miles. I took it for a spin and took a chance. I then took it to a BMW service center for an inspection, tires were NOT run flat, but new aftermarket, brakes... new but after market. The battery was original so I replaced it, and the door latch on the driver door needs replaced. Other than those and maintenance records impeccable. I took a chance, so glad I did.

[adasterdezaster]

Just bought a 2009 328I Xdrive this weekend. Drove home from the previous owner about 17 miles no problem. Next day we were taking the car to get the tint removed and ceramic tint installed and the car went started to overheat and went into limp mode. After checking the car over the thermostat and the electric water pump were original to the car. The front brakes also needed replaced and the shocks also needed to replaced. Ordered all the parts from FCP Euro. Water pump, thermostat and all the hoses $900. All four brakes $450. New oil level sensor $200. New Bilstein B6 front and rear and all the hardware $880. So only put 17 miles on the car and spent $2400. On the postive side the car is in perfect shape and it should be problem free for the next 60-80k. Still have to get the tint done I was quoted $150 for tint removal and $400 for ceramic tint.

[irgski]

N91 version engines have the SULEV 15yr/150k mi emissions warranty. Make sure the SULEV is still “in play” and available in case any issues come up…they may be covered under this warranty.

[lorelailuthorkar-el]

6:26 "Everything's matching up"😆😅😅

[supertrampseries]

Car facts are essential! I remember when I was in the market for a new car, this video would have been so helpful! I definitely overpaid 🥲 Thanks for sharing.

[makrandchavhan]

Absolutely fantastic and very detailed information. I loved it. I am buying this car and fortunately I was educated by your video. Kudos to you ❤

[lambo]

Accurate information.. I learned the hard way.. I'm on my 5th and best BMW 🙌

[craig]

Just found a 2009 BMW 328 with only 35, 000 miles one owner but it’s through Carvana. I sure would love to have the car but every time I start to go on there to buy it I get too nervous and stop. I’ve loved BMWs ever since I was 16 and I’ve had one many years ago, but if I had this one, I would not drive it every day it would just be my special car to drive maybe on the weekend some or something special but I would not run it in the ground. I knew what to do.

[DaddychiLL]

Although this woulda been helpful I bought. A 2011 328i . 1 owner 80k miles, great maintenance history possible problems like belt tensioner and a couple other thing replaced less then 3 years ago no leaks very quite drives like new still had that new car smell every button and electronic work only thing was a small dent in the back and a little ware on the ac buttons 😂 and Got it for a steal 😂 despite pols horror stories best car I’ve owned

[Sebastian_The_Great]

Thanks for this, even though BMW’s can be pretty pricey to fix. I’m still looking to get one hahah, they just look so nice. Glad I was able to find a video like this to make sure if I do buy one I buy one that’s been taken care of. Definitely going to buy a code reader

[jonasbs]

Well. Given the age and high milage of these, the timing chain could very well be stretched. Using the obd scanner is a good idea, but really before warming the engine up at all, you should have listened for the rattle from the chain as the oil pressure builts up, a second or 3 is fine, but moving past 5 seconds of rattle on a cold engine will cost a expensive chain swap. Given it is the 3 liter i believe the upper chain is a bit thicker than the smaller engines, but it is still cruscial.

[whatintheabrahamlincolnisg]

When you check the fluids and all always test them with your finger to check for any metal pieces
If you feel some metal pieces its a red flag

[steliofrasco]

Thanks can you share an example of the dot to look out for to see the mileage has been tempered

[cheezandwine]

killed me when you tried to pull out the driver side cup holder, lol.I've got it managed, glad I'm not alone on that stupid little thing .

[Sarge]

Reliability, common problems and maintenance:
If you want a reliable car go buy a Toyota product. These are dependable cars, not reliable cars. If you let the car go for maintenance it will total itself out. If you keep up with it you will never join the tow truck club.
N52, N54 and N55 powered cars:
Electric water pump and thermostat:
All E9X cars have an electric water pump that will go out past 60k miles. It is common practice to replace this before it leaves you stranded. Cost: $1000 - $1200 at a shop or DIY for $400.
Starter failure:
The starter, especially on early cars, tends to go out at around 80k miles. Cost: $600 to $1300 at a shop or $200 DIY
Belt tensioner:
Sometimes the tensioner will start to bend causing the belt to slip off and grenade everything around it. Cost: (if nothing was damaged): $300 to $600 at a shop, $100 DIY.
Oil filter housing gasket:
The OFHG will start to leak around 80k. The oil will drip onto the belt and destroy the belt. If this happens you run the risk of causing extensive damage to the engine. Cost: $300 to $600 at a shop, $50 DIY.
Valve cover gasket with eccentric shaft sensor seal:
Every single BMW has a leaky VCG around 80k miles. Cost: $600 to $1000 at a shop or $100 DIY
Oil pan gasket:
The oil pan gasket will start to sweat at around 80k miles and require replacement before 140k miles. Cost: $700 to $1800 at a shop, $100 DIY.

[zureai]

Another guy selling a 328i with 150k KM, multiple owners and has only done valve cover gasket and rear breaks. Has been in an accident. 10.5k cad. Man people in Canada are taxing. That is not worth more than 5k cad..

[gurmannsingh]

Considering buying a 2010 325i e90 on friday, how are they?

[stevet]

Great video again, but once again some of your links pages can't be found, coilover Link comes up as the strut bar ?

[queenrussia]

You forgot the sunroof and windows make sure they roll up and down. 😛😛