Tips for Buying a Used BMW
Buying a used BMW is a great way to secure a quality vehicle at an affordable price. However, shoppers must ensure they purchase a car in good condition. There is a range of basic tips to bear in mind when buying a used car, enabling consumers to make an informed purchase and acquire a high quality car with lots of wear left. eBay offers a wide range of used BMWs, including the 3 Series, the BMW 5 Series, the Z4, and the BMW X5. Buy with confidence from reputable eBay sellers and secure a well-maintained, attractive used BMW with ease.
Tip 1. Check the Bodywork
Before committing to purchasing a used BMW, check the bodywork for obvious signs of damage or inconsistencies. Examine the exterior of the car carefully to spot any signs of wear and tear that do not tally with the age of the car. The majority of used BMWs have some signs of minor wear on the bodywork.
Paint and Finish
The whole car should be the same shade of paint, with consistent coverage over the entire vehicle. Inconsistent paint coverage strongly suggests the BMW has suffered significant damage and has been repaired and repainted. In addition, there should be a clear-coat finish on the vehicle. Ensure that there are no cloudy or smoky areas in the clear coat.
Panels
Check the edges of all the panels on the car, including wing and door panels. The small gaps between panels should be the same size. BMWs with differing gap sizes between the panels have likely undergone significant repairs. Inconsistent gaps between the panels also imply use of third party panels or older BMW panels, instead of matching model replacement BMW panels.
Tip 2. Check the Mileage
When buying a used BMW, it is vitally important to check the mileage. Used BMWs with excessive mileage are more prone to breakdown, potentially leading to costly repair bills. Shoppers should do everything within their power to ensure the odometer reading is valid and not clocked. Clocking is the process of tampering with the odometer to make the car appear to have travelled fewer miles than it actually has, because cars with lower mileage cost more. Check service records and any other available paperwork and compare against the current reading on the odometer. With an analog odometer, if clocking has occurred, often the numbers are slightly out of alignment. The mileage on the odometer should match the age and general condition of the car. BMWs with low mileage should have limited signs of wear on the gearshift, steering wheel, and pedals.
Tip 3. Look Under the Hood
Before committing to buy a used BMW, be sure to look under the hood. Perform a cursory examination, checking for rust, pitting, and corrosion. The engine should be free of oil. The presence of copious amount of oil lying on or around the engine implies the presence of a leak or an impending mechanical failure. Check hoses and belts to ensure they are in good condition, with no cracking or splits. Check for dark oil-stains on the engine block. The presence of significant staining indicates an issue with the head gasket, which is very costly to repair.
Tip 4. Look at the Paperwork and VIN Number
Before buying a used BMW, carefully go over all the available paperwork. Buyers should also check the VIN number. Make sure the VIN number on the documentation matches the VIN on the car itself. Check that there are no registered liens against the car. Check for the presence of a full service history, as this implies that the previous owner carefully maintained the car.
5. Examine the Tires
Look at the tires of the used BMW to make sure they are in good condition, with plenty of wear left. Tires should have a good tread and should not be bald or approaching baldness. To check for tread, take a shiny penny and put it into the center of the tread. If the top of the head or the copper above the head are clearly visible, the tread has excessive wear. For a more accurate alternative, use a tread depth gauge. In most US states, the minimum tire tread depth must be 2/32 of an inch.
Some BMWs, such as the Series 3 BMW, have run-flat tires as standard. Run flat tires resist deflating in the event of a puncture, allowing drivers to continue safely to the destination. These tires are significantly more expensive than standard tires. Therefore, when the tires need replacing, many owners choose to replace the run-flats with standard tires. So, when buying a used BMW, be sure to check if the vehicle has run-flat tires by looking on the tire wall for a circle with "RSC" inside.
How to Buy a Used BMW on eBay
With the vast selection of used BMWs available on eBay, finding that perfect car within your budget is easy. With competitive pricing, trustworthy sellers, and a user-friendly interface, eBay provides you with all the tools necessary to make your purchase quickly and confidently. Many sellers provide free shipping and you may be able to find a suitable car locally that you can pick up once the transaction is complete. eBay Motors allows you to refine your vehicle search by model, year, price, and mileage, allowing you to limit your search to only the most relevant results. When buying a used BMW, be sure to follow the tips above to ensure purchase of a high quality used BMW in good condition.
