Advice please

[Diamondgeezer]

Hi all
I posted a few weeks back that I'm looking for a csl

I have just been to see a car and would like to hear your views
The car seems very straight and only has a few stone chips to the front and the front wheel arches have some suface rust

The interior is ok but the steering wheel could do with a retrim but other wise it's ok

The main issue is the service history
There are 7 previous owners but their is no corresponding paper work for the
First 5 owners or before 2009
The service book has been stamped and all the services seem to have been done at main dealers and lately at specialists

It's also now on its 4th different reg number
The mileage is at 73k and I can find nothing to show any major works have been done
The guy who is selling seems honest and I'm sure isn't trying to hide anything
Is it possible to get the service details from BMW ?
I'm planning on getting the car inspected at Bartlett including compression test prior to me handing over any money
Your thoughts please
Cheers

[Scott]

The car seems very straight and only has a few stone chips to the front and the front wheel arches have some suface rust

If you can see the rust then I would budget for 2 new wings unless it's an 2004 car which comes with a 12 year paint warranty. Either way, it's a common problem on all E46 M3's.

The interior is ok but the steering wheel could do with a retrim but other wise it's ok

It's done 73k miles so I wouldn't be surprised at this, try giving it a good clean before going for a retrim.

The main issue is the service history
There are 7 previous owners but their is no corresponding paper work for the
First 5 owners or before 2009
The service book has been stamped and all the services seem to have been done at main dealers and lately at specialists

I wouldn't worry about 7 owners, these cars tend to go through a lot of owners as people like to tick them off their 'bucket list' before moving on. If the car was sold by BMW in 2009 then you won't have any paperwork as they don't pass this on to the new owner due to confidentiality reasons.

It's also now on its 4th different reg number

So what?

The mileage is at 73k and I can find nothing to show any major works have been done

Not all cars will have the same problems so this could be a 'good one' or that it was all done prior to 2009.

The guy who is selling seems honest and I'm sure isn't trying to hide anything
Is it possible to get the service details from BMW ?

I managed to get all the work that was carried out on my partners X1 printed off but the car was only 2 years old when she bought it so it's likely that no work was carried out before she got it. If you don't ask you don't get....

I'm planning on getting the car inspected at Bartlett including compression test prior to me handing over any money

Definietely. They will identify any parts that need replacing so could save you in the long run.

[shimmy]

if you PM me all the private and non private reg numbers ill check to see if any history is on the register

[Diamondgeezer]

if you PM me all the private and non private reg numbers ill check to see if any history is on the register

PM sent

[Rick H]

Must be this one?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/bmw/e46-m3-00-06/bmw-3-series-e46-m3-csl------------------2003/4131738

Edit: ah, maybe not - not enough owners.

[Diamondgeezer]

Must be this one?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/bmw/e46-m3-00-06/bmw-3-series-e46-m3-csl------------------2003/4131738

Edit: ah, maybe not - not enough owners.

It's not that one
The cars not advertised for sale anywhere at the moment

[s.mac]

You can call bmw for full history, it used to be free, I think it's £1 per min on the new number. I'm not 100% but there is deffo a dedicated line. You will need the chassis number.

[s.mac]

You could also ask a friendly service manager, although they shouldn't really give you the info.

[Diamondgeezer]

You can call bmw for full history, it used to be free, I think it's £1 per min on the new number. I'm not 100% but there is deffo a dedicated line. You will need the chassis number.

Thanks I'll give it a try tomorrow

[Diamondgeezer]

Also forgot to mention that the front and rear carbon parts have blisters/scratches on them
Can these be repaired or I'm I looking at replacements ?

[Neil M]

Also forgot to mention that the front and rear carbon parts have blisters/scratches on them
Can these be repaired or I'm I looking at replacements ?

Sounds like a job for Mark.csl, he'll have them looking like new in no time. :thumbs:

[nw99]

Go for it

[Diamondgeezer]

Sounds like a job for Mark.csl, he'll have them looking like new in no time. :thumbs:

Yeah just been trawling through some old threads and seems like a repair is an option
Didn't see anyone mention the rear diffuser being repaired though
But I guess it's the same process

[Neil M]

If it's made from Carbon Fibre - Marks the chap to sort it. :supz:

[Mark CSL]

Yip i can repair carbon :whistle: