Advice: BMW with no service history

Seems strange that there is no history at all. I suppose they said it was 'lost'. Even if it is a good car(which is unlikely), you will have problems when it comes to selling it on again as you won't have any history available except what you have compiled during your term of ownership and this will drive down the price you can expect to get for it. With so many good cars out there with full histories, think you would be better to walk/run away.

Another question. Given all the potential issues, including Nikasil, do you think a check by a mechanic would minimise the risk to an acceptable degree? I'm asking because I haven't seen many black cars with black leather seats of this type around.

If you do bring it to a mechanic get a leak down test performed as well as a compression test!

All vaid points TJ, and same with Killians. 

I bought my 328i on the basis of the service history and took a chance on the Nikasil.  I have scince had the tests done by M&G and it passed fine at the last inspection.

The biggest thing with a UK car is mileage - the 328 has an amazing ability to eat miles and if its from the UK then it is entirely possible that it could have done 120k quite easily before it was imported and as its a BMW it will still feel very good on the road. An automatic version is very unlikely to have been thrashed and I would guess was bought as a motorway cruiser.

I would be looking at the log book to see when it was brought in.  If its been several years ago then there should be NCT records which would have the mileage on them so you can at least have some reassurance. 

If its only in recently then I'd be asking why was it brought in and registered in Limerick and now on sale in Dublin.  This is only relevent if its all within a short space of time.

If its imported recently then a HPI check is a must.  You could possibly track some of the history in the UK from the chasis number.  At the very least any Irish dealer should be able to tell you what garage the car was originally sold from in the UK and then you have a starting point.

By the way - ask them what warranty will they offer, always a good way to stir a reaction.

It is a really nice spec though and if you can satisfy the few questions that you have with some sort of history then you are on a winner - it just takes a bit of effort.


Edited by BM Fan

Beavis wrote: Generally, is there a problem with imports?

In my opinion, no.  In fact I'd usually say the opposite.  All but one of my BMW's have been ex-UK.  The problem with any car, UK or not, is when the service history takes a walk.  In many cases the history takes a walk becuase it doesn't tally with the mileage on the clock.  My approach usually is to make an offer based on their being no history, the mileage being wrong and value it purely on condition with a reduction for the extra risk.  In the case of this car, the extra risk is compounded by the potential for a nikasil issue.  You're looking at the thick end of €3k if you need to deal with that.  Other wear and tear costs on a 328i will obviously be pricier than for something more mundane.  It is very comforting to have evidence that the previous owners of a car didn't run it on a shoestring.

TJ is right, you may be able to fill in many of the gaps by doing homework either before or after buying.  But that can only be considered a bonus.  The history may not be there because the car may actually have had a haircut.  The fact that the car is an import really doesn't add to or reduce the risk. 

The case for UK cars is that, if you shop well, you will get a better spec of car that has a far better chance of having a genuine and verifiable history and in many cases save youself a little money.  The biggest advantage is the choice, especially in niche cars.  If you really wanted to buy a '96 328i Sport in Ireland right now your choice is non-existent, the car you are looking at is it.  Do a search on the UK Autotrader and there are likely to be several. 

There are a lot of myths about UK cars, many propagated by the motor trade, that the cars are inferior, usually have starship mileages, etc.  The UK has the same set of myths about European imports.  There are just as many low mileage cars over there but usually there is a premium to pay for them.  With the higher mileage cars, even that may not be an issue.  The wear and tear on a car that does 100k miles in 2 years trundling up and down motorways at optimum temperatures and other operating conditions is far less in most respects than a low mileage car that is started from cold a couple of times a day and run on short journeys for the same length of time.

I'd guess that this isn't a recent import going by the reg number, I'd say it was probably imported around 98/99.

After all this, don't be put off if you really want the car, but reduce your risk as much as possible and walk away if the dealer won't meet your needs.  Cars are like buses (ought to be), there'll be another along in a while.

further to what Eamo said, you can also (for about €6) find out the name and address of the previous/current owner. I think you need to ring the appropriate licencing authority (in this case Limerick Co. Co.)

Out of curiosity, how many service lights were on the SI board?

Sounds very like it might be overdue an Insp II and it's quite possible the last owner did'nt fancy the cost, could well be 5,6,700 yoyo's of a service incl. consumables waiting for the next owner. If this is the case you'll need to get him to knock a good bit off the asking price. Ask him can you get someone to have a look at it, cost work etc. check how much of a warranty he'll give you (3 months prob) then make him a daft offer and see his reaction.

I think you've already planted the seeds of doubt in your mind with your last comment, "probably better to leave it".

Based on that info. leave it, or offer 4 grand for it just to see.

Nice cars.

Do you really want an automatic as for the pure driving experience and the fun the 328 can offer I personally would recomend a manual.

I am sure TJ can vouch for this but on the road behind an artic at 45 / 50 mph, slipping into third and dropping the hammer is a fantastic experience.  You will probably pass the cab at 70+ and it will still be pulling like a train all the way to around 90 befoe grabing 4th - then it all starts again...............

That is what the 328 is all about - magic power and torque whenever you want it