What to look for on a low mileage 03?

ssmtsx · 06-07-2017, 09:12 PM

Hi, I was wondering what everyone opinions would be on an 03 3.0l with only 22k miles? I met with the owner this evening and the car looks pretty good. She is going to take it to the local bmw dealer so that I can have a PPI done. Is there anything in particular I should be looking for? The car spent most of its life ina garage but its definetly been outside for a little while now. There are no maintence records and the sticker in the windshield shows the last oil change was due in December of 2015. I'm sure it's been close to two years since the oil has been changed. Thanks for any help/advice.

kaybat · 06-08-2017, 02:27 AM

the roof motor.(that's a huge one!)
good luck.

Huz-Z · 06-08-2017, 07:17 AM

What type of transmission does it have? The BMW manual and automatic transmissions are reliable but I've seen folks comment about problems with the sequential manual gearbox (SMG) transmissions. There is a pump unit involved that can cause issues and is expensive to replace.

If the car still has its original tires, those have to be replaced right away owing to age.

I would insist on being present when the local dealer does the PPI so you can observe the work and speak first hand to the tech who looks at the car. If issues are found, you can get a much better understanding of whether they are minor or serious, and if the cost to fix are acceptable or not.

And please let us know what happens!

ssmtsx · 06-08-2017, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

What type of transmission does it have? The BMW manual and automatic transmissions are reliable but I've seen folks comment about problems with the sequential manual gearbox (SMG) transmissions.

If the car still has its original tires, those have to be replaced right away owing to age.

I would ask to be present when the local dealer does the PPI so you can observe and speak first hand to the tech who looks at the car. If issues are found, you can get a much better understanding of whether they are minor or serious, and if the cost to fix are acceptable or not.

It's a manual..I will try to get to the dealer while they're are doing the PPI. Shes just going to drop it off and give them my information. Hopefully they will call soon.

jra · 06-08-2017, 07:22 PM

Just an FYI but I believe the 03's were pre wired for most options, so retrofits should be easy depending on how the car was spec'd

06-07-2017, 09:12 PM	#1
ssmtsx Private 2 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 14 328i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern Va iTrader: (0)	What to look for on a low mileage 03? Hi, I was wondering what everyone opinions would be on an 03 3.0l with only 22k miles? I met with the owner this evening and the car looks pretty good. She is going to take it to the local bmw dealer so that I can have a PPI done. Is there anything in particular I should be looking for? The car spent most of its life ina garage but its definetly been outside for a little while now. There are no maintence records and the sticker in the windshield shows the last oil change was due in December of 2015. I'm sure it's been close to two years since the oil has been changed. Thanks for any help/advice.
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06-08-2017, 02:27 AM	#2
kaybat First Lieutenant 126 Rep 355 Posts Drives: '06 Z4MR, '14 Cayman S Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Ormond Beach,Fl iTrader: (1) Garage List '06 Z4M [0.00]	the roof motor.(that's a huge one!) good luck. __________________ Ken B.(BMWCCA/PCA/ZSCCA/SCCA)
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06-08-2017, 07:17 AM	#3
Huz-Z Brigadier General 848 Rep 4,057 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0si, 328 XDrive, X5 35i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	What type of transmission does it have? The BMW manual and automatic transmissions are reliable but I've seen folks comment about problems with the sequential manual gearbox (SMG) transmissions. There is a pump unit involved that can cause issues and is expensive to replace. If the car still has its original tires, those have to be replaced right away owing to age. I would insist on being present when the local dealer does the PPI so you can observe the work and speak first hand to the tech who looks at the car. If issues are found, you can get a much better understanding of whether they are minor or serious, and if the cost to fix are acceptable or not. And please let us know what happens! __________________ Huz-Z BMW Z4 3.0si Roadster. Montego Blue Metallic. Premium and Sport Package. Last edited by Huz-Z; 06-08-2017 at 07:22 AM..
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06-08-2017, 07:22 PM	#5
jra Captain 38 Rep 879 Posts Drives: 2005 z4 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Texas iTrader: (3)	Just an FYI but I believe the 03's were pre wired for most options, so retrofits should be easy depending on how the car was spec'd
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