compiled this from the board (long) (archive)

Mechanical
1. Wobble in steering when accelerating or decelerating--can be unbalanced tires, warped rotors, bent wheels, loose suspension parts.
2. Surging at idle, rough idle--leaking manifold gaskets, DK motor fault, faulty fuel pressure reg., leak in air cleaner assembly, air temp sensor, etc.
3. Gasoline smell from engine compartment--check for leaking charcoal canister, fuel lines, leaking injectors.
4. Jam on the brakes fast and hard.--if real hard pedal then normal pedal travel --possible nitrogen bomb, pressure solenoid or vacuum problem.
5.Check tire wear--gives a great indication of front suspension problems (assumes SOME tire wear).
6.Open sunroof in both positions (up and back).
7.Operate all windows, steering wheel, and seat positions--especially seat base up and down travel. Right side mirror should tilt down when reverse is selected and mirror adjustment selector is set to left.
8.Check on-board computer for bad pixels. Check radio and CD player (bring 6 CD's if it has a changer to check all)
9.Check the oil--see if it is at least somewhat clean and proper level
10.Since it is a repo, try a BMW dealer with the VIN number to attempt to get service records on the car (only works if they serviced it at BMW dealership).
11.Carfax to see owner history (be careful--some information may be incorrect--mine was)
12.Crinkling or "tinking" sound when car first takes off in reverse or forward--needs new BMW alternative to U-joints on the drive shaft.
13.rattling from front end when going over bumps--bad bushings and/or needs new struts (check bushings first!)
14.check for leaks in windshield washer bottle (is it holding water?)
15.check operation of all lights, headlights should not move in their shrouds.
16.check air conditioning and heating--turn blower on full, low airflow indicates a need for new micro filter and implies poor maintenance
17.check for hard steering and squealing noise if wheel turned far right (check hydraulic fluid level )
18.be sure to check under car and look at exhaust system from engine all the way back to tail-pipes for rust-contact on body, etc.
19. listen for electrical buzz in speaker system. Ask if updated
20.

Cosmetic:
1.check rubber window gasket--tears easily where rear window seats-- expensive to fix
2.check for loose vinyl or leather trim (seems to be a common problem in all BMW's)
3.check for overspray of paint on any gaskets or rubber contact points in hood or trunk area (will show if has been re-painted)
4.burn marks or felt repair on headliner, pillar covers, felt window liner, etc.
5.If a 6 speed, 2nd gear can be a little notchy until warm (but you can use this to "show" the seller to reduce the price--as well as pulling the knob up and off will take off the knob and boot! Makes it look like the car is falling apart, but it is actually that way normally?!)
6.Check for even the tiniest point of rust ANYWHERE on the car and under the car. You should not find any rust on the body ANYWHERE. However, the exhaust is prone to rusting. Normal.
7.paint condition
8.door dings
9.rock chips on front of car--two edged sword. Ugly and expensive to repair but actually indicates more highway mileage, which in my book is a GOOD thing mechanically.

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