[Judokilli]

Hi all

If there's a better place to post this, please let me know - still finding my way around these parts.

As above, I'm viewing a June 2016 M235i with 10k miles on the clock this weekend with every intention to buy as I have a decent deal negotiated so far.

Is there anything above the usual that I should be keeping an eye out for? Any hints or tips, minor or major, will be greatly appreciated.

Best

JudoKilli

[xantdieselx]

That's definitely low miles for a 16'. Regardless, you should do a PPI before buying. Get the Vin an call BMW Service to see if you can get the maintenance history. Some people will say check Carfax. It's been my experience that not every accident gets reported to them. Have someone look at it that knows bodywork.

Ive had only very minor issues with my 16' (36k miles so far) so these cars are fairly reliable.

[rainfall]

^^ what he said:
- get the vin and call a bmw dealer to try to get the maintenance history (spoiler: likely you won't find much)
- run the carfax (is it available in uk?)
- pay an independent person to do a PPI (esp. if they can look at bodywork)

regardless of the 3 above, you should do your own inspection. Some pros will look at things you wouldn't which is great, but still look at things on your own. You might find stuff the others wouldn't.

I think if the car really has 10k miles, it's really hard to have been in an accident.

Also, watch these videos before you buy:

[aerobod]

Two key things to check with any recent BMW, if not met I would personally not buy a car, as they are indications that other maintenance shortcuts may have been taken, too:

- Read the oil service records to ensure the correct oil that meets BMW specs has been used (Long Life 01 for an M235i) and that the oil change has been done at the specified mileage and at least once per year.

- Check the coolant is blue in colour (engine is cool, of course), if not, the wrong spec coolant will likely cause cooling system issues in the future, even if only a top-up with the wrong coolant has taken place.

[hwntime]

Also check body gaps. BMW's typically come with very tight gaps although I have seen brand new ones at the dealership that were a bit off from the factory. It doesn't necessarily mean that the car was in an accident, but gaps that are off could be an indicator of something bigger. It's just a precautionary measure to dig deeper into the car if the gaps don't seem right.

[Judokilli]

Thanks for all the help guys, much appreciated! Drove the car 200 miles home on Sunday and am very, very pleased so far.

[Unicorn123]

Congratulations Judo! Good luck with your new ride.