2017 white comp M4 - Looking for history

[SDG335i]

Hey guys,

I've been in the market for an M4 for a while now, came across a M4 that has all the options that I want:

https://www.mazdadrummondville.com/e...w-m4-id8369119

But... after running the VIN on Google I found that the vehicle was sold through Copart earlier this year with $17,000 in flood / engine damages.

https://en.bidfax.info/bmw/m4/822903...xhk708991.html

Odd thing is the car has a clear title even though it was sold through an insurance auction. I've learned that the car was previously owned in the GTA. Does anyone know what happened to this M4?

[rmanm4]

WOW, good price but I would stay clear of it. Anytime you get water damage in a engine as complicated as S55, you could have electrical issues down the road that could be hard to figure out. I would make sure you get 3-4 years of insurance on it if you going for it.

[SDG335i]

Yeah I'm pretty hesitant with water / flood damage without knowing exactly what happened. Someone definitely put a tune in it do I'm doubtful an extended warranty would be an option.

[ilovemym4]

Provide me with the full VIN and I will send you the Carfax report.

[ilovemym4]

https://vhr.carfax.ca/?id=erXtu23PW%...damage-section

Did they mention the Sept 2017 Accident claim & police report Jan 2018?

Not a car for me that's for sure

[rmanm4]

Originally Posted by ilovemym4

https://vhr.carfax.ca/?id=erXtu23PW%...damage-section

Did they mention the Sept 2017 Accident claim & police report Jan 2018?

Not a car for me that's for sure

RUN...RUN as far as you can.

They are asking way too much for a F82 that has been in 2 accidents!

Some sucker wont check the history and will buy it....just be glad it wont be you.

[Reprosal]

Holy... crap........

That is insane. Wonder if the initial claim was the water damage then. Oh if the windows on that car could talk, the stories it would tell!

[SDG335i]

ilovemym4 - Thanks for the Carfax report. Yes they did mention the previous collision for $4500 or so. I'm assuming the other incident would be a non-reportable accident if there's no claim?

I'm just really confused about the flood damage claim. Usually in Ontario that would give the vehicle an irreparable brand if it was submerged. And $17,000 although its a large claim doesn't seem like its enough to write-off a $60,000+ car.

Either way I think I'm gonna pass on this one.

[Reprosal]

Just for giggles you should take this info to the dealer and ask them about it. Just see what they have to say lol

[ilovemym4]

Originally Posted by SDG335i

ilovemym4 - Thanks for the Carfax report. Yes they did mention the previous collision for $4500 or so. I'm assuming the other incident would be a non-reportable accident if there's no claim?


Either way I think I'm gonna pass on this one.

Yeah, reported is the key word here. Carfax reports are only as good as the accident claims are reported. If a vehicle is fixed privately and un-reported, you would never know.

Good call. It'll be fun vehicle to have and drive, but it's going to be a mental roadblock when you decide you want to sell and move on to a different vehicle.

[zort]

The support form this group on this one is simply amazing !

[SDG335i]

So I dug into this a little more since nothing was adding up to me.

The M4 was bought from auction by SJ Auto Service in North York. I even found a pic on their google review with the exact car up on the lift. I reached out to the shop and apparently it had no flood damage, but "Timing was jumped and we re timed the engine, And we changed ex camshaft bolt." That would explain the $17,000 repair estimate... which is roughly the cost of a new engine from BMW. I'm going to assume the previous owner knew what happened and staged a flood claim.

To me this sounds like a mildly spun crank hub which didn't damage the valves. If that's the case this engine is a grenade waiting to go off.

I told the salesman a Mazda this and was offered $2000 off the price LOL.

[rmanm4]

For the past 25 years of my car hobby life, I have learned to not buy a car from any dealership other then the manufacturer where you will get proper warranty. The INDY dealerships or in this case (Mazda) almost always get their stock from auctions or trade in and never do deep enough DD before buying or selling.

It is better to buy private and get a feel for the car and seller!

Also dont rush to buy a car. You will never find a good deal when you rush. Keep looking and let the car come to you. You will know when it feels right!

I almost bought a 2020 M4 from a local Nissan dealership, then I found out that the owner of the dealership has been driving the car home (5Km each way) every day. They got it with 500Kms on it and it was showing signs of wear already. It was bought at a auction from BMW and they were asking MSRP. It just shows that the dealership didnt care. The owner wanted to enjoy it and beat on it all while waiting for someone who will pay near MSRP. Im sure they bought it 10-15K under MSRP from BMW auction. It was also a AW M4 but it was base model and stick. Im glad I didnt buy it at the time and ended up with a brand new 2020 ZCP AW M4 with SO interior for $17K under MSRP straight from BMW dealership with 4 year/80K warranty from the day I took ownership.

[zort]

Excuse my ignorance but why is this the case - "To me this sounds like a mildly spun crank hub which didn't damage the valves. If that's the case this engine is a grenade waiting to go off."

Seems BMW would have done the same repair. So if you do go with this car the aftermarket keyed solution would just need to go in. Also I assume the 17K claim was between that shop and the previous owner... What does that say for the shop..

But I really agree this is all nonsense and hassle.