Thoughts on this car?

[K9Lena]

Hey guys, first post and new to the forum (looking to buy my first M3). I found this 2018 BMW LRG M3CS with 39k miles for sale at 67k. It has the following mods:

BM3 stage 1 tune
KW HAS Kit
Eventuri Intake
Gintani downpipe (has OEM)
PPF on full car (poorly done and peeling in some places)

It has a cracked front lip, some scratches on body and roof (under ppf), and one chip on the exterior. The interior is pretty clean just normal wear and tear. Not a mechanic by any means but engine doesnt look like there’s any leaks. It was the sellers daily driver for 1 year. Total of 4 previous owners and no accidents or repairs. Stock crankhub.

However, there are two issues with the car. All four tires are basically bald (what is everyone paying for a full set of good tires?) and the check engine light is on. The car is in California and as you all know, smog is the worst in this state. The seller says the engine light is on because of the downpipe and intake. The car will need to be smogged before transfer but he is reluctant to do it because of the mods.

I want to connect an OBD reader and find out if the only CEL codes are related to the intake and downpipe. Unless I find a smog shop that will overlook these visual inspection and CEL (anyone know someone NorCal?), I would have to swap out the parts for OEM (maybe about $400ish for used intake) and reflash DME to stock ($600).

Given all the factors above and if the OBD only shows the CEL related to intake and downpipe, what is your opinion on buying the car for $63k? Fair price or not worth the hassle?

[Blocke]

You should also be asking for/ considering the service history and carfax. I just put new tires on my car (MpS4s) and it think it was around $1700. The failing ppf is expensive to remove. The CEL and smog are a red flag. Its the sellers responsibility in CA to smog the car prior to sale. If they arent willing to return to stock and get it passed, they could be aware of and hiding other issues. Could be nothing, and they just dont want the hassle, but are you willing to gamble on that?

[Yuille36]

The CEL could be revealing big issues, that the seller doesn't want to reveal as it was a four owner car. That to me, is a definite no go. Yet alone four bald tires, that wouldn't pass a safety inspection in any state. I would strongly push to have the seller fix these issues or walk away.

[M3SQRD]

Intakes don’t cause a CEL. I’ve had one installed on my car since new (2016) and in almost eight years no CEL. Downpipes without oem primary cats will not pass inspection - obd scan and visual inspections. Also, CA checks the ecu to determine if aftermarket ecu software has been installed. With BM3, you need to flash the stock software AND relock the ecu. Read this thread:
https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2048849

The owner doesn’t want to pay to have the stock DPs reinstalled and/or doesn’t want to reinstall the stock software and lock the ecu. This suggests there might be something else wrong with the car. Also, the car has had an excessive number of owners given its MY. Bald tires also points to poor maintenance - probably couldn’t afford the car and is offloading it because it has an issue. The number of owners also suggests there may be an underlying issue. I would pass on this car.

[wishbone]

I feel like letting the tires go and the CEL are indicative of routine maintenance not followed or performed on the car.

Meaning if these are the “small” things, what do you think the major things are?

[Oliver Queen]

I would pass, not sure why the CEL would left on, on purpose, when it could be turned off for downpipes with BM3

I think 60-65k for a CLEAN low mileage CS is fair but probably not this one with all the red flags

The color is nice though

[Boznien]

Too many red flags to begin with. Tires would easily run you $1500+. Fitting the stock downpipes back on and hoping that fixes your CEL. Peeling PPF sounds like something you would address given that you brought it up. You're looking at $5,000+ with registration, taxes, and maintenance.

I agree with others. I would pass.

[Enzian]

For close to 70k I would pass.. I get the color and spec on this vehicle. However, California does require the seller to be responsible for smogging a vehicle and providing the cert. If the seller isn't willing to that then I wouldn't consider it. Also, why not pay for a ppi at a BMW dealership or a experienced Indy shop?

Just another word of advise. Might not apply to you but i know it did for me.

don't just jump in because you are excited and found an amazing spec. If it's not right time or the right car it will come with time. Took me a 2 years to find mine and almost settled 3 times and I am glad I didn't.

[spidy512]

Yo!

To many flags for me. I would pass and look for something better maintained. I agree strongly with what crustaceans said regarding being patient...

- 4 owners is a flag (subjective). I bought my F80 with 83k miles. But only one owner.
- 4 bald tires is a huge flag to me. Defering maintenance.
- The cost to deal with the CEL and the mods would be costly. Also, why has he not coded out the CEL with his BM3?

I could go on, but this car looks like it has been driven hard. The cracks in the bumper, bald tires. Blah. I could barely stand a small rock chip in my front bumper let alone a crack. Trying to sell a car like this with a CEL just seems shady and lazy to me. And why I would walk.

Either way, good luck! These cars are super special....

josh

[NickyC]

Personally, I would not purchase a tuned car ever. Not to mention one that is now 7 years old, and the owner is asking $67k for (39k miles, while not bad, isn't exactly new either). If you can get past the tune and other issues, I wouldn't go over the mid $50k range honestly. I know the M3 CS is getting harder and harder to find, but this is one I'd pass on as is.

[K9Lena]

Thanks for the input everyone! Since my first post, the owner has put four new tires on the car. Based on everyone's help, I have decided to pass on this car since 63k is too high and he probably won't come down in price.

I still like the F80 so I'll just wait for the right one to pop up!