Buying a used M4

Danidanio · 10-19-2017, 12:41 AM

Hey guys.

I’m about to buy a 2nd hand F82 M4. I was wondering if there is any way to figure out if the car has been abused?

Thanks

De1337eD · 10-19-2017, 02:41 AM

Get a pre-purchase inspection.

http://www.jdpower.com/cars/articles...ase-inspection

jmg · 10-19-2017, 03:24 AM

Have an independent mechanic who knows BMWs and M cars perform a point to point inspection. Do you know the original owner? Is the car modded? What kinds of mods? Carfax? CPO?

DBACE · 10-19-2017, 11:40 AM

How many miles on it?

Does it shudder?

Pull to either side?

Does it have uneven tire wear?

Does it smell bad?

Are the exhaust pipes dirty?

What is overall Cleanliness interior and exterior?

Take it for a long drive, if the owner is serious, they should let you.

+1 on independent authorized mechanic to inspect it.
Someone who knows what they are doing should be able to download all the faults (limp mode, battery drain indications and other errors) the car had, and historical operational metrics should be available. Max revs, times the limiter was hit, launch control usage, etc.

Good luck!!

MN2///M · 10-19-2017, 03:53 PM

I'm assuming you are not buying from a BMW dealer. If you have a good relationship with your local dealer, they can pull the service history from the VIN for anything a BMW dealer has done to it.

Vectors2final · 10-19-2017, 04:54 PM

A private party seller should have no problem letting you get someone to inspect the car.

I once sold a WRX to someone in Colorado, and I drove a couple hours to meet someone he trusted to inspect it at an Audi Dealership.

kechang · 10-19-2017, 05:15 PM

watch this very informative video from our boy Larry at AMMYNYC

I know it's a Porsche but same idea..

GrussGott · 10-21-2017, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danidanio

I’m about to buy a 2nd hand F82 M4. I was wondering if there is any way to figure out if the car has been abused?

Check if any of us owned it.

Roadkiller · 10-21-2017, 10:07 AM

Yep, check engine bay and under the trunk to see if screws have been tampered with and that they match the original paint spray from the production line. My M3 was hit and had the frame repaired. The repair guy confessed that most people would not know if the car was repaired but any knowledgeable inspector would know because they would look beyond the exterior look of the car and inspect internal screws. Some screws should never be turned unless you needed to do major work on the car.

R-M4 · 10-21-2017, 10:17 AM

Just ask the current owner. Just kidding!

Having it inspected is really the way to go. Buying such an expensive used car without a proper inspection is crazy in my opinion. Plus, it won't cost you much AT ALL.
Good luck!

Danidanio · 10-24-2017, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by De1337eD

Get a pre-purchase inspection.

http://www.jdpower.com/cars/articles...ase-inspection

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmg

Have an independent mechanic who knows BMWs and M cars perform a point to point inspection. Do you know the original owner? Is the car modded? What kinds of mods? Carfax? CPO?

I would def do that but Im from Belgium and Im looking for my car in Germany since they are cheaper. And the problem is that idk any mechanic there to inspect the car..
One thing is sure that I will buy my car from a good dealer but I still want to check from myself.. I dont trust them, especially in Germany lol.

Danidanio · 10-24-2017, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBACE

How many miles on it?

Does it shudder?

Pull to either side?

Does it have uneven tire wear?

Does it smell bad?

Are the exhaust pipes dirty?

What is overall Cleanliness interior and exterior?

Take it for a long drive, if the owner is serious, they should let you.

+1 on independent authorized mechanic to inspect it.
Someone who knows what they are doing should be able to download all the faults (limp mode, battery drain indications and other errors) the car had, and historical operational metrics should be available. Max revs, times the limiter was hit, launch control usage, etc.

Good luck!!

Thanks for the tips bro.
Im looking for a car with maximum 18/20k miles on it.. So should I check some other things else like brakes, used tires so we can discuss the price, ect?

Danidanio · 10-24-2017, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MN2///M

I'm assuming you are not buying from a BMW dealer. If you have a good relationship with your local dealer, they can pull the service history from the VIN for anything a BMW dealer has done to it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kechang

watch this very informative video from our boy Larry at AMMYNYC

I know it's a Porsche but same idea..

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadkiller

Yep, check engine bay and under the trunk to see if screws have been tampered with and that they match the original paint spray from the production line. My M3 was hit and had the frame repaired. The repair guy confessed that most people would not know if the car was repaired but any knowledgeable inspector would know because they would look beyond the exterior look of the car and inspect internal screws. Some screws should never be turned unless you needed to do major work on the car.

Quote:

Originally Posted by R-M4

Just ask the current owner. Just kidding!

Having it inspected is really the way to go. Buying such an expensive used car without a proper inspection is crazy in my opinion. Plus, it won't cost you much AT ALL.
Good luck!

Thanks for all the infos! I will do all that for sure.

nicknaz · 10-24-2017, 02:12 AM

+1 on PPI from a trusted independent party.

If you don't have such a contact in Germany, I think you're rolling the dice and could get hosed in a big way. Probably better for you to buy local

Deteria · 10-31-2017, 03:16 PM

Along with what everyone else mentioned, you could also get a CPO to stay on the safe side. Added warranty + inspection done by an actual BMW dealer. Buying a BMW from other car dealers seem kind of risky.

Bimmer Pleaser · 02-02-2019, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBACE

How many miles on it?

Does it shudder?

Pull to either side?

Does it have uneven tire wear?

Does it smell bad?

Are the exhaust pipes dirty?

What is overall Cleanliness interior and exterior?

Take it for a long drive, if the owner is serious, they should let you.

+1 on independent authorized mechanic to inspect it.
Someone who knows what they are doing should be able to download all the faults (limp mode, battery drain indications and other errors) the car had, and historical operational metrics should be available. Max revs, times the limiter was hit, launch control usage, etc.

Good luck!!

Apologies for resurrecting this thread.

I just test drove a 2016 M4 with 49k miles and I felt it was pulling to both sides or maybe just left, at least left. What is it indicative of? bad tires or something way worse? Car has had a "minor accident" (according to Carfax). Another red flag(?) is that dealer does not CPO the car. It is not becaise of the accident because mine is CPO and it was in a minor accident.

FlyingLow78 · 02-02-2019, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer Pleaser

Apologies for resurrecting this thread.

I just test drove a 2016 M4 with 49k miles and I felt it was pulling to both sides or maybe just left, at least left. What is it indicative of? bad tires or something way worse? Car has had a "minor accident" (according to Carfax). Another red flag(?) is that dealer does not CPO the car. It is not becaise of the accident because mine is CPO and it was in a minor accident.

Don’t buy a car that has been in an accident unless you’re getting a great price. The fact that it pulls now could be indicative of bent suspension, and there should be plenty of un-crashed cars on the market.

Darth One · 02-03-2019, 06:48 AM

lol, pulling to one side after a "minor" accident? Run away.

RickFLM4 · 02-03-2019, 07:16 AM

Don’t rely on CarFax to identify all accidents or the severity of them.

FlyingLow78 · 02-03-2019, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

Don’t rely on CarFax to identify all accidents or the severity of them.

Definitely this. Also, a crashed car will always have a lower resale value and be harder to sell than a car with a clean history, just in case you decide to get rid of it later on.

henrylee · 02-03-2019, 10:41 AM

Anyone see this commercial before? I think it's very difficult to determine the amount of abuse in a car without having a serious inspection.

jmg · 02-08-2019, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by henrylee

Anyone see this commercial before? I think it's very difficult to determine the amount of abuse in a car without having a serious inspection.

LOL so true. I wouldn't want to be the next owner of my old F80.

10-19-2017, 12:41 AM	#1
Danidanio Private First Class 42 Rep 112 Posts Drives: BMW f82 CP blackout Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Brussels iTrader: (0)	Buying a used M4 - how can I tell if it’s been mistreated? Hey guys. I’m about to buy a 2nd hand F82 M4. I was wondering if there is any way to figure out if the car has been abused? Thanks
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

10-19-2017, 02:41 AM	#2
De1337eD Private 17 Rep 69 Posts Drives: 2015 M4 Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Marina Del Rey, CA iTrader: (0)	Get a pre-purchase inspection. http://www.jdpower.com/cars/articles...ase-inspection
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-19-2017, 03:24 AM	#3
jmg Lieutenant General 18663 Rep 14,108 Posts Drives: G82 M4C X-Drive Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2022 G82 M4C X-Drive [9.85] 2018 F80 M3 CS [9.87] 2019 i3 BEV [0.00]	Have an independent mechanic who knows BMWs and M cars perform a point to point inspection. Do you know the original owner? Is the car modded? What kinds of mods? Carfax? CPO? __________________ 2022 G82///M4 Competition X-Drive - KW-HAS, EBC Bluestuff, Millway Race Camber Plates, Cup2 Connect, PSI High Flow Midpipe, Lightweight Front Lip, M Perf Flow Through Wing Previous • 2018 F80 ///M3 CS • 2016 F80 ///*M3 IG: Raging_G82
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-19-2017, 11:40 AM	#4
DBACE Captain 689 Rep 677 Posts Drives: F80 M3 LCI Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW M3 [10.00] 2005 CBR1000RR [10.00] 1995 ST1100 [9.00] 2009 Camry Hybrid [0.00]	Abused Cars Matter Too How many miles on it? Does it shudder? Pull to either side? Does it have uneven tire wear? Does it smell bad? Are the exhaust pipes dirty? What is overall Cleanliness interior and exterior? Take it for a long drive, if the owner is serious, they should let you. +1 on independent authorized mechanic to inspect it. Someone who knows what they are doing should be able to download all the faults (limp mode, battery drain indications and other errors) the car had, and historical operational metrics should be available. Max revs, times the limiter was hit, launch control usage, etc. Good luck!! __________________ F80 ///M3 LCI SSII Lick the lollipop of mediocrity once and you suck forever.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-19-2017, 03:53 PM	#5
MN2///M Captain 521 Rep 865 Posts Drives: very fast! Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Colorado Springs iTrader: (0)	I'm assuming you are not buying from a BMW dealer. If you have a good relationship with your local dealer, they can pull the service history from the VIN for anything a BMW dealer has done to it. __________________ 2003 BMW 330i 2016 BMW M4 - ED May 2016, PCD Aug 2016 2017 X5 xDrive35i - PCD Jan2017
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-19-2017, 04:54 PM	#6
Vectors2final Brigadier General 1349 Rep 3,345 Posts Drives: 2018 F80 YMB/SS ZCP Join Date: May 2011 Location: Austin, Tx iTrader: (0)	A private party seller should have no problem letting you get someone to inspect the car. I once sold a WRX to someone in Colorado, and I drove a couple hours to meet someone he trusted to inspect it at an Audi Dealership. __________________ 2019 Ruby GT350 - Gen 5 Whipple on corn making 855RWHP. Sold: 2018 F80 Part Deux /DCT /YMB /Full SS /CF Trim /ZCP /ZEC w/Black 666M Sold: 2015 F80 /DCT /YMB /Full SS /CF Trim /ZEC /ZLP /HK /S&TVC- 18''///M
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-19-2017, 05:15 PM	#7
kechang Private First Class 98 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 2018 M4 ZCP & 2014 Cayenne GTS Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	watch this very informative video from our boy Larry at AMMYNYC I know it's a Porsche but same idea.. __________________ 2022 Porsche Macan GTS \| 2018 F82 M4 ZCP 6MT (ED'ed 09/25/17) \| 2014 Porsche Cayenne GTS \| Past: 2001 E46 330ci
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-21-2017, 10:07 AM	#9
Roadkiller Philosophiae Doctor 208 Rep 873 Posts Drives: 2015 M4 BSM Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: In front of you! iTrader: (0)	Yep, check engine bay and under the trunk to see if screws have been tampered with and that they match the original paint spray from the production line. My M3 was hit and had the frame repaired. The repair guy confessed that most people would not know if the car was repaired but any knowledgeable inspector would know because they would look beyond the exterior look of the car and inspect internal screws. Some screws should never be turned unless you needed to do major work on the car.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-21-2017, 10:17 AM	#10
R-M4 Lieutenant 302 Rep 500 Posts Drives: 2022 X6 M CP Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Central Florida iTrader: (0)	Just ask the current owner. Just kidding! Having it inspected is really the way to go. Buying such an expensive used car without a proper inspection is crazy in my opinion. Plus, it won't cost you much AT ALL. Good luck!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2017, 02:12 AM	#14
nicknaz Lieutenant General 3187 Rep 10,509 Posts Drives: C6Z Join Date: May 2008 Location: NorCal iTrader: (0)	+1 on PPI from a trusted independent party. If you don't have such a contact in Germany, I think you're rolling the dice and could get hosed in a big way. Probably better for you to buy local
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-31-2017, 03:16 PM	#15
Deteria Second Lieutenant 110 Rep 216 Posts Drives: 2015 M4 Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Dallas iTrader: (0)	Along with what everyone else mentioned, you could also get a CPO to stay on the safe side. Added warranty + inspection done by an actual BMW dealer. Buying a BMW from other car dealers seem kind of risky.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-03-2019, 06:48 AM	#18
Darth One drunk poster 6613 Rep 3,649 Posts Drives: M4 GTS \| E46 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	lol, pulling to one side after a "minor" accident? Run away.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-03-2019, 07:16 AM	#19
RickFLM4 Brigadier General 10968 Rep 4,821 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: PB County, FL iTrader: (0)	Don’t rely on CarFax to identify all accidents or the severity of them. __________________ Current: 2018 SO/SS F83 ZCP Gone: 2015 SO/SO F82
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-03-2019, 10:41 AM	#21
henrylee Lieutenant 478 Rep 591 Posts Drives: 2018 F80 M3 6MT Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: SoCal OC iTrader: (3)	Anyone see this commercial before? I think it's very difficult to determine the amount of abuse in a car without having a serious inspection. __________________ 2018 F80 M3 6MT///Black Sapphire w/ Sakhir Orange Leather 2006 S2000 AP2 Laguna Blue Pearl 6MT
	Appreciate 2 jmg18663.00 RowanBuds1707.00 Quote