OK ....so here's the deal!

[lilbimmer]

Is it too good to be true?!

Found another 330ci listed on yahoo via autotrader.com. This is a custom 2001 with some goodies for $21,400 - a lil low if you ask me [unsure].

Here is the run down:
-second owner
-carfax showed it was in an accident before. he was straight up about it and said it was the previous owner and it was nothing significant and the damage was on the front bumper.
-changed the wood trim for the brushed alum - still has the wood trim and is inc. in the purchase price if buyer wants it.
-installed M3 seats ($8k) and steerring wheel
-19" rims + 2 spare, 235/30/19 front, 265/35/19 rear - still has the original 17" wheels - incl. in the price if buyer wishes.
-sport bumper and side moldings and tail
-original paint

THINGS TO NOTE:

-the car would need power steering pump, which he would fix before purchase, but mechanic said to wait for some "service light"?? Else -would deduct from price.
-when replaced the seats, passenger windows do not auto up/dn, but work otherwise.
-Water pump needs changing, which will be done prior to purchase.
-Has been doing the "small" maintenence himself, except for the inspection 1.
-It seems like he knows a bit about the bimmer/cars in general and has access to "other car ppl".

-BOTTOM LINE: Is this too good to be true (PS - he has an M3 now). I will test drive this weekend and give an update. Take a look at the link:

http://used-cars.autos.yahoo.com/usedcars/detail/index.html?cid=automobiles-191405527&dst=31.36&rsr=bWFrZT1CTVcmbW9kZWw9MzMwQ0kmY2xfeT0yMDAwJmNoX3k9MjAwMyZjbF9wcmljZT0mY2hfcHJpY2U9MjUwMDAmY2xfbWk9JmNoX21pPSZjaz0mZ3VyPTUwJmNzej0yMDc4MSZ2dHlwZT1hdXRvcyZtaz1CTVcmbW89MzMwQ2k-

 

[lilbimmer]

I test drove the car over the weekend and it was just as I saw in the pictures. It was a pretty smooth ride even with 30&35 profile tires - but we were in Virginia with nice roads - I live closer to DC! He did not have the cold weather package, but the brown M3 seats can make you forget about that - until it gets really cold .

I was looking for manual, but this car is so nice that it did not matter. I do have one question though - in steptronic mode, when it gears down automatically, it did not go all the way to 1! Is this normal for the bimmer? Is it an economy thing/or helps to take off a bit smoother. I would have to manually put it in 1st gear -which is no biggie. The guy is pretty cool and willing to work with me (or any buyer). The miles are kind of high (69000), but he does have an extended warranty that he will transfer (100k). I am hoping to complete this transaction by the weekend or early next week - wish me luck!

Oh! I was not too impressed by the sound (he has the HK upgrade), but the sub in the trunk vibrates even when the bass is at half - is this normal for HK systems? Give me your feedback! Thanks!

 

[Dutch]

My HK subs NEVER vibrate in the sense that it makes nasty side vibrations or transfers vibrations to the car. You only hear the bass. Sorry.

 

[Dutch]

Oh and yes I was not that impressed by the HK upgrade either (the first time I heard it). Though, if you listen to it for a while (with a couple of nice CD's) you'll notice it's pretty nice.
Not the best in the world; but what can you expect for a couple of hundred bucks.

Dutch