Should I be worried?

lilbimmer

lilbimmer

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Should I be worried? - New Pics of my ride!!

I am half-way to purchasing a 330ci (picture to the left). The owner let me drive it over the weekend, but I ran into an issue. It was fine the night I got it, but the next day I saw steam coming from the hood. Checked it out and it turned out to be the antifreeze leaking. the small screw/cover just in back of the coolant resevoir was broken off and that is where the leak/steam was coming from. The owner had just gotten the thermostat replaced and figured the part was damaged during the service. We managed to *patch* it up temporarily and returned it to the service place (the same place that did the pre-purchase inspection).

Is this something I should be worried about along with having to replace the thermostat in the first place? The owner said thermostats usually *go* on BMWs. I also noticed the A/C temp was not working properly after this problem started. Is this connected with the thermostat/coolant leaking issue? Someone give me peace-of-mind before I throw thousands of dollars into a car with possible headaches.
 
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selavia

selavia

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I can only speak for myself, but I would not buy a car that had a cooling issue like that.
That being said, I DO NOT think it is a big problem. Thermostats tend to get stuck (mine is stuck open currently), and warrant replacement, but it sounds to me like the repair on the thermostat was not done up to par. Which would make me second guess how well the car was taken care of.

And, I would never buy a used car that had any sort of engine leak. Even if it was something simple like a valve cover.

And I'm sure you're spending a good chunk of change on it.

I'd bite my lip and wait for the next good deal; but then again this is only my opinion.

Good Luck,

Sean
 
K

Kenny2g

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I don't think this is a BIG problem. It's just a Theromstat.......U could use this to get the price considerably down. I've had car's that has had Therostat problem in the past. As a matter of fact, i owened an E36 325I that had this issue. It wasn't a big deal.

I currently owe an 01 330CI and i love it. Never had a single problem with it. But the fact is that if someone gave u there 330CI to drive over the weekend, THEN HE MUST HAVE GREAT CONFIDENCE THAT THE CAR IS PERFECT. I would Buy from that person.
Don't let a minor issue like that cost you this DREAM car. Personally, 330CI's are just hard to come by for cheaper.

my 2cents buddy....
 
Kirby

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If the air in the system was not bled out properly, the heat may not work well. But that should have no effect on the A/C. If the thermostat was changed by the BMW dealer, it should have been bled correctly. If it was an independent shop not familiar with BMWs, tbe chances are that it was not purged of air completely.
 
lilbimmer

lilbimmer

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Thanks for both perspectives. I think the owner is not trying to sell me any problems and it surprised him as much as it did me. The same ppl who replaced the thermostat are the same ppl that did the pre-purchase inspection - which turned out fine except for some belts that were also changed when the thermostat was changed. The owner has been doing what he can to make sure the car is in very good working condition before releasing it to me. Plus he has a 100k warranty ($100 ded) that he will transfer to me. I will let you guys know how it goes.
 
lilbimmer

lilbimmer

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Kirby said:
If the air in the system was not bled out properly, the heat may not work well. But that should have no effect on the A/C. If the thermostat was changed by the BMW dealer, it should have been bled correctly. If it was an independent shop not familiar with BMWs, tbe chances are that it was not purged of air completely.
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The problem was solved! It was what you had mentioned kirby - they had to bleed the air out of the system. the only thing that is bothering me is that they did not replace the part with the missing cap/screw (that kept the pressure/steam in). The owner had put some epoxy in it for a temp fix and they told him that it was fine the way it was [confused]. Anyway the owner found the part in his garage after the fact and will give it to me when I get the car.

I am just curious that some of the things that needed changing (belts, thermostat, the broken pressure screw thing etc.) the owner conveniently had. Maybe he knew these things had to eventually change? He did say he buys *extra* in anticipation. Oh well!
 
lilbimmer

lilbimmer

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330i and like it said:
There are alot of bimmers out there, I would give that one back and find another one without coolant issues. It might be a small issue now but who knows once a mechanic starts to work on it.
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thanks for your opinion. i would rather know what the issue is on this car than find out something later on another car. Also, I know this guys address and he knows a bit about cars too. He also has an extended warranty upto 100k that he is going to transfer over to me.

having said that I am now the proud owner of this car. the reason i liked it was the M3 cinnamon seats and M3 looking front bumper (not to mention the wide tires). so its sort of unique since not many 330ci's have this exact setup (at least i dont think so - i could be wrong). i hope that if i do have any problems that between the former owner and you guys - i will pull through just fine!
 
lilbimmer

lilbimmer

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selavia said:
What part of MD are you in?

That building in the background looks very familiar and it's driving me nuts.

Sean
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I am actually in Upper Marlboro. those pictures were taken by the previous owner and he lives in Chantilly, VA. I suppose those pix were somewhere near his home.

squarehat - the seats are M3 seats and were swapped with the originals!
 
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