Quote:
Originally Posted by Goody4
I'm interested in this odd bird, and have some questions before I check it out in person. Looking at the pictures in the link will help answer some of these.
http://www.luxurycars.com/detail.asp...PrefID=0&.aspx
1.) Was there ever a way to get a wooden shifter, yet have aluminum trim in the rest of the car? I'm trying to determine if the previous owner did this himself, and I doubt the salesman will know.
2.) In one of pictures, what is the thing just under the center console and in front of the Aux jack? It looks like a superball to me, but I'm wondering again if something was attached here aftermarket.
3.) Is the interior mirror auto-dimming? I'm guessing this is a premium package only item, but maybe it was standard in 2010.
4.) Is there any visible way to discern if the car is equipped with the sports package? (Or, maybe there wasn't one available.)
5.) Is Bluetooth in this car? Is satellite radio in this car?
6.) Assuming this isn't a rebuilt title, is the factory warranty still good?
7.) How concerned should I be that this car isn't on a BMW dealer lot? Kind of referring to previous accidents in this regard.
8.) Was there any ever problems 128i owners had in large numbers that I should look for? (As a 335i owner, I would tell potential buyers to ask about the High Pressure Fuel Pump, and if it's been replaced and how many times has it been replaced.)
I call this 128i strange simply because of the way it's optioned:
--manual, unheated, leatherette seats
--navigation
--halogen headlights
--10(?) gigs of mp3 hard drive paired to a stock stereo.
--Limited slip differential? Ain't no way, right?
I've noticed the winter rims and tires, too. But, that doesn't bother me.
If there's anything else you notice (except that I may be a little slow on the uptake), please point it out. Anything is helpful. |
1. No wooden shifter was offered but they are easy to change.
2. Not sure what you mean. There is a bracket for a cup holder to the right of the shifter.
3. The mirrors are not auto dimming without premium package
4. Yes the car has the sport package because it has sport seats with the larger side bolsters
5. If there is an SOS button in the sunroof control area then the car has BMW assist with Bluetooth. These came together as a package or part of the premium package.
6. I would double-check the VIN with a BMW dealer to be sure.
7. The price is a bit low so I would definitely check with the dealer and run other checks to make sure it is not salvage. If all checks out, the car will be under warranty for another 8,000 miles or so.
8. The 128i doesn't have many problems. If there is loud ticking at idle when the engine is cold, the lifters may need replacing. There were also a couple of recalls regarding seat belts and battery cable. The third brake light also tends to break which a dealer will fix for free.
The leatherette seats without heaters will be VERY cold in winter. Overall, the car is quite a bit misrepresented - there is no leather, no LSD, unlikely Bluetooth, unlikely alarm. I would be careful with this one.