|
|
|
10-16-2017, 03:34 PM | #1 |
New Member
3
Rep 7
Posts |
Help Purchasing & Advice!
Hey everyone!
Long time reader and 1st time poster. I’m 32 and I currently drive an MK7 GTI. I was in the market for a new Mustang gt, camaro ss, or even focus rs. My driving style is the mountains between Saratoga and Bennington. I would also like to start tracking at New York Safety track and Limerock. When the 1 series came out in 08 I wanted one then and I want one now…. Well after a few months, I found this- http://www.spanosmotors.com/2011-BMW...ach-FL/6305248 I am familiar with the common issues and I kind-of know what I’m doing..or at least I’m not afraid to tackle the issues that come when owning one of these. However, I am very hesitant on the purchase due to a few things. I’m a little OCD (only with cars, lol). 1. Purchasing sight unseen really turns me off including all the logistical challenges purchasing and getting the car back here in NY. 2. Shipping in a none in-closed tailor kind of puts me off ($700) 3. Mechanical condition- clutch, lines, rubber components/bushings, and overall running condition. (Of course the sales rep says everything is perfect). 4. Rust (its from Daytona Beach and Miami). Should I be worried? I called and asked a few questions, the sales rep was really nice and patient…he said he can do a video of anything I want, driving, startup and even underside pictures. From the pictures do the body gaps line up? The front end looks little off on the left side, no? (see, my ocd). I guess I’m looking for guidance, suggesting’s, past experience so I can pursue and purchase this in an intelligent, precise and correct manner.. I hope to be part of the community and I appreciate everyone’s help. Thanks everyone! |
10-16-2017, 04:48 PM | #2 |
Malcontent
188
Rep 305
Posts |
I bought my 128i back in July from what must be more or less your backyard (private sale in VT). Prior to finding that car, I was considering long-distance buying, having talked to a couple dealers in FL and TX (looking for a rust-free Southern car).
My planned approach was pretty simple: do your due diligence from home (photos, discussions, CarFax), then buy a cheap round-trip ticket and go look at it. If it's right, drive it home; if it's not, you get a short vacation and then fly back home. It's a bit of a gamble, and potentially inconvenient depending on your commitments, but it's the only way to know before you lay your money down. |
Appreciate
0
|
10-16-2017, 05:22 PM | #3 |
New Member
3
Rep 7
Posts |
Thanks for the quick replay!
Traveling is out of the question for me, that's why i've been "back-n-fourth" on this purchase. I have a 15 month old and need to save my sick days as much as possible. Also, that idea wouldn't go over well with my wife... I called 2 local BMW dealers for a PPI- noone seems to be doing them anymore. |
Appreciate
0
|
10-16-2017, 07:38 PM | #4 |
Malcontent
188
Rep 305
Posts |
Lack of travel options is an issue, but you can always ask here for someone local to a car to go check it out and report. If you're not already a member, join BMWCCA and check in with them for local indy recommendations for your PPI. FWIW, I found my 128i through the CCA classifieds.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-16-2017, 07:47 PM | #5 |
Colonel
850
Rep 2,276
Posts |
Have to strongly agree with 02pilot above. I'm a CCA member too. But, I've also learned to ask the right questions. Try to buy privately not from a dealer.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-17-2017, 07:09 AM | #6 |
Private
20
Rep 88
Posts |
Would you like to drive mine? I live in Troy, which is right between Saratoga and Bennington, as you likely know.
I have a 2009 128i, 6MT, M-Sport suspension (upgraded with Bilstein B8's). Back on track: I bought mine sight-unseen from Florida a few months ago. I was OK with that because the seller was very honest, had records, and I saw no reason to not trust him (this is my 17th car, so you get a feeling). My advice is to first find out if they're willing to send it out for inspection. Next, find a highly rated Indy garage on Yelp in that area. Have them do a Pre-Purchase Inspection, and tell them specifically what you want to know about the car other than general mechanical condition. The next and just as important aspect is shipping. A bad shipped will ruin the whole experience, and maybe even the car. I can lead you in the right direction with a referral; the guys I used were awesome ($680 from FL to NY). Last edited by TheBigChill; 10-17-2017 at 07:31 AM.. |
Appreciate
0
|
10-17-2017, 05:30 PM | #7 | |
New Member
3
Rep 7
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-17-2017, 09:22 PM | #8 |
E82 Mudflap Ambassador
2214
Rep 2,219
Posts
Drives: '08 128i
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Orlando, FL
|
Lol I've been to Spanos. They had a cool inventory but that 128i might be one of the cheapest things on the lot by a decent margin, and subsequently they might not care about it.
I looked a 330i they had - it was pretty trashed. They told me they'd fix it up and give me a call - never got that call and the car was on their site for like another couple months. Figured they'd just want to sell it as-is rather than investing money to fix much. If you REALLY are interested, and the timing is right I may be able to check it out for you. Edit: I'll be VERY jealous if this ends up being clean and you get it.... manual M-sport sunroof delete with xenons............................................ .............
__________________
My 2008 128i - Sparkling Graphite/Beige - Sport pkg - 6MT - Click me!
Parents' 2014 528i - Mineral White/Ivory White - fully loaded Instagram @Andreys_128i and @Honda.Bito Last edited by desertman123; 10-17-2017 at 09:32 PM.. |
Appreciate
0
|
10-18-2017, 09:37 AM | #9 | |
Lieutenant
278
Rep 400
Posts |
Quote:
Car looks nice, it’s priced competitively for what it has. Last year I spent $17k after taxes for mine with sport package bare bones. It was worth it to me. Hell even got dinged for being a slick top on the value. In white with red it’s interesting but that slick top is wonderful.great drivers car. I would spend the cash to go look at it personally.
__________________
128i Msport, 1M3=1M clone +S65= N55 swapped former 128 slicktop, former 128 slicktop with N54T swap
Last edited by gixracer; 10-23-2017 at 09:26 AM.. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-25-2017, 04:56 PM | #11 |
New Member
2
Rep 5
Posts |
I'm buying that car tomorrow, It has the Valve cover gasket leak, but they agreed to fix it. I'll post pictures and show more details tomorrow evening.
|
Appreciate
1
desertman1232213.50 |
10-26-2017, 09:48 AM | #12 | |
E82 Mudflap Ambassador
2214
Rep 2,219
Posts
Drives: '08 128i
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Orlando, FL
|
Quote:
I know Celthire personally so expect a photoshoot involving 2 of the most rare-spec'd 128s out there!
__________________
My 2008 128i - Sparkling Graphite/Beige - Sport pkg - 6MT - Click me!
Parents' 2014 528i - Mineral White/Ivory White - fully loaded Instagram @Andreys_128i and @Honda.Bito |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-26-2017, 01:20 PM | #13 |
Private
17
Rep 61
Posts |
That is a great spec for sure. I also have a 2011 128i M-Sport with the 6 speed and sunroof delete. Talk about finding a needle in a haystack...
My car was also originally purchased in Florida and due to the high heat there is a small bubble that formed on my dashboard. Perhaps one of you can confirm this for me, but wouldn't those xenons have to be added by one of the previous owners of the car? I thought that in 2011 if you chose to not have a sunroof you also got halogen headlights by default since the sunroof and xenons were sold as a package together. That is the only option I wish my car had. Very jealous of whoever got to pick this car up!
__________________
'11 128i M-Sport - 6 Speed - Slicktop
'17 330i xDrive M-Sport Wagon '91 Nissan Figaro |
Appreciate
0
|
10-26-2017, 03:12 PM | #14 | |
Слава Украине!
2317
Rep 2,441
Posts |
Quote:
ZLP Lighting Package, $900 522 Xenon headlights 524 Adaptive light control ZLP required ZPP Premium Package, $3600 319 Universal garage-door opener 322 Comfort Access keyless entry 403 Moonroof 430 Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors 431 Auto-dimming rearview mirror 459 Power front seats with driver seat memory 488 Lumbar support 4NA Interior mirror with compass 563 Ambiance lighting 655 Satellite radio with 1 year subscription LW Boston Leather or LWNL Black Boston Only one item of which I wanted in addition to the lights; I purchased leather seating separately.
__________________
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-03-2017, 01:49 PM | #15 |
Private
20
Rep 88
Posts |
Sorry this one sold on you. If you do decide you want to take a look at mine, here's the build data. Additions include OEM black kidney grill, Xenons & clear corners, Bilstein B8's on M-Sport springs, 17x8 square mesh wheels with 225/45/17 Cooper Zeon RS3-S, and an AFE intake. Best of luck whichever way you go!
S1CAA Selection of COP relevant vehicles S249A Multifunction f steering wheel S255A Sports leather steering wheel S2SLA BMW LA wheel, star spoke 262 S2VBA Tire pressure display S321A Exterior parts in vehicle color S3APA Windshield with grey wedge S403A Glass roof, electrical S473A Armrest front S481A Sports seat S494A Seat heating driver/passenger S4ATA Interior trim finishers black high-gloss S520A Fog lights S521A Rain sensor S534A Automatic air conditioning S540A Cruise control S570A Reinforced power supply S5GAA Preparation alarm system S645A BMW US Radio S663A Radio BMW Professional S676A HiFi speaker system S693A Preparation BMW satellite radio S697A Area-Code 1 for DVD S6FLA USB/Audio interface S704A M Sports suspension S760A High gloss shadow line S823A Hot-climate version S840A High speed synchronisation S845A Acoustic belt warning S850A Dummy-SALAPA S853A Language version English S876A Radio frequency 315 MHz S8SCA Telematics access request,country-spec. S8SPA Control unit COP S925A Dummy-SALAPA Last edited by TheBigChill; 11-03-2017 at 01:58 PM.. |
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|