Can someone look at a car for me?

[justinmj]

Hello!

I've been searching for a 135i convertible as a fun second/weekend car for my wife and I (we have a '14 328i M-Sport wagon currently). I finally found the one that has all the options and specs I want, and it's a CPO car at Weatherford in Berkeley. I've reserved it, price is locked in, and the deal is going forward, so it's pretty much a done deal.

However, I'm in the LA area (Glendale), and the car is up there. My wife is home with our new baby and I'm on the East Coast on business for two weeks. Sooooo...this means I'll probably have to just buy the car sight unseen and have them ship it down.

Is it at all possible for someone in the bay area who KNOWS 1-series cars to do me the kind favor of looking at/driving the car? There are three pending issues I'm concerned about:

1) Smoke smell: the previous owner was a smoker, so the sales guy I'm dealing with is trying to get that detailed out this weekend. I'd like a non-smoker to go give this car the "nose test"

2) It's in very good CPO shape as they usually are, but there are "a few rock chips" on the front, and I can't seem to get a good photo of it. So, I'd like that looked at.

3) I'd like it driven by someone who knows 1-series to make sure it feels right (DCT shifting, power, alignment, etc).

Anyone have an hour that they could do this for me in the next couple of days? I'd be happy to PayPal you a token fee as well, if you like.

Thanks much,
Justin

[pepper135I]

I moved to the Bay Area recently from San Diego.. Wetherford is 15 mins away from me. I've had 3 n54s and 2 of them being 135s. I have no problem stopping by and checking out the interior/exterior for smells, defects, rock chips.. As far as test drive goes idk if they will let me take it off the lot since I am 22 and all my test drives have been through BMW of SD (friend is rep). But deff can start her up listen for any wastegate rattle or long starts as well as condition of panels/paint. Just let me know . No tip or money needed that's why we are all here! Just a beer when I'm back down south =P

[justinmj]

Wow, fantastic! Thank you, pepper135I. Sending you a PM.

[dtla1]

Just curious, what is the long start indicative of? I think mine takes a couple turns to start but then again, they haven't said anything about it when i take it in for service...?

[KA SHING]

Originally Posted by dtla1

Just curious, what is the long start indicative of? I think mine takes a couple turns to start but then again, they haven't said anything about it when i take it in for service...?

Mayb the HPFP is going bad already.

[dtla1]

Hmm, is this still a widespread issue with the N55? my 1 is a 2011. What other hints of the hpfp going out might I see?

[pepper135I]

Originally Posted by dtla1

Just curious, what is the long start indicative of? I think mine takes a couple turns to start but then again, they haven't said anything about it when i take it in for service...?

Fuel pump.. But thy won't do much until it fails/replicates multiple times. Just try not to run the car under a quarter tank of gas. Not only is it nt good cause of debris left at the bottom of the tank, but our pumps are weak to begin with and I heard they over heat quickly.. More gas in the tank= more liquid cooling the pump as well. Long crank may also be faulty coilpacks/spark plugs/ injectors. Really just have to diagnose and eliminate as you go