Inspection findings-are these serious issues?

Rob78 · 07-13-2012, 04:37 PM

So I took the plunge after waiting for the right car (I thought!) and ordered an inspection on a 2007 E92 M3 this week. The car has 33000 verified miles on the clock. The mechanic reported the following main issues:

A leak from the dif
Power stearing fluid leak
Oil leak from the engine sump
Tyres need replacing

The car also has no history documented in the service book, although it has a full service history recorded with BMW including the running in service!? Who doesn't get stamps!? The inspection guy referred to the car as 'straight' but that these aren't expected problems on a high calibre vehicle.

The car is still under extended warranty at BMW. I'm waiting to hear back from the garage about what they are willing to act on. My questions...should I walk away? Will the BMW warranty cover the serious issues and how common are they? I'd really appreciate any advice or comments, thanks in advance.

THE TECH · 07-13-2012, 04:41 PM

Most things seem minor.

Rob78 · 07-13-2012, 04:50 PM

Thanks man, I was hoping so. Hopefully will be covered by warranty (the garage trading didn't even know it was still under one).

THE TECH · 07-13-2012, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob78

Thanks man, I was hoping so. Hopefully will be covered by warranty (the garage trading didn't even know it was still under one).

Extended?

Rob78 · 07-13-2012, 05:01 PM

Yes indeed, extended until October of this year. I get an email of the full inspection report tomorrow if that's something you'd be generous enough to cast your expertly eye over.

THE TECH · 07-13-2012, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob78

Yes indeed, extended until October of this year. I get an email of the full inspection report tomorrow if that's something you'd be generous enough to cast your expertly eye over.

Good. You should be taken care of then.

Rob78 · 07-13-2012, 05:12 PM

Sure hope so, I need that v8 in my life! Thanks for the reassurances.

DJDeez · 07-13-2012, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob78

My questions...should I walk away? Will the BMW warranty cover the serious issues and how common are they?

One has to wonder why this vehicle has problems from front to back in regards to fluid leaks. Was the mechanic able to confirm it's simply a matter of changing gaskets, seals, and/or pipes? I would proceed with caution, personally I would not purchase the vehicle unless all items (other than the tires) are repaired.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob78

I get an email of the full inspection report tomorrow if that's something you'd be generous enough to cast your expertly eye over.

Please scan the report and post a copy, I'm genuinely curious myself

Rob78 · 07-13-2012, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJDeez

One has to wonder why this vehicle has problems from front to back in regards to fluid leaks. Was the mechanic able to confirm it's simply a matter of changing gaskets, seals, and/or pipes? I would proceed with caution, personally I would not purchase the vehicle unless all items (other than the tires) are repaired.

Nothing confirmed regarding exact causes of the problems, would this be caused be a car being regularly tracked? I will only proceed with everything rectified, the car was advertised as 'Immaculate'...damn dealer speak!

Please scan the report and post a copy, I'm genuinely curious myself

I will indeed scan and post tomorrow/Sunday...what I can't recreate are the grave tones of the dramatic RAC specialist, who incidentally was very thorough.

M3PO · 07-13-2012, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob78

So I took the plunge after waiting for the right car (I thought!) and ordered an inspection on a 2007 E92 M3 this week. The car has 33000 verified miles on the clock. The mechanic reported the following main issues:

A leak from the dif
Power stearing fluid leak
Oil leak from the engine sump
Tyres need replacing

The leak from the diff is very common. The power steering leak should be easy to fix as well unless it is leaking from the pump or the rack. The oil leak is most likely minor as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJDeez

One has to wonder why this vehicle has problems from front to back in regards to fluid leaks. Was the mechanic able to confirm it's simply a matter of changing gaskets, seals, and/or pipes? I would proceed with caution, personally I would not purchase the vehicle unless all items (other than the tires) are repaired.

BMWs are leaky in general. I wouldn't be surprised if a significant number of members had the same leaks and just haven't realized it yet because it hasn't dripped yet.

M3 Montreal · 07-13-2012, 06:29 PM

Lol... I NEVER bring in my books for stamps!

It's BMW's job to keep my service history up to date at least during warranty period.

calintexas · 07-13-2012, 07:25 PM

Look at several pages of posts on this board. There are no widespread issues, but there are a number of low incidence problems. A regular 6 speed manual transmission is a plus for less long term risk. The cars are very complex, and the twin clutch automated manual transmission is fairly new technology. Any failures that the car does have will likely be expensive. You should consider buying an extended warranty if you can.

///M Rakete · 07-13-2012, 07:49 PM

+1 to what every else said.

Stamps?

Not over here. Maybe once on my Porsche? Way back in...

CBS · 07-13-2012, 08:37 PM

Yeah, no stampes here and when I asked for them, the SA looked at me like I had two heads! All the service ever done is in the BMW computer.

I too look forward in seeing your full inspection report. Perhaps you can explain the "grave tones" you mentioned so we fully unerstand the meaning.

rye m3 · 07-14-2012, 07:01 PM

I would note a bit of caution from the advice of my US brethren. The warranties in the US and Europe are very different. The European warranties are MUCH shorter.
Also note that extended warranties sometime do NOT cover seals or leaks. They only cover major repairs like water pumps, transmissions, etc. Check the "warranty" coverage before you buy. If this is a dealer selling the car, make the leak repairs conditional before you buy. If this is private party be SURE the warranty transfers to you.

jphughan · 07-14-2012, 08:22 PM

I don't keep stamps either. I do keep the work summary printouts though in case I ever want to sell privately so I can prove that I maintained it above BMW's standards (using an indy mechanic), and I keep a log of all maintenance and repairs on an amazing iPhone app called Car Minder Plus. Worthwhile $3 IMHO, makes it easy to check service history and be reminded of upcoming service if you want to take better care of your car than BMW will pay for.

DJDeez · 07-15-2012, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m3alabama

What the hell are stamps?

Along with the owner's manual, you receive several other guides including a service and warranty guide booklet. Near the start of the booklet, you will find a section labeled Evidence of maintenance work. In that section, there are several pages with tick boxes stating work completed, distance (odometer) reading, and a space for date/stamp/signature.

Rich_Jenkins · 07-15-2012, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jphughan

I don't keep stamps either. I do keep the work summary printouts though in case I ever want to sell privately so I can prove that I maintained it above BMW's standards (using an indy mechanic), and I keep a log of all maintenance and repairs on an amazing iPhone app called Car Minder Plus. Worthwhile $3 IMHO, makes it easy to check service history and be reminded of upcoming service if you want to take better care of your car than BMW will pay for.

I have this app, but I only use it for the gas mileage log, honestly.

Rich_Jenkins · 07-15-2012, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rye m3

If this is a dealer selling the car, make the leak repairs conditional before you buy. If this is private party be SURE the warranty transfers to you.

Good call.

chuckvic · 07-15-2012, 12:17 PM

I must be an elder owner. I always get my books stamped so if someone wants additional assurance that work has been done and BMW dealer not around. I always keep all recepits also.

chuck

drvai · 07-15-2012, 02:13 PM

They dont use stamps.

When I asked for them (just in case), they told me they didn't even have them.

Rob78 · 07-16-2012, 04:10 AM

Thank you! For the changes and the help, you'rw a gent.

07-13-2012, 04:37 PM	#1
Rob78 New Member 1 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Manchester UK iTrader: (0)	Inspection findings-are these serious issues? So I took the plunge after waiting for the right car (I thought!) and ordered an inspection on a 2007 E92 M3 this week. The car has 33000 verified miles on the clock. The mechanic reported the following main issues: A leak from the dif Power stearing fluid leak Oil leak from the engine sump Tyres need replacing The car also has no history documented in the service book, although it has a full service history recorded with BMW including the running in service!? Who doesn't get stamps!? The inspection guy referred to the car as 'straight' but that these aren't expected problems on a high calibre vehicle. The car is still under extended warranty at BMW. I'm waiting to hear back from the garage about what they are willing to act on. My questions...should I walk away? Will the BMW warranty cover the serious issues and how common are they? I'd really appreciate any advice or comments, thanks in advance.
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07-13-2012, 04:41 PM	#2
THE TECH BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 307 Rep 13,093 Posts Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Kansas iTrader: (45) Garage List 2013 Nissan GTR [0.00] 2019 Sierra Denali ... [0.00] 1999 Nissan Silvia [0.00] 1999 Nissan Skyline ... [0.00] 1998 Toyota Supra [0.00]	Most things seem minor.
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07-13-2012, 04:50 PM	#3
Rob78 New Member 1 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Manchester UK iTrader: (0)	Thanks man, I was hoping so. Hopefully will be covered by warranty (the garage trading didn't even know it was still under one).
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07-13-2012, 05:01 PM	#5
Rob78 New Member 1 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Manchester UK iTrader: (0)	Yes indeed, extended until October of this year. I get an email of the full inspection report tomorrow if that's something you'd be generous enough to cast your expertly eye over.
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07-13-2012, 05:12 PM	#7
Rob78 New Member 1 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Manchester UK iTrader: (0)	Sure hope so, I need that v8 in my life! Thanks for the reassurances.
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07-13-2012, 06:29 PM	#11
M3 Montreal Colonel 68 Rep 2,194 Posts Drives: 2012 M3 SG ,DCT & 2011 S4 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Montreal , Canada iTrader: (0)	Lol... I NEVER bring in my books for stamps! It's BMW's job to keep my service history up to date at least during warranty period. __________________ 2012 E92-M3 Space Grey on Fox Red, DCT 2011 B8 S4 S-Tronic , Black on magma red
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07-13-2012, 07:25 PM	#12
calintexas Lieutenant Colonel 151 Rep 1,599 Posts Drives: 2019 X3 M40i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: North Texas iTrader: (1)	Look at several pages of posts on this board. There are no widespread issues, but there are a number of low incidence problems. A regular 6 speed manual transmission is a plus for less long term risk. The cars are very complex, and the twin clutch automated manual transmission is fairly new technology. Any failures that the car does have will likely be expensive. You should consider buying an extended warranty if you can. __________________
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07-13-2012, 07:49 PM	#13
///M Rakete Rocket Scientist 33 Rep 948 Posts Drives: BMW 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Utah iTrader: (4)	+1 to what every else said. Stamps? Not over here. Maybe once on my Porsche? Way back in... __________________ 2015 BMW M5 Sedan Returned to BMW at end of lease.
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07-13-2012, 08:37 PM	#14
CBS Major 87 Rep 1,253 Posts Drives: F10535, E90M3, E30M3, E28M5 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 Alpina B6 GC [0.00] 2014 535xi M Sport [0.00] 2014 X3 3.5 M Sport [0.00] 2011 M3 E90 [9.74] 2007 Z4 M Coupe [7.00] 1990 M3 [9.50] 1988 M5 [10.00]	Yeah, no stampes here and when I asked for them, the SA looked at me like I had two heads! All the service ever done is in the BMW computer. I too look forward in seeing your full inspection report. Perhaps you can explain the "grave tones" you mentioned so we fully unerstand the meaning. __________________ ESS VT-1 550 \| M24 Oil Cooler \| Fall Line Half Cage \| RaceTech 4009W \| 6 pt Harness \| Lifeline Zero 360 Fire Suppression \| Rear Seat Delete \| Motion Control DA Dampers w/remote reservoirs \| 900/650 Hyperco Springs \| RD Sport Sway Bars \| Brembo 380 BBK \| GC Camber Plates \| Hoosier R7 \| Eisenmann Sport \| Stack Gauges \| Painted Challenge Front Lip \| Painted ZCP Rear Spoiler \| Xpel Ultimate Film \| LuxAngelEyes
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07-14-2012, 07:01 PM	#15
rye m3 Lieutenant 33 Rep 489 Posts Drives: 2011.75 E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: New York iTrader: (2)	I would note a bit of caution from the advice of my US brethren. The warranties in the US and Europe are very different. The European warranties are MUCH shorter. Also note that extended warranties sometime do NOT cover seals or leaks. They only cover major repairs like water pumps, transmissions, etc. Check the "warranty" coverage before you buy. If this is a dealer selling the car, make the leak repairs conditional before you buy. If this is private party be SURE the warranty transfers to you. __________________ E92 M3 MR on Red/Black ZCP Sound Carbon 2007 997S - sold 2003 E46 M3 Steel Grey on Red- sold 1997 E36 M3 Arctic Silver on Black- sold
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07-14-2012, 08:22 PM	#16
jphughan Brigadier General 594 Rep 4,488 Posts Drives: '16 Cayman GT4 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	I don't keep stamps either. I do keep the work summary printouts though in case I ever want to sell privately so I can prove that I maintained it above BMW's standards (using an indy mechanic), and I keep a log of all maintenance and repairs on an amazing iPhone app called Car Minder Plus. Worthwhile $3 IMHO, makes it easy to check service history and be reminded of upcoming service if you want to take better care of your car than BMW will pay for. __________________ '16 Cayman GT4 (delivery pics, comparison to E92 M3 write-up) Gone but not forgotten: '11.75 M3 E92 Le Mans \| Black Nov w/ Alum \| 6MT (owned 5/2011 - 11/2015)
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07-15-2012, 12:17 PM	#20
chuckvic Private First Class 22 Rep 153 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 DCT Coupe Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: el paso iTrader: (0)	I must be an elder owner. I always get my books stamped so if someone wants additional assurance that work has been done and BMW dealer not around. I always keep all recepits also. chuck
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07-15-2012, 02:13 PM	#21
drvai Major 138 Rep 1,274 Posts Drives: E92 M3 AW Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	They dont use stamps. When I asked for them (just in case), they told me they didn't even have them.
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07-16-2012, 04:10 AM	#22
Rob78 New Member 1 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Manchester UK iTrader: (0)	Thank you! For the changes and the help, you'rw a gent.
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