Hello everyone. First off, want to say that from browsing as a guest, it's nice to see a public forum that is as mature as this one.

Next I must say that I've never owned a BMW of any type but am currently looking for a nice 01+ model.

That being said I've found an M3 that has "minor rear-end" accident listed on the carfax report. Because there is much interpretation left to the description of "minor", I wanted to ask you all a question. On a lot of later model vehicles I know the VIN number is found on each and every body panel/door/trunk etc. Is this the case with the 01+ BMWs (M3's in particular)?

If any one has any decent advice on what to look for, or how to shop smart, I'd be all ears!

Thanks, and look to learn a lot from this bunch!

For starters, closely look at the maintenance done on the car and make sure the minimum scheduled maintenance has been done, preferably more.
Make sure the rod bearing recalls have been performed, if applicable for that year.
Make sure the tires, brake pads and all other normal wear and tear items are in good shape b/c things can get expensive quickly.
Is it 6mt or smg? For either, make sure you drive it several times to make sure it feels right.
Rear trailing arm bushings(rtab's) are usually replaced during the cars lifetime so you may want to see if they have been replaced. Factor in $ for any upcoming Inspections(I or II) b/c they are expensive, especially if the valve adjustment is performed.

There's a lot more to look at/confirm but I'm tired.

For starters, closely look at the maintenance done on the car and make sure the minimum scheduled maintenance has been done, preferably more.
Make sure the rod bearing recalls have been performed, if applicable for that year.
Make sure the tires, brake pads and all other normal wear and tear items are in good shape b/c things can get expensive quickly.
Is it 6mt or smg? For either, make sure you drive it several times to make sure it feels right.
Rear trailing arm bushings(rtab's) are usually replaced during the cars lifetime so you may want to see if they have been replaced. Factor in $ for any upcoming Inspections(I or II) b/c they are expensive, especially if the valve adjustment is performed.

There's a lot more to look at/confirm but I'm tired.


For the '01's...SMG was not an option. So, all will be manual tranny's.

M3Peat makes a very good point. To address those concerns, take the car to a well respected BMW dealer or quality independent BMW tech and pay them to perform an inspection. They should be able to help diagnose issues like those mentioned already.
If you suspect previous damage, I'd take it to a high end body shop, maybe even an authorized bmw body repair facility and have them look at the work performed and see if any other paint work has been performed. These guys all have paint meters and it will show very quickly what panels have been sprayed.
Doing this will at least provide some peace of mind that you've done all you can do to make the buying experience a pleasurable one.

Thanks for the help guys. I don't think I'll go SMG. Good suggestions on having it checked out too. Do you know if in fact the trunk has a VIN sticker on it from the factory? Thanks

Do you know if in fact the trunk has a VIN sticker on it from the factory? ThanksYes.

Do you know if in fact the trunk has a VIN sticker on it from the factory? Thanks
No VIN stickers on the body panels.

What a condundrum! :) Oh well, perhaps I shouldn't even consider one that's got any negatives on the carfax.

What a condundrum! :) Oh well, perhaps I shouldn't even consider one that's got any negatives on the carfax.
Carfax is a joke.
I have seen cars with clear carfax report on ebay. The ex-owner was in the forums. The car was totaled by his insurance (major damage, he had posted the pictures after the accident) and someone bought it and fixed it. He was selling it on ebay and carfax showed clear title.
Someone touched my bumper at a stop light. Called the cops and got an accident report. Only damage to my car is the impression of the license plate screw of the other car on my back bumper, can't even notice it from 10 ft. Now carfax shows minor rear end collusion.
So, look at the car and take it to a body shop who knows their business, they can tell you what damage was fixed on the car.

Agree - Carfax is worthless.

Personally, I would avoid cars with any body damage.

"Fender bender" has a habit of actually being "Near total loss" in reality.

Pay for a clean car, up front, or pay to fix a rough car, down the road.

Additionally, have a good indy BMW shop perform a PPI... the $150 it will cost can save you from making a $30,000 mistake.

OK, newb question. What's an indy BMW shop and what's a PPI? Agreed, $150 would be money well spent to check out one of these cars.

I agree with earlier comments too. If buying from an individual, I would feel more comfortable validating the history of a car. Unfortunately, many car dealers have the cars and we all know that their ability to put food on their table sometimes has an affect on their ability to tell a prospective buyer the whole truth, and that's assuming they even know. :( Buying from an enthusiast would be my preferred method.

Indy = independant.

PPI = Pre-Purchase Inspection.

Dont waste your time having a delaership do it... they'll tell you the wipers need replacing (true story). Take it to a shop named something closer to 'Bavarian Motorsports' and they'll tell whats really going on with the car.

Thanks for the help. I'll certainly be on the look out for a good shop when I purchase the car.

BTW, for some reason this is one of the only cars that I actually like in "red" Diggin' the dish on those rims too.

Thanks!