Hello,

I'm new to this forum but hope to spend more time here soon.

I'm looking at an awesome black 06 330i that has 23000 miles, sport pacakage, premium package, and iDrive.

It's a fantastic drive and everything on it is in like-new condition.

But... I contacted the previous owner (leasee) who turned it in and he has given me some reservations on buying the car. He obviously didn't like the car. He had it in the shop several times it seems. His big problem was that he could let it sit for a few days (like at the airport) and when he went to get back in it the car would not start. Even the door locks would not work. He took it to the local BMW service center several times and they never could find the problem. They put it through several tests and nothing.

So, I was wondering if anyone here has seen similar issues? Is this enough to keep me from buying the car?? Just sort of gives me an uneasy feeling.

Also, I understand the warranty runs through 50,000 miles or 4 years? And would that cover everything? I planned on researching the warranty today so I'm just asking for some early feedback on this.

Thanks,

Scott

Unfortunately, this is kind of common with newer BMW's. There is a large draw on the battery even when it's just sitting there.

Thanks for your reply! So, this would not be a deal breaker in your opinion? It sounds to me like the previous owner would let it sit too long.

It definitely has the electronics so a power drain doesn't sound unusual.

Thanks,

Scott

I have never seen that happen to mine and it has sat for 3 weeks at a time, with the alarm on and NO problems. It wouldn't scare me away from buying the one you found.

If you're concerned, just buy one of those $15 emergency battery chargers, and/or see if it has problems after sitting on the lot a few days undisturbed.

Also, full warranty transfers with the car. So if it is a clean car, clean title, and you don't mind the car going back to service to diagnose the problem, assuming it re-occurs) then go for it.

Thanks to everyone replying. I called the service manager at the dealer and had him look up the records for the car. He saw where it had come in twice for not starting. They looked it over both times, let it sit for several days and could not get a repeat. He said that the car had no issues of any concern.

The service manager did say that extended periods of sitting could run the battery down since there is a constant drain on the battery due to the computers and such. He said that BMW recommends the use of one of those trickle chargers that plug into the cigarette lighter/wall when the cars are to sit for any extended time.

So... it looks like this beauty will be parked in my garage for the next several years! My first BMW!

Thanks,

Scott

Some people just get annoyed and get rid of cars. I had an A4 for 11 months and traded it in because I hated the service.

But I'd look into that problem more too, usually if batteries die, it means there's a short somewhere. My VW had that issue and it turned out to be a bad battery cable and required a pretty significant amount of work.

But most cars will have problems starting if they sit for long periods...how long is he talking?

How long? I beleive it was a week at the airport. Not too excessive. Shouldn't have happened.

He seemed a bit bitter so I take his comments with some skepticisim.

So I took the plunge. I signed the papers tonight and the beauty is sitting in my garage as we speak!

So, any problems are on my watch now. Wish me luck!

Scott