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| Z3 (E36/7, E36/8) (1996 - 2002) In 1996 BMW added the Z3 to the lineup. First available only with the 1.9 liter engine, the Z3 went on to carry every 6 cylinder produced between 1996 and 2002. A fun, sporty little 2 seater came both in convertible and coupe form. Being a bit of a “parts bin” car, the Z3 is part E30, part E36, but all original. |
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#1
10-01-2009, 01:44 PM
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Test driving an M coupe- Things to look for checklist?
Actually- I'm having a friend 2000 miles away look at a car for me. I have a pretty meticulous routine of things to look out for in a car, but since another person is doing this for me (for a car I want to fly out for), I want them to have a huge list of things to look at.
Here is a partial list of things on the top of my head, but if you have more- Please feel free to add. exterior: -Walk around car, inventory of dents/scratches/panel alignment -Check tire depth, look for uneven wear -Look at brake pads, rotors, check how much remaining -take front wheel, wobble left or right, check for play -look on the underside for condensation/leaks -check jackstand location for improper car lifting -make sure all lights function interior: -Test every single button -make sure fan/ac works in all speeds/ operates -check radio for blown speakers -make sure power seats operate in all directions -look for tears, stains, rips, excessive wear/odors -make sure all gauges are operable -sunroof opens and closes correctly Engine: -make sure all fluids are at correct levels -look for leaks/moist areas/condensation -check the oil specifically -listen for any noticable noises when running (lifter tick, noisy valves, etc) -turn steering wheel left and right lock to lock while car is running- listen to noises - look at ball joints, axles, cv boot for leaks when doing this -make sure AC compressor turns on/doesnt make noises when started Test drive: -Be very attentive about any unusual noises -Listen for clunks, squeaks, rattles from the REAR of the car -do a spirited test drive- go through all gears to 3/4ths of the rpm range (if seller allows) -Look for unusual clutch feel/ shifter -go on very level surface and let go of steering wheel and see if car pulls to any side -go up to 75mph and observe anything out of the unusual -make sure e-brake holds on an incline -turn steering wheel fully in a parking lot- drive in a circle at 5mph and listen to any noise from axles Owner: (claims it is single owner car) -ask for available service records to look at -double check his name is on the title, no salvage marks -double check his reason for selling -have him talk about maintenance done/ driving style/ driving routine -See if he is an enthusiast or just someone who likes the car -See where car was parked on regular basis- look for stains on driveway Feel free to add more. Last edited by hexagone; 10-01-2009 at 01:46 PM.. 
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#2
10-01-2009, 01:54 PM
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Subframe!
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E36/8 2000 M Coupe Cosmos Black/Black
Shark, Conforti CAI, B&B Exhaust, H&R, Bilstein, IE Green, UUC TME Red/Caps, WSM, Swapped Front Hats, Ice>Link. ================================================== ======================= 
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#4
10-01-2009, 02:10 PM
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-any signs of repaint/bodywork
-check all VIN tags to make sure the panels were never replaced before you perform those two checklist items, ask the seller first if the car has sustained any damage. Since is a one-owner car, I would assume it is in his best interest to disclose any paint/bodywork done.
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#5
10-01-2009, 02:11 PM
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Subframe mounts actually.
Remove the floor panel in the trunk (requires 2 screws be removed..) look for any signs of rust around the welds.. and any signs of cracking on the seam filler. Next, put car up on lift - look at the mount that fastens to the top "ear" on the back cover of the differential. Look for any signs of cracking, tearing, damage to that mount. Then look at the crossbeam box section it attaches to - look for any sign of pull-away from the trunk floor or any cracks/tearing. Depending on the price of the coupe - it might be worth having a dealer do a PPI. You're gambling $200 against the price of the car. I know what side of that bet I want to be on.
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Don Eilenberger
'01 M-Coupe, '02 M3C/6, '03 525iaT, '07 R1200R 
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#6
10-01-2009, 02:18 PM
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Have the owner drive the car and observe their driving style. Nice and smooth? Hammers a cold car? Knows how to shift? Would you be happy having this guy drive your car?
Also, look in all the nooks and crannies of the car for damage, especially signs of water. Pull everything out of the cargo area. Check for even panel gaps Last edited by dougmcintyre; 10-01-2009 at 02:22 PM..
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#7
10-01-2009, 02:24 PM
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#8
10-01-2009, 02:26 PM
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Quote:
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  "Whoa? How Coupe is not a Z?" - TexaZ3
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#9
10-01-2009, 07:47 PM
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Quote:
if its the car in California, just ask the owner if you can get a PPI at edge in dublin
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#10
10-01-2009, 07:58 PM
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Quote:
Ohyeah, and you might want to arrange for the car to be inspected by a BMW dealer in whatever place it is you want to buy the Z3M. That's what I did and it was well worth it IMO.
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Last edited by mabakker; 10-01-2009 at 08:02 PM..
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#11
10-01-2009, 08:49 PM
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Look for signs of paint work:
* missing emmisions labels on the radiator cross brace * overspray on black plastic in wheel wells, behind front bumper and under rear bumper Look at the threads on the driver side bolster. Check for signs that they are beginning to fray. Look at the rubber pedal covers. I typically dont like to see the right edge of the brake pedal worn down. It can be a sign of a few different bad driving habits. This is obviously debatable, but better if your friend tells you first rather than seeing it when you arrive. Try to determine if the car looks clean because of a recent steam clean, or if it was well maintained for it's life. I like to look in the deep pockets of the engine, at the firewall from the underside, and above the rear diff area. Depending on miles, try to figure out how many sets of tires have been on the car? If the car is under 50k and the second set of tires are worn out, well you get the idea. same goes for brakes. Headlight haze. While it can be covered up, most people dont put forth the effort to do it properly. If the car is in norcal, I can look at it if your friend can bring it by my place. I am coupe owner and EXTREMELY picky. BTW, I had a friend look at a car for me, and I will never do that again. He was an enthusiast too! Enough said. Last edited by rallyguy; 10-01-2009 at 08:51 PM..
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#12
10-01-2009, 08:53 PM
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It's actually socal. So if anyone around is very inquisitive- let me know.
On another note- what can a PPI actually do that wasn't listed in any of the above things? I'm just extremely un-trusting when it comes to mechanics- so I'd have tons more confidence in a friend telling me anything I should know about the car.
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#13
10-01-2009, 08:55 PM
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Quote:
i can totally understand not trusting mechanics, but at least with a PPI, i would hope you would have a 'specialist' who is somewhat trained to look for things that maybe your friend might accidentally overlook
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