Bmw Fairfax Silvergrey Sedan

[gmurphy]

$9,991
124,000 miles
6-speed
Silver Grey
Black Leather

http://nitra.bmwcpodealer.com/cpo/VehicleDetails/used-2004-BMW-330i-Sedan-Fairfax-VA/2188731783


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ELCID86]

Several of us in the area. Nice price.
WBAEV53454KM07967

[Asiah119]

Interior looks pretty beat up. Maybe a good candidate for a car to strip down and play with on the track.

[jakksfor20]

Cameras have a funny way of messing up views of interiors. Not to say that it isn't "beat up", but the only thing I definitively see is the steering wheel. My wife's car had an immaculate interior when we bought it.....except for the rip in the steering wheel.

[bshovers]

I was on the phone with the dealership today and they didn't know if they were gonna fix the issues or not. Just found it on auto trader and cars this is straight from the site



Seller Comments
The car listed is being sold 'AS-IS'. This car does NOT pass Virginia State Inspection, and may or may NOT pass Virginia State Emissions. The car is being sold in the condition that it sits, and no repairs will be made to the car by the dealer. All repairs and State Inspections will be the responsibility of the new owner, regardless of any oral statements made. Test drives are not allowed. You may start the car, and put it in drive and reverse only. We will do our best to describe the car in the condition it is currently in, but there may be issues/problems/damages with the car that are not listed. It is up to you to determine the condition and functionality of the car. You can NOT finance this car. KNOWN Inspection Issues: A Sonic Automotive Dealership

TRUE PRICE - Informed. Accurate. Trusted.

[jakksfor20]

The car listed is being sold 'AS-IS'. This car does NOT pass Virginia State Inspection, and may or may NOT pass Virginia State Emissions. The car is being sold in the condition that it sits, and no repairs will be made to the car by the dealer. All repairs and State Inspections will be the responsibility of the new owner, regardless of any oral statements made. Test drives are not allowed. You may start the car, and put it in drive and reverse only.

Wow.

[ELCID86]

I was on the phone with the dealership today and they didn't know if they were gonna fix the issues or not. Just found it on auto trader and cars this is straight from the site



Seller Comments
The car listed is being sold 'AS-IS'. This car does NOT pass Virginia State Inspection, and may or may NOT pass Virginia State Emissions. The car is being sold in the condition that it sits, and no repairs will be made to the car by the dealer. All repairs and State Inspections will be the responsibility of the new owner, regardless of any oral statements made. Test drives are not allowed. You may start the car, and put it in drive and reverse only. We will do our best to describe the car in the condition it is currently in, but there may be issues/problems/damages with the car that are not listed. It is up to you to determine the condition and functionality of the car. You can NOT finance this car. KNOWN Inspection Issues: A Sonic Automotive Dealership

TRUE PRICE - Informed. Accurate. Trusted.

Did they say what the issues are? Codes, mechanical, etc?

[TheFinanceGuy]

I was inquiring about this as well, and through a friend of a friend- I heard the interior wasn't quite as bad as the pictures look. He said it was just really dirty. Also noted it appeared to be leaking a bit of oil. Theirs tech's thought it was from a valve cover gasket.

I've some complete junk at BMW of fairfax. I've seen some really good items at rock bottom prices, only because they had "high" mileage. Anything over 100,000 miles in the NOVA area scares many folks who are not car enthusiasts away (at least in my experience).

[ELCID86]

Bruce is on a first name basis with the parts department! Not sure about sales as they are down the street.

100k mi is nothing around here. I rode (slugged) in with a lady yesterday who had 230k+ on her Jetta.

[bshovers]

Did they say what the issues are? Codes, mechanical, etc?

All he knew for sure was that there was a leak in the in the gasket valve I think.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ELCID86]

All he knew for sure was that there was a leak in the in the gasket valve I think.

SOunds easy enough to fix. I don't think it answers the part about passing VA inspection though.

[bshovers]

SOunds easy enough to fix. I don't think it answers the part about passing VA inspection though.

Exactly I was all ready to buy it until they said no financing and then when I saw that on autotrader.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ELCID86]

I might be able to go up there this weekend if I don't end up going to NJ to visit Bill (and bring home some goodies).

[bshovers]

I might be able to go up there this weekend if I don't end up going to NJ to visit Bill (and bring home some goodies).

You can start it but not drive it hahaha!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ELCID86]

You can start it but not drive it hahaha!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
True dat. Maybe I can do laps around the lot!

[bshovers]

True dat. Maybe I can do laps around the lot!

You'll probably be held at gun point lol



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

Emissions testing in VA?

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[TheFinanceGuy]

Emissions testing in VA?

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Yes. Not too hard to pass though.

[ELCID86]

I don't think a leaking VCG would cause a fail.

[BCS_ZHP]

But says it won't pass "safety inspection and may or may not pass emissions inspection".

Here are my thoughts on this one: used car manager got excited that the exterior looked good, interior was dirty but cleanable, he knew it was a desirable ZHP and took a gamble on the mechanical side figuring he wouldn't need to invest much. I see the recent trade-ins over by the service center waiting for a mechanic to assess them with crayon markings on the windows. Over time from talking with a friendly service writer & my parts guy, have been able to decipher some of those crayon marks, for example C/M-1K-2rr I believe means perform corrective maintenance not to exceed $1000 & 2 rear tires (cause the car I saw this marking on needed rear tires). So I believe they thought they had room to put $1-1.5K in this car and flip it pretty easily for another $2-3K profit but their mechanical inspection found more stuff was needed. I suspect the reason it will not pass safety inspection is because it needs brakes, tires or both. I strongly suspect brakes because they won't let you test drive it. The used car manager would have seen this and factored it into what he offered for trade on the car. I suspect the mechanical inspection might have also found tie rods and/or FCABs need to be done so it won't pass safety inspection. It might need belts & some of the cooling system which he'd need to replace as cars sold in VA come with 30 day/3K mile warranty unless it's explicitly stated "AS-IS", which he has done here. On the emissions side, the previous owner probably cleared the SES/CE lights before he traded it but codes are still stored. So the mechanic's inspection probably found some of those P017X codes that normally mean intake boots, maybe a MAF or DISA too, in order to pass emissions but the dealer isn't willing to invest any additional money in this one.

Now the used car manager has Indy dealers he wholesales cars like this to but if you want the Indy guy to keep coming around, you have to disclose to him what you know. I suspect he doesn't want to drop this car on one of his wholesalers cause he knows it needs $3-4K of investment and knowing that a good Indy might give him only $6-7K. I would guess he gave about $8-8.5K in trade, he's listed it for $10K, he'll let you beat him down a grand and he'll walk away making $500.

Tread lightly on this one, the dealer has inspected it and realizes he can't make a quick buck, and he'll go at risk of making a profit if he fixes what needs to be fixed. Factor in that he gets parts cheaper than us and he gets super cheap labor yet he's still making that assessment. And he doesn't want to saddle his normal wholesalers with the burden of fixing this one, there's too much to be done. In the end, they'll probably send this one to auction with no reserve and just take whatever they get for it.

[Unforgivable818]

Thanks for having me a part of your forum! =)

BCS ZHP summed it up well! Here are two state resources :

http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Safety.shtm

and

http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/pdf/dl143.pdf

The second link does state that oil leaks will trigger a fail. It could be as simple as the noted VCG leak.

Good luck y'all!

[ELCID86]

^ good to know. And welcome. Hope you'll do a proper intro thread.

^^Great theories Bruce. I'm sure you are spot on.

[ELCID86]

also on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2004-330i-Used-3L-I6-24V-Manual-Rear-wheel-Drive-Sedan-Premium-/321326950691?_trksid=p2054897.l4275

[illirep]

Pulled from ebay:
2004 BMW 330i Sedan ZHP Performance Package 6 Speed Manual Transmission with only 124,000 Miles! Silver Gray Metallic over Black Leather with Black Penta Aluminum Trim. Options include: 6 Speed Manual Transmission with Performance Package, Cold Weather Package, Xenon lights, Heated Front Seats, Harman Kardon Premium Sound System, Moonroof, and much more. Car is in great shape and is a with a Clean CarFAX. The car has been inspected by our BMW Factory Trained Technicians and passed Virginia State Inspection. This car has an extensive service history, and full maintenance records. Call Today for an Appointment. A Sonic Automotive Dealership

Perhaps if you buy through this venue, you can hold them to these statements!

[BCS_ZHP]

That's probably standard boilerplate for when they use eBay, you can bet the paperwork to close the deal will say as-is

[ELCID86]

I sent a ebay inquiry about any known issue. Their response:

From: BMW of Fairfax [mailto:bmwoffairfax@eleadtrack.net]
Sent: Saturday, February 22, 2014 9:42 AM
To:
Subject: Great News from Rick , your eBay Specialist


BMW of Fairfax
(703) 560-2300


Hello Patrick,

I wanted to thank you for your interest in our 2004 BMW 3 Series.

We actually discovered some new information about this vehicle that I would like to go over with you.

Will you please give me a call at 703-245-3948.

Thank you

Rick Beadel
eBay Sales

BMW Of Fairfax
8427 Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22031
Desk: (703)-245-3948
FAX: (703)-560-8931
Cell: (202)-400-0795

Privacy Statement

[illirep]

At least they are being honest. Lots of fraud goes unpunished through ebay.

[NoVAphotog]

I sent a ebay inquiry about any known issue. Their response:

From: BMW of Fairfax [mailto:bmwoffairfax@eleadtrack.net]
Sent: Saturday, February 22, 2014 9:42 AM
To:
Subject: Great News from Rick , your eBay Specialist


BMW of Fairfax
(703) 560-2300


Hello Patrick,

I wanted to thank you for your interest in our 2004 BMW 3 Series.

We actually discovered some new information about this vehicle that I would like to go over with you.



I too contacted them for more information and found a lot out...

My managers have actually repriced this vehicle. The current price is $7,981.


Best regards,

Jessica Lerche e-Sales Agent
BMW of Fairfax

_____________

Also,

Daniel,

Below is our disclosure for this vehicle:

The car listed is being sold 'AS-IS'. This car does NOT pass Virginia State Inspection, and may or may NOT pass Virginia State Emissions. The car is being sold in the condition that it sits, and no repairs will be made to the car by the dealer. All repairs and State Inspections will be the responsibility of the new owner, regardless of any oral statements made. Test drives are not allowed. You may start the car, and put it in drive and reverse only. We will do our best to describe the car in the condition it is currently in, but there may be issues/problems/damages with the car that are not listed. It is up to you to determine the condition and functionality of the car. You can NOT finance this car.
KNOWN Inspection Issues:
*Power Steering Lines – leaking – Fails VA insp *Lower Control Arms – Front – have play – Fails VA insp
*Tie Rods – outer – have play – Fails VA insp
*Valve Cover Gasket – leaking
*Oil Filter Housing Gasket - leaking

Thoughts on those repairs in relation to the price? How much more is really wrong with the car?

[bshovers]

I want to know whats wrong with it lol

[BCS_ZHP]

That's all pretty straightforward stuff to fix. And since you're right there, replace belts & tensioners when doing the OFHG, add plugs to the VCG job. If records show it's been awhile, consider the cooling system too. I'd estimate about $1-1.2K in parts for DIY, double that if you hand it to an Indy, almost triple if you let the dealer do it.

[ELCID86]

Could still be a nice pickup if someone is looking for a rescue-project and has the funds to get it back on the road.

[TheFinanceGuy]

Ugh, if only I still lived in DC and worked in Fairfax (well, actually I don't miss that commute on 66). This would be mine. The costs of going down, and getting it back to Boston make it a bit harder.