Preventive maintenance prior to listing on BaT?

[csquared]

Hi all,
I'm planning to sell my dad's ZHP for him in the coming months since he's no longer able to drive (in his mid-70s with poor vision). It's an uber clean 2004 6MT silver coupe with ~18k miles. From what I've read on the forums, I'm thinking BaT would be the best place to list it. However, I've seen some comments that BaT buyers are often looking for a turnkey vehicle, and not looking to do any maintenance. I'm planning to get a PPI done at my local mechanic, and to my knowledge there's nothing requiring repair currently, but wondering if there's value in performing any preventive maintenance prior to listing? I'm planning to do an engine oil and brake fluid change, and also complete an airbag recall. Would it be worthwhile to perform anything else? I know many folks preventatively do the cooling system, suspension, VANOS and subframe reinforcement. I believe each are relatively expensive though, and not sure I'd recoup the cost and if better to let the future owner decide? Any feedback or other suggestions are appreciated.

Cheers,
Colin

[BADCLOWN]

As long as you have a clean/documented PPI and that states the car doesn't need anything, I wouldn't spend the money as I don't personally see a need to. I would focus on aesthetics and give the car a proper cut/polish/cleaning before taking photos for the listing.

[fredo]

I suggest to use a paint thickness gauge to show paint condition in pics. I found mine in Amazon for 65 dlls, the model is CM-205FN. But yes, people usually ask about Vanos, DISA, CCV, and Inspection 2.

[pedro2u]

When I sold my ZHP in June on BaT, it had 87K miles. It really was mint, had no leaks of any kind, and it had it's original cooling system. I believe that a good service history, a professional detailing and then professional photography make a huge difference. Brings premium buyers......

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2005-bmw-330ci-zhp-convertible-13/

Your car properly prepared and presented, and with that 6MT and loooooow mileage, should bring a huge premium. I bet no one even asks about the typical service items. If they do, they are trying to nit pick you to hold the price down..... be ready for that.

Your car should do extremely well, and the bidders will likely be fighting each other to own it

GLWS!

[TrKy3]

Agree with the other comments, but with regards to the subframe you mentioned - in stock form these cars do not really crack there. Also, with the car having 18K miles - I doubt that is an issue.

Regarding the cooling system, go to a good BMW indy shop (that works on these cars) to do the PPI and they should be able to tell if anything is cracking/dry due to age; may need to replace the upper and lower hoses and possibly tires if they are old.

At 18K miles your suspension should be perfectly fine unless your father went off-roading daily with it.

Check the sunroof drains, make sure they are fine and not clogged - the indy shop should be able to shoot pressurized air through them either way to loosen any debris that would be stuck.

Also, the vanos rarely go wrong on these cars, that is more of an issue with the s54 motors.

I think BAT is the way to go with the type of car you are describing.

[John in VA]

Yep, agreeing with the others. There will be some potential buyers that argue age over mileage re: needing preventive maintenance - let them pay for it once the car is theirs!

[johnrando]

Agree w others as well

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[Johnd]

I'm on the fence as I just did all this work on my car with 50K miles. If you want top dollar people are not going to want to spend another 5 to 6K on items that wear out from age, tires, hoses, struts, etc. On the other hand it being all original is also a huge benefit as people know nothing has been touched

[Zylinderkopfdichtung]

I’m the outlier here. I say you should remove any doubt from the bidders’ minds. I think you should spend the money to replace all plastic and rubber cooling system parts, and maybe the radiator for good measure. Splurge on Original BMW parts. Install a Stewart water pump while you’re at it. Do the GAS DISA fix—it’s cheap and easy.

[csquared]

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all the detailed feedback. I'm definitely planning to have it professionally detailed and will check out the paint gauge. It sounds like there a few maintenance items to possibly consider and I'll discuss during PPI.

It might be better to post this on the Southeast forum, but any recommendations for an indy BMW mechanic in the greater Raleigh area? I owned an E46 ten years ago and used Performance Chassis in Cary, NC. The owner/mechanic had a couple personal ZHPs then and knew BMWs well, but I'm not sure if he's still wrenching these days.

[Galapolis]

I've heard good stuff from Bimmer Performance Center.

[csquared]

I've heard good stuff from Bimmer Performance Center.

thanks Galapolis, wasn't familiar with them. Looks like lots of good reviews, I'll definitely check with them.

[wstr75]

Here’s a Devil’s advocate take counter position. From the information you gave us it sounds like you are in your forties and now are responsible for increasing elder care duties. You may also have a family busy with all the activities associated with families and on top of all that you likely have a job involving 40 hours or more work every week. BAT will likely be a time suck and stressor piling on top of all you’ve got going on. Maybe selling to someone like EAG or to one of the semi-professionals regularly seen on BAT is the sum total better path. Yes, less money received and less time/hassles expended by you.

On the other hand, if it is the experience being sought along with the thrill of seeing what happens, then by all means go for a win on BAT.

[TrKy3]

Here’s a Devil’s advocate take counter position. From the information you gave us it sounds like you are in your forties and now are responsible for increasing elder care duties. You may also have a family busy with all the activities associated with families and on top of all that you likely have a job involving 40 hours or more work every week. BAT will likely be a time suck and stressor piling on top of all you’ve got going on. Maybe selling to someone like EAG or to one of the semi-professionals regularly seen on BAT is the sum total better path. Yes, less money received and less time/hassles expended by you.

On the other hand, if it is the experience being sought along with the thrill of seeing what happens, then by all means go for a win on BAT.

That's a fair statement.

I've sold on BAT before, it def. is added stress and you will always have a number of questions to answer from people that have no intention on purchasing the car.

[SotaRed]

I bought my zhp on BAT, I think your ownership history and selling for your dad shows that the vehicle was taken care of and has a lot of life left in it. Be prepared for the "in picture #171, is that a knick or a scratch?". You can set a reserve as well.

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