FS: 2004 BMW 330i Sedan, Imola/Alc, 6MT, $10,995, NH

[ELCID86]

I'm trying to decide if I should pursue getting this car PPI'd.
- Dealer said they just replaced rear brakes (pads, i'm guessing) and tires (i'm sure they don't match the front).
- Appears to be rust between the trunk lid and bumper. Sales guy said they will have it repaired (ground and painted) at their body shop.
- He said the interior appears to not have been smoked in, but drivers' seat and steering wheel have wear. Wheel needs to be re-wrapped. I explained to him about Alcantara.
- No CarFax, but whatever report he was reading from said "collision" in 2006. No further details.
I found two indy shops in the area that standing by for PPI--there is also a dealership there. I would have to fly up from DC and drive her back ~ 9 hours. Would love your thoughts gentlemen. Other things to ask about/consider?

http://www.sandjmotorconh.com/2004_BMW_3%20series_Merrimack_NH_182112748.veh
VIN: WBAEV53474KM07761

[danewilson77]

Drivers door panel, tired paint, scatched shift surround, and non oem ZHP shift knob would be other points I would def bring up.

[MiniD]

Drivers door panel, tired paint, scatched shift surround, and non oem ZHP shift knob would be other points I would def bring up.

Looks like a worn out original ZHP knob to me.

[danewilson77]

Looks like a worn out original ZHP knob to me.

Yeah...you're most likely correct, it just looked too shiny to be the real deal....imho.

[Torxuvin]

Check the headlights to see if they are burned out. Also for more rust in the doorjams and underneath as it looks like the car has spent a lot of time up north outside.

[ELCID86]

How bad do you think the paint is. I wonder if it just needs a bath and wax or if it is badly oxidized.

[Avetiso]

I'd be worried about a last minute repair on the rust. If they wanted it fixed, they would have done it before listing. They might get a quick, crappy job done.

I think the paint could be buffed and restored fairly well.

[Lespaulman16]

Pay for the PPI. That is not an extraordinary deal, but if you want Red, it might be okay.

Now that that's out of the way, on to the paint. That car is dirty. Hella dirty. With that in mind, as long as the clear coat is intact over the entire car, you can bring that car back to it's original luster using a DA Polisher (Porter Cable. $120 at Home Depot) coupled with time and patience. Paint correction is a wonderful thing.

I have had incredible luck with Manzerna polishes on ImolaRot paint. It is incredibly hard and takes a stout product to knock it down.

Check out this detail (http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/390120-EuroCar-detail-2008-BMW-M-**-Imola-red-showroom-condition-**) for an idea of how much difference you can make.

[sketchyd]

If youre actually considering this car definitely get a ppi. What shops do you have lined up? I'm abit far from merrimack, but there are a couple decent shops a bit closer.

Tapped on a talk device

[danewilson77]

How bad do you think the paint is. I wonder if it just needs a bath and wax or if it is badly oxidized.

IDK...but BMW paint/clear is pretty robust. Probably just needs a good PC and wax/seal.

[ELCID86]

Thanks for all the advice. I like your point on the repair @Avetiso. Seems like they would have washed it too! I'm leaning towards finding a cleaner car or at least a closer car and preferably a southern one (like me!).

Indy's I was looking at:
http://www.3dautoworks.com/

or Maffee's Garage.

[Tnhl1989]

The car is about a two hours drive from me. If you really want to get it checked out I would do it for you. Just cover gas and the inspection.

Also if they are a dealer they should really consider washing up the car before taking photos of it.

[ELCID86]

Thanks for the offer *1989. I think I'll pass on this one.