Buying M5 on the opposite coast - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

930chas · 18th October 2005, 20:23

I think I have found my dream M5. I'll spare you the details for now, but it is exactly what I want. The problem, I am in Maryland and it is in California, Los Angeles to be exact. So, I would be buying a car without ever seeing it in person, and without ever dealing with the seller "eye to eye." Have any of you done this before? Do you have any tips or suggestions? Do you recommend an escrow service until I receive the car? Thanks much for any help.

Xcargo · 18th October 2005, 20:35

I bet if you ask nicely, some of the Board members on the left coast would be willing to look the car over for you befor you put down the $$$$. Maybe even have the seller take it to a reputable independent shop in the area for a written review of the overall condition. Is the car under BMW warranty or a CPO whiich would cover most of the risk.........

If it is the other way around I would check out a west coasters potential purchase if it is here in the east. Not sure why anyone would want to purchase a car from the land of ice and snow but I'll put it out there.

M Macht · 18th October 2005, 20:45

I've never purchased a preowned vehicle site unseen and probably never will.

Personally, I think I would perform a CarFax search of the car's "background", get as much info from the sellor as possible, and contact the BMW dealership where the car has been serviced re service records, etc. If the car still is desirable, then I would make the trip to CA to see it and test drive it. One would also want to have the car inspected by a BMW dealer or BMW shop and only then negotiate the purchase price. I take the Ronald Regan approach..."trust but verify".

Chuckc · 18th October 2005, 20:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by 930chas

I think I have found my dream M5. I'll spare you the details for now, but it is exactly what I want. The problem, I am in Maryland and it is in California, Los Angeles to be exact. So, I would be buying a car without ever seeing it in person, and without ever dealing with the seller "eye to eye." Have any of you done this before? Do you have any tips or suggestions? Do you recommend an escrow service until I receive the car? Thanks much for any help.

I'm in CA and sold my 525it to a guy in Boston. I emailed him pictures, we talked on the phone, and I took the car in for a pre-purchase inspection at the dealer. The guy paid for the inspection and talked directly to the SA about the inspection. He then flew out and picked up the car, sight unseen. He said he was a little leary at first, but was happy once he saw the car. The car was shipped back home.

930chas · 18th October 2005, 21:01

I am going to get the Vin # and do a check on that, for whatever it is worth. The main thing is that it is an S2, so it isn't like it is something that might turn up back here anytime soon. Does anyone know of a reputable shop in the LA area that I could get an inspection done at? Or if someone was willing to go look at it and or drive it, I would be forever indebted!!
Thanks again.

cosioboy · 18th October 2005, 21:24

Well, I can see myself doing it only if it is my absolute absolute perfect combination (color, trim, mods, price, condition, etc.) - sounds like it is for you.

Defintiely try and use the power of this board to your benefit. If the Beast is an S2, chances are the owner is an aficionado and is a member of this board. Look through his treads and posts - see of any issues he has had, that can reveal a lot!

Another way to use the board is to see if you can find a local volunteer Beastowner to check it out in person - I know I would do it for a fellow mate if it is in my neck of the woods.

Good luck!

Jayson · 18th October 2005, 21:37

Why don't you simply buy a plane ticket and go see him/it.

Chuckc · 18th October 2005, 21:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by 930chas

I am going to get the Vin # and do a check on that, for whatever it is worth. The main thing is that it is an S2, so it isn't like it is something that might turn up back here anytime soon. Does anyone know of a reputable shop in the LA area that I could get an inspection done at? Or if someone was willing to go look at it and or drive it, I would be forever indebted!!
Thanks again.

Bullet Performance in Costa Mesa.

http://www.bulletmotorworks.com/

bimmer23 · 18th October 2005, 21:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by 930chas

I think I have found my dream M5. I'll spare you the details for now, but it is exactly what I want. The problem, I am in Maryland and it is in California, Los Angeles to be exact. So, I would be buying a car without ever seeing it in person, and without ever dealing with the seller "eye to eye." Have any of you done this before? Do you have any tips or suggestions? Do you recommend an escrow service until I receive the car? Thanks much for any help.

I did it for my M. only saw pictures and a live cam of the car but I did stop there. I did what teh other member said I took the VIn and of course Carfaxed it and begged a local service rep to check the service records which was clean as can be (I decifered all the service codes) and took comfort knowing that the car only had 19K and traced it from birth to the 19K. But if this car was modded like you mentioned I would have never done this. I would definately get the car reserved and now that I think about it I really wouldn't get a modded M.

I would rather do it myself gradually but in your case put your trust in a board member to check it out and test drive it and I guess if possible (not always with these cars) get it inspected before you buy. Then handle everything through fax and phone, then when you get it PM the board member and send them a nice gift. If you were closer to them a beer would do just fine or a more fitting gift for this would be a Supersprint Exhaust and a X-pipe (HA HA, just kidding).

930chas · 18th October 2005, 22:19

Plane ticket isn't going to work. I have a 3 year old and a wife that is 7 months pregnant. Not a good idea to mess with that formula, plus I work.....alot. As far as modded, an S2 or modded M5 is exactly what I want.
Thanks