[Rollo`]

I am almost definitely buying a 08-10 328 in the next month or so. I will almost definitely make my purchase over a long distance. The car will definitely be under warranty, either CPO or regular warranty and I will buy the extended.

I need to know if there is something I need to ask the dealer about as part of my purchase decision. I have seen posts about ticking sounds and things like that.

What would you ask a dealer about a car you were buying from 1000 miles away?

thanks...

[Doctor///M]

Seems pretty common-sense, but definitely:

1) Research more about the 328 in the non-turbo section of the forum for any expected issues.
2) Write down a list of questions if you find anything.
3) Get Carfax AND Autocheck reports
4) Purchase a ticket and see the car for yourself.
5) Pay for a PPI (if you don't have the time to go and look at the car for yourself).
6) Do all of the above.

Te 328 is pretty bulletproof according to most, but you'll want to pay extra attention for a long-distance transaction.

[ken1137]

Yeah, the ticking sound is annoying, to my knowledge it is caused by the poor tappet/lifter design. It drove me nuts from an engineering standpoint. However, I would not worry about it as long as you are under warranty or have an extended warranty. The dealer will tell you there is nothing wrong and the ticking is common, but there is a TSB (search) for this problem. As above, definitely do a PPI to be certain. The N52 is pretty sound otherwise...Good luck.

[Rollo`]

Thanks... Can anyone point me to a thread summarizing the changes in the E92 from 2008-2009? Lots of CPO 2008 coupes out there for good prices. I really like the 2009 sedan better than the 08 but not sure what changed in the coupe.