1995 318ti CS .. overheated last night, wont start today.

[xunearthhxcx]

Originally Posted by b.u.ti-ful

There is still the possibility that the seller is honest and will make good in some way.

Having said that, I did find this thread:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=135056

I definetly got scammed.. Just doing a search on the dude. Hes purchased and sold tons and tons of cars . even when looking him up on ebay, he has 0% feedback.

[xunearthhxcx]

ok guys.. I just did ALOT of research about this guy. im going to a friends house for a bit. but ive got some interesting pics. links and other info.

[jflip2002]

Long story short... My last TI blew its second head gasket. I thought it was something DME related, because it wouldnt start at all. Turned out to be a blown head gasket, along with a fuse. Check your fuses....

[cooljess76]

Originally Posted by jflip2002

Long story short... My last TI blew its second head gasket. I thought it was something DME related, because it wouldnt start at all. Turned out to be a blown head gasket, along with a fuse. Check your fuses....

I seem to recall that

[jflip2002]

Originally Posted by cooljess76

I seem to recall that

Lol yeah... Thats the reason why I was certain it was DME related. Just a measley fuse... and head gasket lol.

That definitely sucks dude. I was looking at cars, and I was actually considering this one you just bought. It's definitely a crappy experience to get ripped off like that.

Im not sure how things are in CA, but EVERYTHING unless given a written warranty is assumed As is. Even if you leave the car without having it smogged, and you assume its the sellers responsibility... once you leave, the buyer is 100% liable for anything.

[xunearthhxcx]

A CARFAX Vehicle History Report is based only on information supplied to CARFAX. CARFAX checked over 6 billion vehicle history events and found 13 record(s) for this 1995 BMW 318TI (WBACG5326SAM53553).


Owner One Vehicle History
Purchased: 1995
Type: Personal
Where: Texas, Tennessee, Arizona
Est. miles/year: 6,935/yr
Est. length owned: 11/15/95 - present
(13 yrs. 8 mo.)

Topper
CARFAX Xpert Low mileage! This owner drove an estimated 6,935 miles per year, lower than the industry average of 15,000 miles. These vehicles can be a better value.

Date: Mileage: Source: Comments:
10/29/1995 US Customs Vehicle exported from
Germany
and imported to
Charleston, SC
11/15/1995 Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Dallas, TX Registered as
personal vehicle
01/19/1996 16 Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Dallas, TX
Title #00022200049396793 Title or registration issued
First owner reported
Loan or lien reported
03/05/1996 1,244 Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Plano, TX
Title #00022200049847462 Title or registration issued
Loan or lien reported
01/19/1999 37,000 Tennessee
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Cordova, TN
Title #57168106 Title or registration issued
02/15/2001 49,000 Arizona
Inspection Station Passed emissions inspection
03/05/2001 Arizona
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Phoenix, AZ
Title #DV5248D064192 Title or registration issued
02/21/2003 59,000 Arizona
Inspection Station Passed emissions inspection
02/22/2005 67,000 Arizona
Inspection Station Passed emissions inspection
03/15/2007 Arizona
Inspection Station Passed emissions inspection
03/20/2009 95,000 Arizona
Inspection Station
Maricopa County Failed emissions inspection
04/03/2009 Arizona
Inspection Station
Maricopa County Passed emissions inspection
05/11/2009 Arizona
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Phoenix, AZ
Title #DV5248D064192 Title or registration issued
Duplicate title issued
Registration updated when owner moved
the vehicle to a new locatio

[xunearthhxcx]

dont know if this makes any difference.. see if you can spot the similarities...

[xunearthhxcx]

I mean im not deliberatly trying to make the seller look bad. its just very very fishy. especially with the other comments posted on the internet... I think im going to be shafted on this deal and even if they admitted they"purchased" the car just to resell it. I dont give a crap. but its the fact that if they knew it would blow is what bothers me. Also the very very poor communication all of a sudden.

you guys are probably sick of me talking about this!

[jflip2002]

When I blew my first head gasket, it wasnt TOO big of a job. It took what Id esitmate a good 24 hours of working time. Thats not working at a feverish pace, but semi-leisurely. If you have the proper tools, and at least one guy who knows what hes doing, it shouldnt take long at all.... assuming the head isnt warped and the valves are not fried. If you keep the car, Id replace that Tstat once a year, PERIOD. Both times my head gasket blew, it ended up being from a faulty thermostat.

[xunearthhxcx]

Originally Posted by dave45056

this is an interesting comment in the CL ad.
"The cooling system has been gone through with new water pump, radiator and expansion tank"
reminds me of those carfax ads.

But if the legal approach doesn't work, to replace the head is not that difficult. I'm not sure if you are up to the task, but do you have any mechanic friends? Are there any members here in your area? The head may be toast (I'd say 50% chance), but you have a lead on 2 different options to get a replacement. In addition to the cost of the head it will run another $200 or so for gaskets, head bolts, etc.
Good luck.

If I even had such as a very simple walkthrough I could atleast take the head off.. its putting it back on , and knowing all the specs that messes my head up..

Just moved out here so honestly not too many friends! especially with cars!

[tiFreak]

Originally Posted by xunearthhxcx

dont know if this makes any difference.. see if you can spot the similarities...

same exact license plate, maybe he only has one set and he transfers them to whatever his newest car is

[bazar01]

I know i's too late for this, but it is a good idea when buying a running car to get it inspected by a BMW shop. It's called a pre-purchase inspection (PPI). The shop will go through the car completely. I normally pay around $200-300 to get this done. If the car checks out good, the cost is a small amount compared to the cost of the car. If the car checks out bad, you lose the PPI cost walking away from the deal but still better than having the car and spending more money down the road to address issues.

[xunearthhxcx]

Originally Posted by bazar01

I know i's too late for this, but it is a good idea when buying a running car to get it inspected by a BMW shop. It's called a pre-purchase inspection (PPI). The shop will go through the car completely. I normally pay around $200-300 to get this done. If the car checks out good, the cost is a small amount compared to the cost of the car. If the car checks out bad, you lose the PPI cost walking away from the deal but still better than having the car and spending more money down the road to address issues.

thank you for your input. when I buy another BMW I will make sure to get this done!!... new(used) motor goes in this week!!