[GlacierF25]

Hi guys! I’m overdue for a new ride and am pretty sure it’ll be an f10

I’m looking at this private party 2015 535i listed for $16k

2 owners
~80k miles
M sport
HK sound
Driver assistance pkg
Napa leather

Has some dings on the front bumper that the seller claims he got quoted ~$750 to repair.

seems like oil change frequency varies, mostly every 10k but a couple intervals where car went 11-13k miles before a change

Seller also gave me this info:

“There is an electrical issue with oil sensor and dealership was quoting $400 just to debug the issue. So I thought it was time to start going to some non dealership mechanic. They did replace the sensor but it did not reset the mileage reminder, next debugging is related to wiring but recommendation was since car is driving fine it’s something you can decide if it’s worth spending money.”

Have you guys heard of this problem before? I am a little wary of any kind of “wiring issue”

Is it something that should show up on a code reader? I’ve got the creator c310.

Is a few oil changes stretched to 12-13k miles something to shy away from?

Thanks guys

Jared

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by GlacierF25

Seller also gave me this info:

“There is an electrical issue with oil sensor and dealership was quoting $400 just to debug the issue...

Don't walk... RUN FAR AND FAST!!! I wouldn't touch ANY car with an electrical issue! electrical issues can easily be a bottomless rabbit hole!

[StradaRedlands]

For the price quoted, not worth it. If it was $12,000 knowing you had an issue, well that's different. Budget $2-6,000 to address whatever is wrong.
Anecdote: We had a bad alternator that first showed up as a bad oil sensor. Then water pump, then finally alternator. It was an expensive ride, but everything eventually sorted after throwing $$$ at it. Wasn't "wiring" but it was an electrical problem in the BSD system. Could have been the actual DME but luckily not that. I mention this as the car you are looking at could be as simple as the actual oil sensor, but could be XYZ things.

Get it diagnosed and use that to settle on a price if you're still interested in it.

[ctcarbonari]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

For the price quoted, not worth it. If it was $12,000 knowing you had an issue, well that's different. Budget $2-6,000 to address whatever is wrong.

Get it diagnosed and use that to settle on a price if you're still interested in it.

I agree with ^This^.

Kudos to the seller for being upfront and disclosing a known issue; however, it still always amazes me when someone is asking good money for a vehicle and says "well, it will costs $x to get this fixed". It makes me wonder "why don't you fix it, then recoup the cost by adding it to the price".

$16k is a fair/good price and I wouldn't want to inherit an electrical gremlin without knowing exactly the nature of the problem and what it will take to fix it.

Beautiful car tho & decent/low miles! I'm a big fan of the F10 M-Sport styling. You shouldn't have much problem finding a comparable deal.

Also, don't forget to keep a budget in mind for the inevitable preventative maintenance items that you'll be needing to do when you purchase an F10 in this mileage range.

Notably, Transmission filter/pan & Oil service, Oil Filter Housing Gasket, Serpentine Belt/Tensioner/Pulley, Spark Plugs (hopefully around 50k), brakes coming due, and the electric water pump / thermostat should be considered soon.

Good Luck!

[GlacierF25]

Thank you for the input everybody!

Hopefully the seller is willing to play ball when I try and negotiate a lower price. If not, I don’t mind waiting for the right deal to come along

Can’t make it out to see the car til December, hopefully he’ll be more motivated by then!

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by GlacierF25

Thank you for the input everybody!

Hopefully the seller is willing to play ball when I try and negotiate a lower price. If not, I don’t mind waiting for the right deal to come along

Can’t make it out to see the car til December, hopefully he’ll be more motivated by then!

Get a REALLY good pre-purchase inspection from a respected BMW indy... pay the $3-500 for it, will be money well spent! Don't fall in love with the car, there are plenty of M-Sports out there.