Found a Really nice e46.

Well, a friend of mine, [has a car dealer license, and goes regularly to Dealer only auto auctions.] offered to sell me a 2001 325i ZSP. with roughly 90k miles. I have the same exact model, and I bought mine for 7,400 [A bit high because I had the headliner replaced by the dealer.] with about 195,000 miles. My friend, is rather close friends with the dealer who sold me my current 325, and my friend says that what I should do is, Take my 325, and then tell the dealer to keep it on his lot and sell it for me. Offer the dealer a commission, and have him sell the car. And after leaving my 325 at the dealershit, buy the one he's offering me, for 6,000 [he bought it for mad cheap at one of his auctions] And according to his word, [Didn't do all the paper work yet] This car is a mad clean previously SoCal car. I trust this guy, but what do you guys think I should do?

Get a PPI to test his word.

Ppi?

Originally Posted by aahmed2016

Ppi?

If you don't know what a PPI is then you need to reconsider buying an e46. I strongly suggest more research. Keep us updated and good luck.

Originally Posted by lsteg

If you don't know what a PPI is then you need to reconsider buying an e46. I strongly suggest more research. Keep us updated and good luck.

lsteg, it would have been better just to tell the OP what PPI is. I also would like to know what it means. Thanks for explaining what a PPI is.

can you please just tell me? I'm really new to e46's.

pre purchase inspection or private party inspection

basically it means get the car checked by a reputable BMW dealership/indy mechanic before negotiating price.

Originally Posted by webster

pre purchase inspection or private party inspection

basically it means get the car checked by a reputable BMW dealership/indy mechanic before negotiating price.

Oh, i figured that, but thought it was something with Just e46's cause the previous poster said I shouldn't consider buying and E46 if I don't know what PPI is. And should I go to the dealer, or an indy?

Originally Posted by Tament

lsteg, it would have been better just to tell the OP what PPI is. I also would like to know what it means. Thanks for explaining what a PPI is.

Let's say I do answer the question for him. (PPI <= click me) This is a very basic term that anybody should pick up if they have done any type of research on these cars. I guarantee that all most every "should I buy this e46" thread has somebody posting and telling the OP to go and get a PPI.

The fact that this question was asked makes me believe that he doesn't know a lot about these cars and doesn't really know what he's getting himself in to.

So, instead of answering the question I simply directed him to do some research because, frankly, he needs it.


and thank you for pointing out how I didn't answer his question when you failed to also.

@lsteg, I know what a PPI is, I just haven't used the term, or gotten a PPI anytime in the past like, 10 years, [Went new car only] and I kinda sorta know about cars, Fairly well I could say, like I can do most DIY's, if I get some advice or so. And once again, haven't bought used in ages, so I didn't need to get PPI's. just had it in the back of my head.

I have never seen PPI used anywhere and I have been on this site everyday for over two years. I also worked at a dealership for several years. This is what makes owning a BMW so hard.

Originally Posted by scroades

I have never seen PPI used anywhere and I have been on this site everyday for over two years. I also worked at a dealership for several years. This is what makes owning a BMW so hard.

You, sir are deaf and blind then.

On all the cars I've owned I've had a PPI done, from my father's original advice. It's not just a BMW thing, it's a general term that is fairly well known when it comes to prospectively purchasing a used car.. it's really common sense. Based off of the necessary maintenance, you can negotiate a more adequete price for the car or determine that it isn't worth the time or money.

Originally Posted by Blueandwhite85

You, sir are deaf and blind then.

On all the cars I've owned I've had a PPI done, from my father's original advice. It's not just a BMW thing, it's a general term that is fairly well known when it comes to prospectively purchasing a used car.. it's really common sense. Based off of the necessary maintenance, you can negotiate a more adequete price for the car or determine that it isn't worth the time or money.

I didn't think I was crazy.

Originally Posted by lsteg

I didn't think I was crazy.

Got your back brother.

Originally Posted by Zell

Get a PPI to test his word.

If he got it really cheap it may be really cheap for a reason. Shiny new paint and some bondo can make a car "clean" to the naked eye, but the car can still be damn near worthless when it comes down to it.

And if he starts making excuses or insists that you bring it to a guy he knows for the PPI, run away from the deal. Bring it to someone completely independent, not anyone in any way affiliated with the dealership.

Originally Posted by aahmed2016

Ppi?

All smugness aside, Pre Purchase Inspection. In the UK we would call it an MOT but I usually get one of the national motoring organizations like the RAC or AA to produce a full report on the vehicle. Costs about £100 but its worth it if you are considering spending £10K on a motor.

Originally Posted by Blueandwhite85

You, sir are deaf and blind then.

On all the cars I've owned I've had a PPI done, from my father's original advice. It's not just a BMW thing, it's a general term that is fairly well known when it comes to prospectively purchasing a used car.. it's really common sense. Based off of the necessary maintenance, you can negotiate a more adequete price for the car or determine that it isn't worth the time or money.

Oh okay, I guess that is what I get for being able to buy new cars. This is what I am talking about. As if I don't get enough grief and evil looks for driving a BMW, I have to get for not knowing a certain acronym. Oh well, I have learned my lesson. In your case, PPI stands for Pretentious Prick Insertion in your boyfriends anus.

Originally Posted by scroades

Oh okay, I guess that is what I get for being able to buy new cars. This is what I am talking about. As if I don't get enough grief and evil looks for driving a BMW, I have to get for not knowing a certain acronym. Oh well, I have learned my lesson. In your case, PPI stands for Pretentious Prick Insertion in your boyfriends anus.

You get more bee's with honey then you do with vinegar.


either way just get the PPI and see what comes back.

Originally Posted by scroades

Oh okay, I guess that is what I get for being able to buy new cars. This is what I am talking about. As if I don't get enough grief and evil looks for driving a BMW, I have to get for not knowing a certain acronym. Oh well, I have learned my lesson. In your case, PPI stands for Pretentious Prick Insertion in your boyfriends anus.

Forgive me for that having a trust fund. Also, I must add that if anyone sounds like a pretentious prick, it'd be you for boasting your ability waste thousands of dollars on buying a brand new car. Again, common knowledge that purchasing a brand new car is a waste of money.

sit guys.. alright, I didn't mean to start WWIII...