Pre-Purchase Inspection in PERTH

[Abe Froman]

Hi all,

I know OzAudi is an Audi forum (derr) but maybe someone in Perth could give me some advise.

I'm looking at buying an E60 M5 from Chellingworth Motors in Nedlands, Perth, WA (a Porsche/Bentley dealership). I'm looking at getting a pre-purchase inspection done and was wondering if anyone could recommend someone.

My primary option is to just get it done at the only Perth BMW dealership Auto Classic seeing as they understand BMW's, and more importantly SMG issues and other BMW problems and general tell-tale signs.

The other option is having it done at an indy place, Eg. A1 Autocheck came up after I go0glized. They'd go over it like any other car but for specific M5 issues (as reported by other M5 owners on forums), I'd have to let them know specifically...

Please advise and thanks in advance!
Linh

 

[gareth_oau]

you can rely on the quality of workmanship at Quattro Motors in Burswood 9361 7111, but you would need to check if they are ok with BMW. Also, you might be waiting up to 2 weeks for a booking.

A tip for you, whoever does your inspection.

As for specific advice on how much life is left in brakes and pads, clutch (if manual), belts etc.

these items won't be covered under a warranty and could present big $$$ to you if you have to service them soon after purchase

 

[mouse]

If you are able to get the inspection done at someone's workshop (rather than at the dealer) there are a few reputable independent BMW specialists around.
http://www.swissmotors.com.au/ is in Osborne park - I take the wife's e90 there.

Other places with a good rep are:

BM Techniks in Bayswater 9371 3131

BM Auto Engineering, Malaga.

Independent BMW Parts & Service Centre, Bibra Lake

(google for websites & phone numbers).

I'm sure either of these will be able to check for any error codes and do a thorough check of the car.
then join up to bimmerclubinc

 

[Abe Froman]

Thanks for the recommendations and advise, guys!

Seems Swiss Motors and BM Techniks are what most people have been suggesting to me!

Gareth, 2 weeks. damn at least i have options now, i can just try them all... clutch is a big concern for me (SMG). not sure how easily they can check clutch life... pretty sure brakes were all done recently (will confirm also)

thanks again everyone!

 

[Alister]

Are you sure you want to own an E60 M5 Linh?

Have heard some real horror stories (primarily gearbox related) with these and don't think I'd ever want to personally take the risk with one out of warranty.

 

[gareth_oau]

if its from a dealer, ask for an extended warranty

 

[dcc236]

Are you sure you want to own an E60 M5 Linh?

Have heard some real horror stories (primarily gearbox related) with these and don't think I'd ever want to personally take the risk with one out of warranty.

I'd 2nd that!

An E46 or E92 M3 would be much better cars to own and drive. At the end of the day, even a B7 RS4 might be ok...!

 

[Abe Froman]

alister, the smg pump amongst other things are a very big concern for me... i hear a lot of horror stories in america but no so much in australia. but then again, that's probably due to there being a lesser number of them downunder.

im hoping that the thorough prepurchase inspection can cover as much ground work as possible to avoid any issues.

my main problem is budget and my wife. she's quite picky with what she'll let me buy and in my budget (80-ish), there isn't heaps to choose from... i've always had a love for the E60 M5 though.

having said that, i just caught wind of a private sale in adelaide in my wife's farming community of someone wanting to offload their '08 C63 for <$100k. if i can get them down to $80k (doubtful) then that would be another option.

note: she doesn't like RS4's else i'd be back in the quattro community!

 

[Abe Froman]

I'd 2nd that!

An E46 or E92 M3 would be much better cars to own and drive. At the end of the day, even a B7 RS4 might be ok...!

remember how i was really close to getting an E46 M3? hehe "too old" the wife says. E92 M3's are above our budget and the other main requirement is that it be 4-door as we're starting a family...

not all E60 M5's can be lemons... *touch wood*

 

[cykezero]

My friend looked at the E60 M5 seriously. His research seems to indicate that the 05 and 06 M5s were the ones that had the major gearbox problems.