[fxie]

Hi all,

Was originally considering getting into a M2, but decided that buying a used M235i would be a better fit for me. For those who have lived with the M235 for a while, what are some things I should look for when buying used? Any suggestions or advice on what to be aware of with the 2 series?

Thanks!

[Dylan86]

Nothing to be aware of that I can remember. Maybe to check if it's ever been modified or flagged as such with BMW, and check into remaining warranty, if anything... These cars had a few minor recalls, check into those as well. Accident history etc etc etc.

I would just want to know that it's up to date with the maintenance plan, or have the previous owner prove that they did equal or better maintenance outside of the dealership, either is fine.

You looking for MT or 8AT, RWD or X-Drive?

[CO_Steve]

Like all BMWs the list of options is long. No two used cars are the same. Study the options available and figure out your must haves vs like to have vs don't cares. You will then be ready to start looking at cars.

[fxie]

Originally Posted by Dylan86

Nothing to be aware of that I can remember. Maybe to check if it's ever been modified or flagged as such with BMW, and check into remaining warranty, if anything... These cars had a few minor recalls, check into those as well. Accident history etc etc etc.

I would just want to know that it's up to date with the maintenance plan, or have the previous owner prove that they did equal or better maintenance outside of the dealership, either is fine.

You looking for MT or 8AT, RWD or X-Drive?

There is one I've found with 52k km on the clock, 8AT, RWD, its a 2014 with Premium Package. Its been in one accident where it got hit on the passenger side, repaired through insurance and I saw the paperwork (no frame damage, just needed passenger side door replaced).

All scheduled maintenance has been followed as far as I'm aware of, but the owner didn't mention anything about fixing the recalls.

Price is $26k CAD. Warranty expires this August. Should I consider getting the extended warranty? Is $26k a fair price?

[wjones14]

It will probably be obvious, but one thing to look at is the left bolster of the driver's seat. It sticks out so far that if you're not careful, just getting in and out of the car will cause it to tear at the stitching. There are a couple threads with folks showing the wear. It may or may not be covered by warranty, I don't know.

The wear (or lack of wear) on the bolster may be an indicator of how well the car was taken care of in general.

[kivyee]

Good place to check for how "fair" a price is for used car is www.canadianblackbook.com. Use the trade in value, and if the dealer price is within one to two thousand of that, it's probably a decent price (depending on what the dealer had to do)

[kivyee]

Oh forgot to add, maintenance history and recall fix etc should be at available at your local BMW dealer, especially since it should have the free maintenance plan. As for extended warranty, generally first Canadian is pretty highly regarded. More expensive but you get what you pay for. It also covers more items, i.e. just like the OEM warranty, as long as your factory warranty hasn't expired.

I recently got global warranty on my previous car long story short the car was written off and they sent me the prorated value of the remaining warranty, and based on that number, the dealer profit was about 30% to 40% of the sale price of the warranty. I.e. there's no real value there...

In summary, for most people, they will probably end up ahead if they save the money spent on the warranty and just paid for the repairs that come up. Also be aware that they typically have many clauses in their agreements that let them deny coverage...Any mods, low tolerance in not strictly following manufacturers maintenance schedule, oil changes needing to be performed at a shop (and at 6months as opposed to what BMW normal oil change interval) etc etc...

[jkma707]

I also need some advice... $21K/25K for a 2015 228i Msport with CPO 48K miles OR a 2015 M235i with NO warranty with about 58k miles for $25Kish.
Thoughts anyone? Biggest decision for me.

Now I have always worked on cars growing up, me and my father never had warranty on cars so we did everything ourselves from oil changes, to engine removals, water pumps, etc...

I read that the N20 isn't as reliable or strong as the N55...not as much fun either but I know if I get the 228i i might always be wishing for the M235i but a bit of peace of mind with the CPO with the 228i.. very confused guys I need some help

[XutvJet]

I would go with the later year M235s as a lot more equipment because standard. There were also minor upgrades to the interior materials. The 2014s were the first model year. I wouldn't do it.

[amw896]

Originally Posted by jkma707

I also need some advice... $21K/25K for a 2015 228i Msport with CPO 48K miles OR a 2015 M235i with NO warranty with about 58k miles for $25Kish.
Thoughts anyone? Biggest decision for me.

Now I have always worked on cars growing up, me and my father never had warranty on cars so we did everything ourselves from oil changes, to engine removals, water pumps, etc...

I read that the N20 isn't as reliable or strong as the N55...not as much fun either but I know if I get the 228i i might always be wishing for the M235i but a bit of peace of mind with the CPO with the 228i.. very confused guys I need some help

for the current used pricing I would recommend getting the n55, it's a gem, especially if you are planning on boosting power.

[fxie]

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

The price the dealer is asking for this car is $23k + tax (I'm in Ontario, so tax is 13%), which roughly comes to about $26k. Looking at Canadian Black Book, that is at the low end of the scale, which means this is a pretty fair price. No major issues with the car aside from a fuel pump recall.

I'm planning on keeping the car for at least 4-5 years, and if I look at prices for 135 or 335 that are 8-9 years old, they are trading in at $14-15k. So, if my rationale is if I can buy this for $26k, drive it around for 4-5 years without any major issues other than maintenance, I'm really only out $12k over the 4 years. As a depreciating asset, thats not too bad no?

[kivyee]

Originally Posted by jkma707

I also need some advice... $21K/25K for a 2015 228i Msport with CPO 48K miles OR a 2015 M235i with NO warranty with about 58k miles for $25Kish.
Thoughts anyone? Biggest decision for me.

Now I have always worked on cars growing up, me and my father never had warranty on cars so we did everything ourselves from oil changes, to engine removals, water pumps, etc...

I read that the N20 isn't as reliable or strong as the N55...not as much fun either but I know if I get the 228i i might always be wishing for the M235i but a bit of peace of mind with the CPO with the 228i.. very confused guys I need some help

Depends on your goals...If you can afford downtime to fix the car and want a higher base level of performance, then you might be better served by the 235i. If you want a no issue, cpo, warrantied car, then go with a 228i. Not that the 235i is inherently less reliable, but it does have more miles and is out of warranty.

[amw896]

I'm also in Ontario and see really good deals on other 235s. Why are you particular on this one?

[Kolyan2k]

Mine is rock solid, nothing that I would look out for, just maintenance. I only have 30k miles though

Oh, maybe water in rear lights. Its common, mine are getting replaced under warranty

[fxie]

Originally Posted by amw896

I'm also in Ontario and see really good deals on other 235s. Why are you particular on this one?

Not particular on this specific one, it just happens to be the lowest mileage one I've found at the price, with the color/options I've been looking for. Many others are higher mileage and are asking for just as much.

What would be considered a good deal?

[amw896]

Originally Posted by fxie

Not particular on this specific one, it just happens to be the lowest mileage one I've found at the price, with the color/options I've been looking for. Many others are higher mileage and are asking for just as much.

What would be considered a good deal?

26k is a good price all things considered but it's mostly due to the accident. Personally, if I were in the market right now, i would hold out for something perfect at a reasonable price, not just what's cheapest and has your color scheme. Even though they are great cars, the depreciation is pretty bad so there will always be good finds if youre patient. Especially since you're looking for an AT. Manual is definitely harder to come by with the right options. I would also recommend executive package with the electro gadgets.

[BEM-S4]

I would not buy a car with an accident history no matter how minor. Whatever you save buying you'll lose again when you sell, and it will take longer to move.

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by fxie

Not particular on this specific one, it just happens to be the lowest mileage one I've found at the price, with the color/options I've been looking for. Many others are higher mileage and are asking for just as much.

What would be considered a good deal?

Is this through a BMW dealer?
If so, I recommend that you get a year or 2 extended warranty. I wouldn't get a several year old Bimmer without some level of warranty.
You may want to get them to throw in a year or 2 extended warranty or at least give you a smoking hot deal on an extended warranty.

[Dylan86]

Originally Posted by fxie

There is one I've found with 52k km on the clock, 8AT, RWD, its a 2014 with Premium Package. Its been in one accident where it got hit on the passenger side, repaired through insurance and I saw the paperwork (no frame damage, just needed passenger side door replaced).

All scheduled maintenance has been followed as far as I'm aware of, but the owner didn't mention anything about fixing the recalls.

Price is $26k CAD. Warranty expires this August. Should I consider getting the extended warranty? Is $26k a fair price?

Accident is why this car is priced the way it is, imo. That is stupid cheap, for what you're getting. I wouldn't touch a used car with accident history, personally, and unless you plan on keeping this car until it runs into the ground, it'll haunt you. You'll lose more on resale too I'd imagine.. Is this dealer flexible on price? Seems super low already, but never hurts to try and negotiate..

Other key factors could be the demand for x-Drive, this car being RWD and automatic will also have an edge on the used car world. If it were the same car, and 6MT, it would be over 30K, lol

I'd say go with what makes you happy, if saving money if in mind, this is a steal.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

I would not buy a car with an accident history no matter how minor. Whatever you save buying you'll lose again when you sell, and it will take longer to move.

What's your thinking in this regard if the OP holds onto the car for, say, the 4-5 years he says he intends to? Is it the case that once enough time has passed, a relatively inconsequential accident no longer has the significance that it did when it was still fairly recent?

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by dradernh

What's your thinking in this regard if the OP holds onto the car for, say, the 4-5 years he says he intends to? Is it the case that once enough time has passed, a relatively inconsequential accident no longer has the significance that it did when it was still fairly recent?

On a long enough timeline the survival rate for everyone drops to zero. Yes, the longer you hold a car the less it matters but it will still be a tougher sell when the time comes. You'd also have to check with your dealer on whether or not BMW would allow you to certify the car if you so desire - I have no idea on that.

My point is take two cars that are identical except one has an accident and is $3k cheaper for example. That $3k is a phantom $3k in savings and isn't realized until you hold the car long enough to sell it for the same as a pristine car.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

You'd also have to check with your dealer on whether or not BMW would allow you to certify the car if you so desire - I have no idea on that.

Ah, yes, I hadn't thought of that aspect - that could certainly matter to a buyer.

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

My point is take two cars that are identical except one has an accident and is $3k cheaper for example. That $3k is a phantom $3k in savings and isn't realized until you hold the car long enough to sell it for the same as a pristine car.

My thinking here is that generally in this context the average buyer doesn't understand that a qualified body shop can tell you what it is you're getting into - i.e., a car that was fixed properly, one that wasn't and needs specific remedial attention, or one that wasn't and is still okay to keep on using as-is.

Instead, we choose to think that (most any) accident = significantly lower value, and for a significant number of years to come. There's nothing really wrong with that, especially as it represents an opportunity for an informed buyer to save a few grand on a car he or she intends to hold past the point where it matters in the marketplace.