Water damage that big of a deal?

jordanmber

Was a few days from buying a used 330ci (im a grad student) when I learned it was a rebuild because of water damage at 38k. It now has 110k and the guy I was buying it from says he had no problems in the two years he's owned it. Very honest guy so I take his word. I spoke to a bmw specialist and he told me to just stay away completely. After 80k miles is the water damage still that big of a deal?

Mr_Shiftright

Well it's all a gamble and nobody has a crystal ball. It sounds like you are rolling the dice based on hearsay information only. I suppose you could take the car to that BMW specialist and have him inspect it for water intrusion in the transmission and differential, or for corrosion in the wiring under the seats, in the door panels, and in the wiring harness. If ...IF....a) the car passed inspection with flying colors and b) the price was drastically below book value, then it might be an okay buy.

The point is---unless the car were at a rock bottom price, why would you even want it?

My two cents?--don't pay more than you are prepared to lose. This is a risky purchase so treat it as such.

jordanmber

Thank you, yeah I took your advice and told him that if he has trouble selling it over the next few months and would reduce the price to around 2500-3000 I would take it but I'm sure someone will buy it by then 

kyfdx

Good idea. There is no shortage of E46 3-Series. Wait for a better one.

jordanmber

This was my first time driving and I fell in love. Just needed to have it