[masterh]

I ran two carfaxes on CA cars and It didn't have any history other than couple emission check with odometer records. It's not enough record to trust the car that's almost 10 years old.

But I can see bunch of records from cars in WA. I see list of services records from dealers and even from a local lube shop.

I guess CA doesn't require them to report like WA does.

Anyways, when I am checking out a used car with no history, what can I do other than getting a PPI?

I don't think bmw dealer will give you any service record unless you bring the car in?

[jt335i]

CarFax is not the bible of a car's history and doesn't tell you everything, therefore you need to do your homework, as well as, get a PPI by a BMW specialist and there they should be able to provide you with service records.

[BimmerNugget]

Originally Posted by jt335i

CarFax is not the bible of a car's history and doesn't tell you everything, therefore you need to do your homework, as well as, get a PPI by a BMW specialist and there they should be able to provide you with service records.

Last part is wrong...BMW will not provide you with a vehicle's prior service records under any circumstances. Unless you have a judge order or something. This is done for privacy reasons.

[MysticRob]

Originally Posted by BimmerNugget

Last part is wrong...BMW will not provide you with a vehicle's prior service records under any circumstances. Unless you have a judge order or something. This is done for privacy reasons.

Ask nicely and the SA will let you take pics of the BMW dealership network service history on his screen.

[masterh]

what kind of homework can I do to ensure the odometer is not rolled back?

If it has service records at least for the warranty period, I can see how much miles owner put in this period but I don't think I can.

Originally Posted by jt335i

CarFax is not the bible of a car's history and doesn't tell you everything, therefore you need to do your homework, as well as, get a PPI by a BMW specialist and there they should be able to provide you with service records.

[BimmerNugget]

Originally Posted by masterh

what kind of homework can I do to ensure the odometer is not rolled back?

If it has service records at least for the warranty period, I can see how much miles owner put in this period but I don't think I can.

Easy, check the yearly state inspection records. Mileage is recorded when you get your inspection sticker.

[N52UNED]

Carfax is not always complete. It's mostly reliable for emissions info, title status, ownership, mileage, liens and insurance claims. Not all repairs are services are recorded. Frankly, just because a car has some things listed on Carfax ... doesn't necessarily mean you're buying a car without hidden issues. Don't rely on a Carfax alone.

Even though the car doesn't have any real usable info ... that shouldn't keep you from being interested in the car. Most person to person transactions don't involve Carfax. If you're buying from a reputable dealership (that sells both new and used cars) you'll likely be okay anyway. But still, it's best to bring it to a BMW dealership and have them run a PPI. They'll be able to give you a comprehensive report on the car's overall condition.

If the car is given a clean bill of health from BMW and is a good price ... it may be worth the risk. You can always ask the seller for any service records, as well as, what has been repaired/replaced and when, how often did they change the oil ... yada yada yada. It's best to ask questions anyway. IF you ask questions, get answers and get it inspected ... as long as the inspection corroborates what you were told by the owner, they're likely on the up and up. Besides most states have some sort of laws that protects buyers from known issues (hidden preexisting issues) ... it's not as caveat emptor as in days past.

... just do your homework, ask questions, get it inspected. That's really the best any of us can do. If you're still hesitant you can purchase an aftermarket warranty.


Regarding rolling back the odometer ... if it's a digital odometer I don't believe those can without replacing the entire unit. Frankly rolling back odometers isn't really worth worrying about. I'd worry much more about cars with hidden flood damage more than rolling back an odometer. Plus you stated that Carfax had odometer statements. As long as they correlate with what the cluster is showing .... you're okay.

[Silent9n54]

Originally Posted by BimmerNugget

Last part is wrong...BMW will not provide you with a vehicle's prior service records under any circumstances. Unless you have a judge order or something. This is done for privacy reasons.

When you have a registration in your name you should be able to phone bmw dealer and get the previous records for that vehicle

i did it for a few of my previous bmws and they never declined giving me the records

[Thorin]

When I bought mine I did a "pre-purchase inspection" via the dealer (oddly, a few folks wanted to buy it while it was in the shop). I asked the service tech if I could get the service history and they happily obliged.

[ufokinwot]

Originally Posted by BimmerNugget

Last part is wrong...BMW will not provide you with a vehicle's prior service records under any circumstances. Unless you have a judge order or something. This is done for privacy reasons.

I have gotten service records for 3 different cars no problem. They even printed them out for me on some nice paper lol