I am in the middle of purchasing a 2008 550i from an independent dealer. I was told that the car is immaculate (not even a ding on the wheels) . I called BMW NA as well as a dealership that had recently seen the car and inspected it (not for me) and they did tell me that they found curb rash on 3 wheels. Also, they noted that the bumpers had been resprayed. Since I do not currently own the car, this is all they would tell me. I have run car fax and autocheck on the car and everything looks ok but I would really like to know what the BMW service database says in the notes, etc. If anyone can help, I would appreciate it.

The VIN is WB AN W 5 3 5 7 8 C T 3 4 2 4 9.

Thanks for your help guys.

Joshua

 

Won't the dealer decode the VIN and print out a sheet for you. Heck, take the car for a test drive, bring it to the dealer and have the VIN decoded. They should do it. Heck if they charge you $25 it will be worth it.

 

+1 Ask a dealer to run the VIN for service campaigns, to confirm maintenance and warranty work, and to list vehicle specs. If they know you're going to be bringing the car to them for scheduled maintenance or warranty work they'll do that anyway! I searched the VIN and it's being advertised by Feretti in suburban Philly. I've never bought a car from them but have visited their store several times over the past 5-6 years.

Their inventory of high line cars is good and they pick up some good deals at the auctions. They also appeared legit and honest. But it's ALWAYS, buyer beware and you're smart to do your homework.

With today's prices on pre-owned cars dropping like a rock you could pick up a great car for a very low price - Especially a 550 with a MANUAL transmission. Most buyers for cars like this want AUTOMATICS.

 

Those are normal stuff. Curb rash happens and bumper respraying could be covering the blemish from parking nicks. GL with the possible purchase