E36 & E46 Pre-Purchase Inspection
An independent inspection of an E36 or E46 before you buy it — the known weak spots checked and a written report to take to the seller.
Buying an E36 or E46 means buying a 20-to-35-year-old car, and its weak spots are well known: the cooling system, the E46 rear subframe mounts, oil leaks, worn suspension rubber, rust in the usual places, and on the M3 the rod bearings and VANOS. A seller rarely mentions them.
We put the car on the lift, go through it, and write up what we found with photos — what is fine, what needs doing soon and what can wait.
Signs it needs doing
- You are about to buy an E36 or E46
- You bought one and want to know what you have
What the job covers
- Fault codes read
- Inspection on the lift: leaks, suspension, brakes, exhaust, subframe (E46), rust
- Cooling system and engine checked
- A road test
- A written report with photos
What it costs
Every car is different at this age, so we price it once we have seen yours. You get a written estimate first and approve each job before we start; nothing is added without asking you.
Questions
Does the seller have to bring the car to you?
Do you tell me whether to buy it?
Where to bring it
3 Series Parts Service
More of what we do
Independent repair shop; not affiliated with or endorsed by BMW AG or BMW of North America. BMW is a registered trademark of BMW AG.