Potential purchase, but ticking sound...

[CowboyTurbo]

Hi guys,

I've found a '98 M3 that I want to purchase. It's a two door coupe w/90K miles on it. A carfax report on it turned up a clean record except for a minor accident w/a curb many years ago sustaining only cosmetic damage which was subsequently repaired.
I had the seller bring the car to a local dealership for a PPI. The dealership only gave the seller an invoice without a checklist of things they checked. They said that they heard a ticking noise that might mean that the lifters were bleeding, but they weren't sure. They gave a $5K estimate for replacing the lifters I+E, cams I+E, cam guides I+E, Valve cover gasket, and 14 hours of labor at $120/hr. The car is located 1500 miles from me in OK so I'm not able to go see it for myself. Originally the seller had agreed to sell it to me for $14K. After finding out about the ticking problem and the estimate, he has offered to sell me the car for $12K. I've read that Bimmers have ticking issues in general, and this may very well be a small problem. However, in a worst case scenario I would be spending $12K for the car and another $5K for the repairs. The water pump, bushings, and clutch have not been replaced yet, but the vehicle thus far has been completely problem free. Pictures of the interior, exterior, and engine bay are immaculate. What do you guys think?

[saltshaker185]

Originally Posted by CowboyTurbo

Hi guys,

I've found a '98 M3 that I want to purchase. It's a two door coupe w/90K miles on it. A carfax report on it turned up a clean record except for a minor accident w/a curb many years ago sustaining only cosmetic damage which was subsequently repaired.
I had the seller bring the car to a local dealership for a PPI. The dealership only gave the seller an invoice without a checklist of things they checked. They said that they heard a ticking noise that might mean that the lifters were bleeding, but they weren't sure. They gave a $5K estimate for replacing the lifters I+E, cams I+E, cam guides I+E, Valve cover gasket, and 14 hours of labor at $120/hr. The car is located 1500 miles from me in OK so I'm not able to go see it for myself. Originally the seller had agreed to sell it to me for $14K. After finding out about the ticking problem and the estimate, he has offered to sell me the car for $12K. I've read that Bimmers have ticking issues in general, and this may very well be a small problem. However, in a worst case scenario I would be spending $12K for the car and another $5K for the repairs. The water pump, bushings, and clutch have not been replaced yet, but the vehicle thus far has been completely problem free. Pictures of the interior, exterior, and engine bay are immaculate. What do you guys think?

i say be patient and wait for another find... what about this beaut.??

http://www.dtmpower.net/classifieds/...1&cat=2&page=1

[Ivan]

120 per hour for labor is ridiculous