New to the G cars and am interested in buying a used sedan. Looking at cars around the 110k mile mark. A local guy has a nice car that is very clean that I am going to drive tonight. Are there any problems I should look for in particular?

Thanks!

 

belts, bushings, oil, hoses, and brakes/rotors....test drive it with the windows down and the ac on. Make sure the cd player works enjoy

 

Haha, simple enough. I sold my E39 yesterday, I will miss it but not miss the constant upkeep.

 

Not sure if you are aware of the exterior options are for the car. But if you find one that looks like the one below, with the Nismo kit (and mechanically everything is good) then jump on it!



vs this one without the Nismo Kit

 

Nice tip, thank you!

 

+ bearings :-)

 

Cool. I am going to drive a late build date 2003 tonight. Price is good, and seems to be in great condition.

 

Check for issues with the compression rods (clunking sounds from front suspension). Problems opening and closing the hood due to bent hood hinges. Problems with the trunk opening due to wiring issues.

 

These cars are notorious for wheel bearings, and compression rod (suspension part) failures

 

listen for timing chain noise. if the maintenance was not followed the tensioner shoes will wear and start to hit the chain.

 

Thanks for the info guys. This was a really nice car but I just don't think it's the right car for me, I think I need something larger.

 

or

 

I was googling the M35/45 too bad they are so far out of reach price wise right now!

Great suggestions though, thank you.

 

I take that back, I am not out for sure I am going to go look at it again.

 

Drive a G hard, it'll make you want it more


As for practical things to look for when shopping, as was mentioned, make sure the CD changer works... I mean actually load/unload it and play a disk.
Be prepared for the eventuality that it will give problems, it happens a LOT, but it's kinda a good excuse for a nice double-din

Make sure all 4 windows and door locks work, that can sometimes be an issue.
Mike sure the high-mount (3rd) brake light works.

If you're getting an 04, this shouldn't be an issue... but you'll probably want to try and avoid the early 03's.
Pop the hood and check if it has dual electric fans, or a clutch fan. If it has a clutch fan, it's most likely one of the older 03s.

If you can get your hands on a later model 04 (aka 04.5) they have a better shift logic in the automatic transmission, as well as a few other minor things that are nicer.

Like Marcus said, the Nismo/Areo pkg is highly desirable (and good looking)
Another thing you may want to check is to see if it has the premium pack.
One of the easiest ways to check that, is to walk up to the car with the remote, and hold down then unlock button. If all 4 windows roll down, it has the premium package. If only the front two do, it doesn't.

To check for the sport package, look for red shocks/struts

That's about all I can think of at the moment.

I hope you find a car you'll be happy with