Our DD/tow vehicle (ML320 Bluetec) was totalled not long ago and I've been hunting for a replacement. Came across a well-priced 2011 35i in town. It's high mileage (works out to around 110K miles?) and has a "rebuilt" status due to an accident a number of years ago that damaged the front passenger side fender and bumper, but no structural damage and the current owner has been driving it for several years so it will reduce resale value (good while I'm buying) but shouldn't result in any further gremlins in the system.

I have an E46 M3 (2003) and I've done a ton of coding on that, so I'm somewhat familiar with BMW stuff, but it's been a few years since I've done any of that and I'm new to the E70.


Along with a visual inspection and test drive I'll take along my Foxwell N510 Elite to see what codes are popping up. If I like what I see, I think I'll still get a trusted BMW indy to do an inspection, but don't want to sink the time and money into that if there are things I should spot beforehand. Here are the things I've noted to watch for... anything else I should keep in mind?

• Start it up cold when I arrive (ask him not to warm it for me) and see how it starts/any odd noises
• Check for oil leaks, especially filter housing gasket and drips under from pan gasket
• If it has air suspension, check rear bags.
• Listen for clicking at idle (plugs, coils, or VANOS)
• It has a hitch, but I'll see if it has wiring in place for trailer connection outside and brake controller inside
• Electronic functions (seats, stereo, locking/unlocking, rear liftgate)

If I do end up getting it, sounds like these are the things I can plan on doing in the near future if there aren't adequate service records or if there are records but they haven't been done:

• New transmission fluid, pan, and filter
• Oil filter housing gasket (preemptive) and oil pan gasket (when needed)
• Belt and belt tensioner
• Water pump and thermostat
• Maybe coolant hoses

Anything else I should be watching out for? I expect to be doing some maintenance on it, but the price is low enough to make that worthwhile.