It did have a mechanical inspection but wasn't taken out on the motorway.

It hasn't been crashed or submerged either. I spoke to the BMW service centre that have serviced the car for the last three years, they gave it the all clear.

From what I read on this forum:

1. Tail lights leaking are a common fault apparently, most get repaired under warranty. BMW now use a different seal, demand for these lights as spares is so high there is a 16 week delivery.

2. Battery drain has also cropped up in a number of threads, seems to be common in the e70, my local BMW dealer tells me that he has just replaced an e70 battery a few months ago and the same thing is happening.

3. I have also seen a number of posts re roof bars rusting. Seems to be common enough also. It's a real pain because the roof liner has to be taken out to replace them. They are cheap enough at €130 each.

4. I replaced a rear tyre yesterday and had the rear wheels balanced and that seems to have the vibration sorted thankfully.

I suppose the reason for the post now is buyer beware re the battery, roof bars and lights.

Ck.