Quick Thoughts - X50i burning oil

[absentmathis]

I'm thinking of grabbing an 11 model at auction tomorrow. It's loaded. Got about everything but HUD I think. Says it burns oil - is that most likely valve stems?I'm thinking I'll throw $9k at it and see what happens. My current DD e70 is a 4.8 and I've never paid any attention the 50i motor. How scary are they? This could be a flipper or a keeper. Any insight appreciated!

[ard]

Make sure it blows cold

Pull the trigger

Jump on it

Add it to the stable

Runs Strong

Never been Hit


Sigh...

That 11 have Adaptive Drive? (ie 'everything but HUD'). Spare tire? 3rd row?

Ive never seen a used car ad that didnt say 'loaded'...perhaps the state of mind when writing the advert?

[absentmathis]

It's not your typical ad. It's a dealer auction listing. The don't write narrative descriptions. Loaded was my term after reading the options list. Auction listings have full condition reports (12 pages in this case) with damage disclosures including close up pictures of any cosmetic blemishes like curb rash or door dings, etc. 7/32s on the tires. It does have AD. Does not have third row which I consider a bonus. Any input on my primary question?

[ard]

I was making a bit of fun at YOUR verbiage....



Pig in a poke. "Burns oil" could indeed be valve stem seals- in which case that's 2500, well shopped.

But, it isn't a guarantee... There was a buyer here, or on BF, where the poster was convinced he was going to buy an X5 at auction and pay far less than us morons that bought elsewhere. Finally closed on one at 9500.

5 months later he is back asking "my newly rebuild v8 has cam timing issues"...welp, turns out that crazy good deal wasn't. He spend another 5k on a rebuild AND whoever did it, F'd it up as well.

If yoiu could inspect it for the classic symptoms of VSS, then maybe. Also maybe take a look at the oil on a white piece of paper.....

[absentmathis]

Good stuff. Thanks Ard. I've bought a handful of cars at auction and haven't been burned yet (although it's not hard to be). My current X5 came from auction and it's been great. Bought my 335 for $3500 (notes said "bad motor" but it ran strong, just smoked like crazy). Fixed everything and had $5k in a $9-10k car.

Anyway, I held at $9k on the 50i and it went for $12.5. I really wanted those ventilated seats!

[ard]

Here, FYI

Hesitation with acceleration (after engine rebuild) - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums