May not need to be replaced. That PPI should clarify what needs to be done. I wouldn't say replacing the rack is very difficult if you have some BMW DIY experience.

Sure am glad I don't live in your part of the states. People in your neighborhood pay triple what cars are going for here.

Looks tedious but not difficult...and you can get rebuilt racks to just swap out vice trying to replace seals yourself. PPI would definitely be needed for this one. Now the rub...assuming the rack is the only issue on the E70...do I go with the higher mileage 2007 or the loaded 03? I think the answer is...I need my wife to drive both.

Do both engines have the timing chain guide issue?

Tell me about it...I lived in Alabama for about 18 months. Enjoyed it. But central AC is required. ;)

Yeah AC is a must. EVERYTHING I own has AC even if it didn't have it when I bought it :)

When timing guides in a 4.6 become a problem is a guess. It might be around 100,000 miles, it could be at 25,000 even 50,000 more.

The 4.8 is better known for valve guide failure after 75,000 miles but could be fine at 150,000.

BMW issued a warning on the 4.4 engine timing guides in 2008 but the 2007s aren't known for timing guide failure.

When you are looking at vehicles that are 10 or more years old all you can do is seek out one with a great history, few owners, clean carfax, great PPI results and most of all what you like most and drive on. Even what sounds like the best there is may end up being the worst. Ya pay your money and take your chances. When you love what you bought problems are easier to stomach.

Totally agree...have been very fortunate with all the vehicles I have purchased used. It is forums like these that have helped, too! Realistic expectations are everything.

All those cars have issues, even my girlfriend's bought new f56 Mini has issues that bmw won't cover.
Its a matter of life that any nice car for a 10th of the original cost is going to need maintenance. DIY is your friend for most of it since most of it is really easy.

And realisticaly, anyone with half a brain and a smidge of patience and method could dismantle and rebuild and engine, there are no complicated tools needed and its quite straightforward. A bentley manual and youtube and you've got all you need.

So...was supposed to do a test drive today (dealer is over an hour away). Sales person emails (vice calling) before we depart and tells me that I can't do the test drive today as the vehicle is in their shop for a window regulator replacement and possible coilpack replacement due to a misfire. So should I be happy the dealership wants to make sure car is right before I see it or leary because their intake QA process before listing the car is shoddy? Or should I just be irritated that the salesperson wasn't aware of the status yesterday when I setup the appt? Was still a relaxing Saturday with the wife so, nothing lost, I suppose. We'll see if they actually call me back when it is "done".

You should be what you feel.