If you can get a decent warranty on an older 2008 (that car IS six years old!) I would definitely recommend it. Carmax has a good rep.

IMO, the value of a warranty is directly proportional to your DIY-id-ness. A mechanic doesnt bother- folks that do everything but engine and tranny work, might or might not.....someone that will only bring their BMW to the "BMW Store" will almost surely benefit.

On 'overpaying'...why ask now? That ship has sailed. ;)

On the water pump: they are good..then they are bad. A dealer doesnt have some magic Spock like ability to mind meld with the car and discern what is going to fail. (I think people give dealers WAY too much credit.) The dealer will look at you, say 'certainly sir'. and the mechanic will simply drive the car around the block and if it doesn't overheat or error, you will get "working fine at this time". Carmax will not replace parts "because others have been reported to fail".

Enjoy your car- read the manual!

;)

I think the price you paid is reasonable. I have an 09 X5 that I paid about 27k for and it had 30k miles on it.

About the heater thing....I think its operator issue. I had the same problem until I learned to operate the heating system and now I can control the temp to whatever I want. Refer to your manual. I really is not a thermostat issue at all. :)

Probably too late of a reply but get a warranty if you can or pony up for a later year under warranty...low miles don't mean crap on a BMW. Parts fail, bushings go bad etc etc...I found a very nice 08 4.8i 52K miles w/8 mo's left on warranty and got plenty done during that time frame but am still replacing parts myself...I don't regret it b/c I do a lot of work on my cars and thoroughly enjoy them but if I had to do it again...I'd get one under longer CPO/warranty etc.

Thanks for the input. I am glad I have the warranty, for piece of mind and I think the sensor for the automatic lift closure has malfunctioned as it will only close halfway and then open. No obstruction and there isn't a key in the trunk.

I am taking it to a local independent BMW service center tomorrow to give it an overhaul while it is still under the 30-day all inclusive warranty. Do not feel that Carmax's 120 point inspection is that thorough, especially since the detailing it got left behind the previous owners valet ticket and possible dog kibble in the back.

I have read through the manual and hoping to conquer the thermostat.

Thanks again