For Sale: Craigslist 2018 BMW M3 CS w/ 48k Miles in Alpine White

Here is a 2018 BMW M3 CS for sale (VIN #:  WBS8M9C57J5K99745) in Alpine White (AW).  The private sale listing on craigslist states the vehicle has 47,274 miles.  Please note: If the original listing link does not work, this car has probably sold.  Per the owners description he or she states the vehicle has a clean title and has had 3 previous owners.  $59,500 is the current asking price.  Car is located in Portland, OR.

 

General Observations

This example is equipped with the Executive Package and has the standard steel brakes.  This is 1 of 125 Alpine White examples that were brought to the USA.

There is no complimentary CarFax or AutoCheck report for me to review its service history or incidents the car may have had.  The seller did point out there were 2 “minor accidents” to the rear bumper.  He or she states “the car runs as it should.”  Looking at the photo above of the rear end, the repairs appear to be done to a high standard as I’m unable to detect glaring anomalies post-repair.  If I was a prospective buyer, I would pay a reputable auto body repair shop to inspect the ENTIRE car of previous repair work and going from there.  I would also purchase a CarFax or AutoCheck report to review the available history of the car.

Previous Lease Trader Listing

With any used car, I always like to google the vin # to see what pops up.  A previous leasetrader ad was discovered.  With this particular example it appears, like many F80 M3 CS examples, to have been initially leased.  It was originally acquired brand new in the state of New Jersey.  From there, one would assume someone then transferred the lease to its 2nd owner and later sold to its 3rd and current owner in Portland, OR.  In the leasetrader description, the original owner shares a list of modifications as follows:

• Paint protection film
• Window tint
• Ceramic coating
• Winter wheels and tires
• Acexxon Universal Front Lip Protector
• IND F80 M3 CS Painted Trunk Emblem set
• IND F8X M3 / M4 Painted Front Reflector set
• IND F8X M3 / M4 Painted Rear Reflector set
• Sterckenn F8X M3 / M4 Carbon Front Bumper Insert set
• BMW M Logo Valve Stem Cap Set – Black
• Macht Schnell wheel spacer kit 18mm & 15mm

New Car Prep Video and Light Modifications

It’s always fascinating to uncover a used cars past and this example is no different.  In the aforementioned leasetrader ad, the original owner shares the above “new car prep” video which shows the car undergoing window tint, paint correction, and ceramic coating.

In the ad it states the car had paint-protection film done.  However, in the video there is NO documented coverage of the car undergoing paint-protection film.  One would assume it was probably arranged by the original BMW dealer at delivery.  I say this as you typically would have one specialty shop to do all the above work.  I would ask the current seller for more information.  This would also be a good time to ask for receipts as the above items typically carry an extensive warranty through the manufacturer.

 

Exterior Condition

Unsightly Front Bumper Gap

Being that this example is listed on Craigslist, by listing ad default, there isn’t an extensive amount of photos to review.  However, one of the first things I did notice is the photo above of the front end.  There is an unsightly gap from where the front bumper and the hood meet.  If you look at the photo below — from the original owners leasetrader ad — you will see that the hood-to-bumper gap is more seamless and consistent of when these cars left the factory.

Why The Front Bumper Gap?

In my previous blog entries, I’ve stated this could possibly be due to performing warranty or service work and the technician or mechanic not reassembling the front bumper to factory spec when buttoning the car back up.  It could possibly be due to a front end accident.  Giving the seller the benefit of the doubt, he or she mentions there was 2 “minor accidents” to the rear, but makes no mention of the front-end.  This is something I would ask the seller about.  I would also have a reputable auto body shop go over the car to further investigate and ask for their opinion.

Rohana Wheels and Continental Extreme Contact Sport Plus Tires

As the car sits, the seller mentions the car is sitting on a set of 19×9.5 and 19×10.5 Rohana wheels wrapped in set of Continental Extreme Contact Sport Plus tires. The seller mentions the rear tires were recently replaced.

There is no mention of the original Orbit Grey 763M forged wheels being included with the car.  This is something I would ask the seller if the original set of wheels are included.  If so, this would be a huge plus as BMW tuned this car for the original 19×9 and 20×10 forged orbit grey 763m wheels.  The original wheel and tire setup is one of the key performance changes that separates the F80 M3 CS from the Competition Package and the base model.

 

Interior Condition

Looking at the two provided photos, the interior appears to be in good shape. I’m not detecting any glaring wear and tear issues, especially for a car with 48k miles. If at anything, the interior shows wear and tear consistent to a lower mileage example.  The bolsters, on the driver side, that typically absorb the most wear and tear appear to be in great shape as I’m not seeing glaring creases or wear to the Merino leather.

From the angle of the provided photo the Alcantara steering wheel appears to be in good shape for its current mileage.

One thing I will say, this example could use a deep interior detail.  Specifically, a good leather rejuvenation treatment would do this example wonders.  It would also help preserve the merino leather now that the car is entering advanced age and mileage.

Rear seats look great, by the way.  They appear to be seldomly used.

 

 

Things I’d Inquire About This M3 CS

More Photos of This Example

The first thing I’d ask is more photos of this example.  There is no provided photos of the engine bay and the undercarriage.  One thing I noticed from the original owners ad is that he or she was located in New Jersey and had a set of winter tires mounted.  One would assume this indicates the car was driven in inclement winter weather so rust is something I would be concerned about.  I would want to see this car on a lift for closer inspection.

Previous Accident History

As mentioned above, I would want to know more about the accident history of this car.  The seller mentions 2 “minor accidents” to the rear.  I would start by purchasing a CarFax report to see if the accidents are documented to see what you’re getting yourself into.  If you get serious about this example, I would absolutely pay a reputable auto body shop to go over the ENTIRE car for previous repairs and their opinion on said repairs.

Maintenance and Service

All F80 M3 CS’s are freshly off warranty and had free maintenance through the first 3 years or 36k miles (bumper-to-bumper warranty to 4 year or 50k miles).  I say this because service is typically something of a non-issue in the vetting process as it was free of charge through the original warranty.  However, this is something I would ask the seller for records to confirm and review.  If records are not available I would revert to the CarFax report for more information.  If the CarFax report does not show service records I would ask the service department of a BMW dealership to view its service history.

Because of the vehicles mileage and its accident history I would absolutely pay a for a pre-purchase inspection by a reputable indie BMW mechanic or a BMW dealership.  Outside of going over the inspection report with said mechanic, I would also ask what this car needs service wise in the immediate future so you can budget for future operating costs.

 

 

General Disclaimer

I’d like to first clarify that I am not connected to the seller or platform in any way.  When purchasing any vehicle, I highly recommend doing your own due diligence before consummating a deal.  My personal insights and opinions that I’ve shared through this post stem from my cautious perspective and carry no responsibility for the actual condition of the mentioned vehicle.  I highly recommend arranging a 3rd party pre-purchase inspection with a trusted mechanic.  I also recommend researching the vehicles history through a CarFax or an AutoCheck report.

 

Screenshots of the Original Ad

In the event the ad is taken down, below are screenshots of the original ad: