Is a BMW 320is with no history a good buy?

I am considering purchasing a 1998 BMW 318is (1992 model). Little or no history but looks great. No NCT since 2012. What are the major points to watch out for on a test drive?

Brian Cleere (Dublin)

Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Brian,

Wow, I hardly know where to begin. If you're looking at a car with little or no history then you are taking a major leap into the unknown. Essentially, you're going to have to check everything, including major mechanical checks for items like timing belts, head gaskets and gearbox issues. BMWs of that era are generally pretty tough but beware ageing electrical systems and don't assume that if there are no warning lights on the dash that there are no underlying problems. 

If possible, get the car to a BMW dealer to be checked on a diagnostic system to see if there are any hidden maladies. 

Seriously though, tread carefully. If a car has no history, there's generally a reason why. Normally we'd recommend leaving it well alone.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe