I'm looking at some '08-'09 M3 (along with 997 C2S) and I got this e-mail today. Just sounds too good to be true, but I wonder how people do these scams if it is indeed a scam. Here is the message:

Hi,

The car has 7,600 miles and is in excellent condition. It has never been in any type of accident nor has it had any mechanical or electrical problems whatsoever and it is also still under warranty. The car has no dents, door dings or scratches. The car has never been smoked in and never driven in the snow. Very clean, no bodywork or paintwork ever and there are no fluid leaks. It has been kept clean and always garaged. Nothing needs replacing, everything works perfectly.
This is the VIN: xxxxxxx. I am the 2nd owner. There is no lien on the vehicle. I have the clean and clear title ready for transfer.
The car is currently located in NY not in TX. You can come and inspect the car at my place or I can ship the car to your address and I will support the shipping charges and you will have 5 days inspect and test drive the car. The car is prepared for shipping. The car is insured in case of damage and it takes 7 days to be delivered at your door. It will come with all the necessary paperwork (clear title, warranty documents, bill of sale, user's manual, insurance etc). You will receive all the original documents and keys with the car. I signed all the paperwork and the clear title is ready to be transferred to the new owner.
I will send you the pictures (in zip format) and the carfax report in my next messages. Check your email. The messages may not come to inbox.
If you are still interested just let me know and I will send you more details in order to make this transaction. When is the best time to call you?

He sent me the pictures and provided VIN number. He mentioned he is in financial trouble and needs to sell the car quickly (price is way below average at $40k for loaded '08 E92 M3 with 7k miles).

It totally looks like a scam, especially with him offering to ship the car for inspection.
My question is: How the heck is he trying to pull it off?

Thoughts?

 

what do you think?

 

if it is to good to be true, then it is.... I would never buy a car without running a carfax, or checking it out fully in personally......

 

i run a carfax. looks good.
still, sounds too good to be true. if i was in NY though I'd check the car out (he offered)

 

well, I said it looks like scam so that's what I think...
I still wonder how is he trying to pull it off...
stolen car and counterfeit title?

ideas? it's fascinating

 

I would run a carfax....but even then it might not provide any info. See if you can get the info from a dealer they just need the last 7 of the VIN#. The cars in NY you're in MI just tell him you will fly out look at the car and if it check outs (PPI) buy it drive if back.

 

It really does sound like a scam. Sorry to say. A buddy of mine had the same thing happen on an E30 M3. Luckily he figured it out before it was too late.

If you are interested in an M3 sedan I have a 2009 with about 5,500 miles that we are selling at a very reasonable price. You can email me directly at erik@tcklineracing.com

Thanks,
Erik

 

I'm 99.9% certain it's a scam. Should I contact any officials to help preventing some poor soul from being scammed? Who would I contact?

 

PM'ed

 

If you are interested, ask the seller to take it to the local BMW dealer for a PPI, at your expense. This will give the car's service history as well. Call the dealership and talk with the shop foreman about the car, and ask him to give his opinion after the inspection. The VIN can easily be checked to verify it's not a stolen car, but this is doubtful, since stolen cars are rarely moved this way. The price is not so far off that I would necessarily assume the worst. The market is lousy, and good deals are everywhere.

 

If he ships it to Michigan, I can come with you and check it out. I know a thing or two on the new e9x M3s. I'm located in Birmingham. Always willing to help out a potential M owner!

 

Definitely a scam.

off-topic, Efterlyst, why did you sell your M5?!

 

I really regret selling it. I was getting raped by BMW Financial. Couldnt take it anymore. So I had to make the gut wrenching choice between the two.. which is and was nearly impossible. The E39 M5 is easily one of the best cars BMW has ever produced. I definitely see myself owning another one in the near future. If you need help finding one, let me know.

 

Actually it's funny you ask that.

What is your opinion of the E39 M5 as a daily driver?

 

Shoot me a pm and we can discuss