I Bought the CHEAPEST BMW 340i in the Country!! and it was a HORRIBLE idea...

Summary

In this video, the creator embarks on an ambitious project to restore a 2017 BMW 340i that he purchased for just $8,800 from an auction, despite its severe damage and mechanical issues. With a history of accidents and hidden transmission problems, the car becomes a major risk but also a thrilling challenge. The creator's journey includes cleaning the engine bay, diagnosing transmission faults, and contemplating whether to replace the entire transmission or fix it with coding. Throughout the process, the video mixes humor, suspense, and hope, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating whether the 340i will ever make it back on the road.

Takeaways

• 😀 The BMW 340i is a powerful and attractive car, but it's expensive, with prices ranging from $20,000 to $33,000.
• 😀 The protagonist found a heavily damaged 2017 BMW 340i at an auction for only $8,800, marking a risky yet potentially rewarding project.
• 😀 The car was a 'cop park car' with extensive body damage from a collision and had been sitting abandoned for over a year.
• 😀 Despite the car's rough condition, it has valuable components, including the BMW B58 engine, which can be worth $6,000 to $9,000.
• 😀 The car's transmission was the biggest issue, with numerous codes and malfunctions, and was a major reason it didn’t drive.
• 😀 The protagonist took a leap of faith, spending additional funds on parts, including new panels, bumpers, and a transmission ECU, in hopes of restoring the car.
• 😀 The car has an M Sport package, adding aesthetic and performance enhancements, making it a desirable model for enthusiasts.
• 😀 The car’s interior is in great condition, with luxurious trim and a premium feel, though it's still part of a major restoration project.
• 😀 The protagonist’s initial fix attempts involved programming the transmission, but these were unsuccessful, indicating a deeper mechanical issue.
• 😀 Despite the setbacks, the protagonist remains hopeful and plans to continue fixing the car, even considering buying a new transmission if needed.

Q & A

Why did the buyer purchase the BMW 340i despite its condition?

The buyer was drawn to the car's unbeatable price of $8,800, despite its damaged condition. The car was a 2017 BMW 340i M Sport, and the buyer hoped to restore it and potentially enjoy a high-performance vehicle for a fraction of the cost.

What were some of the significant issues with the BMW 340i when the buyer first received it?

The car had been abandoned for over a year, had significant rust, mismatched body panels, and a non-functional transmission. The engine bay was infested with spiders, and the car had a variety of mechanical and aesthetic issues that needed addressing.

What steps did the buyer take to attempt to fix the BMW 340i's engine bay?

The buyer decided to clean the engine bay, which was dirty and infested. Using cleaning products, they gave it a thorough wash to make it more presentable and easier to work on, removing rust, dirt, and debris.

How did the buyer attempt to fix the transmission issue in the car?

The buyer tried to fix the transmission by using remote coding through a laptop and TeamViewer. They hoped that a software reset or reprogramming might solve the issue without the need for a costly transmission replacement.

What did the software diagnostic reveal about the car’s transmission?

The software diagnostic revealed that the car's transmission ECU was identifying issues that seemed to point to a mismatch in the transmission model. It indicated an 8HP70 model instead of the expected 8HP50, which caused confusion since such an upgrade is rare.

What was the outcome of the transmission reset attempt?

The attempt to reset and reprogram the transmission was unsuccessful. Despite initial hopes, the reset did not fix the issue, and the car still failed to start, indicating that a more serious transmission problem was present.

What role did the online community play in the restoration process?

The buyer relied on the support of the online community, especially through remote assistance from a knowledgeable contact who helped with the diagnostic and coding process. This community involvement was crucial in troubleshooting and guiding the repair process.

What are the next steps the buyer plans to take with the BMW 340i?

The buyer plans to either replace the transmission if necessary or continue troubleshooting. They are hopeful that the issue can be resolved through a more in-depth reset or with a used or rebuilt transmission.

How does the buyer feel about the BMW 340i despite its issues?

Despite the numerous issues, the buyer has a deep affection for the car. They expressed love for the BMW 340i, even though it’s currently non-operational, and remain optimistic about restoring it to a functioning condition.

What was the impact of the car being left abandoned for over a year?

Leaving the car abandoned for over a year contributed to its deteriorating condition. The car had rust, infestations, and damage from exposure to the elements. These issues, along with a potential loss of mechanical integrity, made the restoration process more challenging.