Snapper Rides 2016 BMW 428i Grand Coupe

Vehicle Details

  • Make – BMW
  • Model – 428i Grand Coupe (F36)
  • Model Year – 2016
  • Trim – Sport Line (S7AC)
  • Options
    • Navigation System Professional (S609)
    • Head-Up Display (S610)
    • Panoramic Glass Roof (S403)
    • Heated Front Seats (S494)
    • Electric Memory Seats (S459)
    • Comfort Access Keyless Entry (S322)
    • Comfort Telephony / Smartphone (S6NS)
    • HiFi Speaker System (S676)
    • Satellite Tuner (S655)
    • Reversing Camera (S3AG)
  • Engine – N26 2.0L I4 DOHC Turbocharged, 16-valve w/245 hp and 258 lb-ft torque
  • Transmission – 8-Speed Sport Automatic (ZF 8HP)
  • VIN – WBA4A9C55GG507517 (VIN Decoder here)
  • Stefano Purchase Date – April 6, 2026
  • Original Owner Purchase Date –
  • Manufactured Date – January 20, 2016
  • License Plate – 9ZYE506 (California) (SMOG Lookup here)
  • Interior Colors – Dakota Leather / Korall Red / Accent Black (SLCL5)
  • Exterior Color – Mineral White Metallic (Color code A96)

Additional Specs online here and an extensive recap of the BMW 428i F36 platform over at Wikipedia here

Service History

Date: October 15, 2024
Mileage: 91,675 miles
Performed by: AAA DMV Services

Services Performed: Now that the SMOG had passed, headed directly to local AAA branch and did the vehicle registration and title transfer. $608 in fees and taxes later and the vehicle is now registered properly. Revised title document should arrive in a few weeks.

Date: April 21, 2026
Mileage: 123,681 miles
Performed by: Natomas SMOG Shop

Services Performed: Passed its annual SMOG test so can proceed with California DMV renewal.

Date: 2026
Mileage: miles
Performed by: Les Schwab Tires

Services Performed: Performed four wheel alignment. Front toe was found to be significantly off (no surprise due to the work performed Oct 25). They adjusted toe in to spec.

Had one hiccup post alignment. There was a speed dependent screeching noise from LF wheel, and was not the brakes. Stefano inspected on lift, found the brake dust shield was bent in ever so slightly at bottom front and was rubbing inner face of rotor. Bent back slightly by hand, problem resolved. Car is 100% again.

Date: 2026
Mileage: miles
Performed by: Stefano and Sweetie

Services Performed: Completed a mega interior detail. Work included:

  • Interior Mega Detail
    • Removed all original carpet mats and trunk liner cargo net.
      • Folded the cargo net into a zip loc back and placed under rear cargo cover if ever needed.
      • Boxed up the old mats after a quick vacuum
    • Vacuumed and Vornado’d all carpets
    • Used AmmoNYC Lather and detailing brush to clean all plastic surfaces (door cards, dash, console, side trims, A pillars, grab bars, etc). Wiped off with clean microfiber.
    • Used Chemical Guys Leather cleaner and AmmoNYC brush on all leather seats and consoles. Wiped off with clean microfiber.
    • Used Chemical Guys Leather Conditioner applied with microfiber sponge to treat all the leather seat surfaces and center console armrest and steering wheel.
    • Used Bissell Oxy Deep Clean solution along with Bissel Pro Heat carpet cleaner and cleaned the carpets and trunk liner.
    • Cleaned the interior glass with Sprayway Glass Cleaner
    • Cleaned the Heads up display screen carefully with clean microfiber and glass cleaner
    • Installed new WeatherTech floor mats in the front, rear and hatch/trunk area
    • Interior looks great now! The light odor from the DPO is gone, likely was the dog hair and smell from the trunk area.

Date: March to September 2026
Mileage: 77,849 ‘ish miles
Performed by: Stefano and Angus

Services Performed: Servicing maintenance items from the initial post purchase inspection that are unrelated to the crash damage and repair. A few of these are upgrades as well. These were done progressively over the months. Services performed include

  • Inspected Engine.
    • No signs of oil leaks.
  • Changed engine oil and filter.
    • Used Castrol Edge 0W-20 and xx filter
  • Changed cabin filter
    • with new Activated Charcoal filter
  • Replaced the Water Pump
    • A precaution since it had be heating up on the few drives we did with the car
    • Is an electric water pump and forums show prone to failure
  • Replaced the Cooling System Thermostat
    • While you are at it syndrome, but with the front of the engine fully exposed during the repairs, was easy peasy
  • Replaced the Cooling System head water exit plastic Elbow Pipe
    • Apparently this is a common point of failure, and aftermarket has developed a machined aluminum
    • While you are at it syndrome, but with the front of the engine fully exposed during the repairs, was easy peasy
  • Flushed engine coolant
    • Drained and refilled with new Xerex Coolant Blue for BMW
  • Replaced the Serpentine Belt
  • Replaced the Belt Tensioner
  • Replaced the Spark Plugs
    • Due at 60K miles and no record of completion by DPO
  • Replaced the Windscreen Squirters
    • Old ones were crusted and hose was brittle and broken.
  • Replaced the Wiper Blades
    • Bosch Icon 24OE and 18OE
  • Changed the ZF 8HP Transmission Filter and Fluid
    • BMW ‘Sealed for Life’ is a self fulfilling prophecy. ZF recommends every 70K miles.
    • Ordered ZF8 fluid and replacement transmission pan (incl. filter) and bolt kit from FCP Euro
    • Drained old fluid, replaced filter, refilled following procedure.
  • Changed Rear Differential Fluid
    • Yet another BMW ‘Filled for Life’ device. Has a fill plug, no drain. Signs of a weep, so unsure of level, so figure it is best to just drain and replace. No record of it being done by DPO
    • Ordered BMW OEM fluid from FCP Euro (and extraction siphon since no drain plug)
  • Removed the Aftermarket stuck on Paddle Shifters
  • Windows re-Tinted
    • Removed old bubbling blackout tint on rear sides and quarters and rear hatch
    • Installed new 20% ceramic tint on front drivers and passenger
    • Installed new 5% ceramic tint on rear doors and quarters and rear hatch.
    • Keeps the car interior much cooler and looks nice from outside.
  • Removed rear old dealer license plate frame and installed new plate without a frame.
  • Inspected Tires
    • Front Left 5/32″ and brand mismatch with RF. Recommend replacement
    • Front Right 3/32″ and worn badly on inside edge due to visible suspension damage. Recommend replacement after suspension repairs.
    • Rear Left
      • 9/32″ (nearly brand new)
      • Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus run flats
      • 225/45 R18 95W
    • Rear Right 9/32″
  • Set tire pressures
    • Front 3 psi
    • Rear 3 psi
  • Installed BMW branded Tire Valve caps
    • Supplied by Angus’s friend John
  • Read TPMS serial numbers from the TPMS sensors.
    • Front Left –
    • Front Right –
    • Rear Left –
    • Rear Right –
  • Coated wheel studs with anti-seize paste.
  • Inspected Brakes
    • Front Left
      • Rotor – mm
      • Pad – mm
    • Front Right
      • Rotor – mm
      • Pad – mm
    • Rear Left
      • Rotor – mm
      • Pad – mm
    • Rear Right
      • Rotor – mm
      • Pad – mm
    • Brakes overall look in good condition and work well. Pads have probably 20+K miles life left in them.
  • Flushed Brake Fluid with new Prestone DOT4
  • Inspected Suspension
    • Front has issues
      • Found RF strut was actually BENT (in the vertical just above the pinch bolt) from some prior impact, and was the root source of the RF tire shredding. Obscene the tire shops and DPO’s never fixed this.
      • LF and RF front links rubber bushings cracked
      • Ordered new front Bilstein OEM spec struts and BMW OEM front links
      • Replaced both front Struts and Links
      • Wheel has proper camber now – Nice! Just needs a full four wheel alignment after new front tires.
    • Rear – All OK
  • Inspected exterior lights. All OK except:.
    • Replaced the Angel Eyes Halo Ring LEDs. Two of the surviving modules from the damaged lights that moved over were dead from prior water damage (DPO – common issue). Ordered four replacements from Amazon so they would all match in color and brightness.
  • Replaced missing BMW first aid kit
    • Supplied by Angus’s friend John
  • Replaced missing BMW emergency Oil replacement kit with BMW OEM
    • Supplied by Angus’s friend John
  • Scanned codes with Ray’s fancy Autel Diagnostic Tablet once all the damage repairs and maintenance work was completed. Nothing surprising, cleared all codes. Dash lights and warnings are all gone. Drove for several days prior to smog check, no return of any codes whatsoever. Nice!
  • Took several photos during PPI and first service, see Dropbox 2024 Sept Initial Inspection folder.

Date: 2026
Mileage: miles
Performed by: Stefano

Services Performed: Initial Post Purchase inspection. If you see the Carfax this is a two owner California car that lived its entire life in NorCal, and in particular Sacramento (Stefano town). There is note of a minor accident that was repaired, and from inspection it was likely the LF fender area. Here’s what is notable in the first look PPI:

  • Right Front headlight assembly has water in it (has for a long time) and the day time running light LED array is dead. Suggest replacing with eBay used unit.
  • Some notable dirt on the headliner near drivers window and sunroof. Dirty hands. Should hopefully cleanup with light scrub with upholstery cleaner.
  • Front Left TPMS sensor is dead (won’t respond to Autel TS501, but the other three sensors do). Suggest replacing with a full set of four new Autel MX sensors
  • Rear Left Center parking sensor is not working (via Forscan error code). Suggest inspecting cabling and replacement with color matched sensor from eBay.
  • Steering wheel not perfectly straight when going straight (off to the right). Tracks fine, doesn’t pull. Just needs a proper 4-wheel alignment.
  • Ford’s website says there is an update for the Sync 3 software.
  • Discovered that the only key/fob provided with the car is NOT a Ford original and does NOT have an actual physical emergency key to open the mechanical locks. Yikes. Will need to get two actual fobs and emergency keys.
  • Car has the ford touch keyless entry system. Need to track down the master code. Look in owners manual in glove box. Recommend clearing all codes and setting new.
  • Remote start is enabled in settings. Haven’t tested.
  • All four airbox (air filter) cover screws are stripped. Might be good to try some internet trick to build up the threaded area in the plastic lower box.
  • Washer fluid bottle filler neck mount disconnected. Just needs properly reinstalled.
  • Washer fluid bottle cap does not fit/seal properly. Needs replaced with new.
  • Washer fluid pump does not work. Needs diagnosed.
  • Wiper blades (front) are iffy. Rear wiper is totally shot.
  • Engine Air Filter OK.
  • Recommend Oil and Filter change
  • Recommend Brake Fluid Flush
  • Left front wheel arch liner totally missing. Signs of torn off fasteners. Figure it got damaged in accident and forcibly removed. Needs replaced along with fasteners.
  • Windshield Wiper cowl missing one screw on right side.
  • Right front wheel arch liner missing a few mounting screws to the front bumper assembly. Again, sign of some minor front collision damage.
  • Some crud on plastic LED display for HVAC controls. Suggest clean and polish.
  • DPO epoxied some goofball magnetic cell phone mount to the center console 12V socket cover. Will need to replace the cover.
  • Suggest weather tech floor mats front and rear (in black) and a cargo area mat to protect the carpets.
  • Engine coolant in overflow bottle looks dirty grey/green – not Ford Orange. Suggest a thorough coolant system flush.
  • One of the four tires (Road Hugger GTP A5/02 215/50 R17 95V date codes 11th week 2022) has an irregular wear pattern, and is 2/32 more worn than the others. Treads are chunked. Perhaps was on the damaged corner after a collision and driven on prior to proper suspension repair? Suggest seeing if manufacturer warranty will cover irregular wear vs other three.
  • Minor curb rash on each of the rims.
  • Slight wheel balance vibration noted. Suggest four wheel balance when TPMS sensors installed.
  • Need to confirm two keys and fobs, and that the emergency keys work in the locks. Change the fob batteries to be sure.
  • Even though it is white, could use a full detail including:
  • Administratively would be good to scan the supplied service records from the previous owner, add to the service history here, and then review the CarFax My Garage and be sure all is recorded.
  • Suggest reviewing if there is a Firmware update to the cars Sync 3 multimedia system (current version is 3.0 Build 17276) and see if there is a factory software upgrade
  • Add to the Ford Pass App to see if it will enable remote start/stop and remote lock/unlock
  • For Turo use, suggest:
    • For Turo or ABI insurance, look to add a supported Tracker device like Moove Trax.
    • including copies of Insurance Card and Registration in glove box, but redacted to not show addresses.
    • adding a QR code plaque inside the car to a customer SnapperRides.com landing page with various warnings, helpful tips, disclosures, video tips, contacting in emergency, reminders to use Turo app, what to do in an accident, etc.
    • getting a Faraday pouch to store key in car (for keyless delivery if remote unlock works).
    • fitting a hidden Apple AirTag in addition to main tracker.

Date: March 16, 2026
Mileage: 77,339 miles
Performed by: TJ Automotive in Sunnyvale, CA

Services Performed: DPO #3 took car in for routine service. Work performed by shop includes:

  • Changed Engine Oil and Filter (no details)
  • Checked Coolant and Washer Fluid
  • Inspected Brakes
  • Inspected Tires
  • Reset Service Light

Took them for $165 for a basic oil change. Brutal.

Date: November 15, 2025
Mileage: 73,359 miles
Performed by: Costco Tire Center in San Jose, CA

Services Performed: DPO #3 took car in for rear tires. Work performed by shop includes:

  • Installed two Bridgestone Driveguard Plus 225/45SR18 95W XL BW tires on rear wheels

Charged them $524 for the two tires.

Date: September 23, 2025
Mileage: 72,435 miles
Performed by: TJ Automotive in Sunnyvale, CA

Services Performed: DPO #3 took car in for some drive train noise I think based on the shops notes “Check Wheel Bearings”. The DPO #3 has only owned the car for 1 day and knows something is wrong with the car (eating RF tires), or bought it knowing that. Work performed by shop includes:

  • Inspected Brakes
    • Replaced Front Brake Pads
    • Replaced Rear Brake Pads
  • Inspected Wheel Bearings
    • Replaced RR Wheel Bearing
  • Reset Service Light
    • No mention of what the light was on for

They didn’t notice/diagnose the RF strut was bent and massively cambering the RF tire wearing it out. Took them for $1,394 though.

Date: September 22, 2025
Mileage: 72,377 miles
Performed by: CA DMV in Milpitas, CA

Services Performed: DPO #3 registered the car.

Date: September 22, 2025
Mileage: 72,376 miles
Performed by: Quality Car Care Center- Serra in Milpitas, CA

Services Performed: DPO #2 had the car SMOG checked for sale. Passed.