You have found the right car and agreed on a price. Before you drive it home, a few practical steps make the handover smooth and protect you from surprises. This topic covers what to arrange before collection and what to do during the first week of ownership.
Before collection day
- Arrange insurance. In most countries you must be insured before you drive the car on public roads. Have the details ready, including the exact model and any modifications.
- Check the registration rules in your country. Some require the new owner to register the car before driving it, others allow a short period after purchase.
- Confirm the payment method and how the seller wants to receive it. Use a traceable method and agree on the amount in writing.
- Plan the journey home. A long drive in an unfamiliar car is easier when you are rested and the route is planned.
At the handover
Check the car again before you pay. Make sure the car is in the same condition as when you saw it and that nothing has been removed. Collect:
- All keys, including the spare key.
- The registration documents and proof of ownership.
- The service history, invoices and any inspection reports.
- The owner's manual, locking wheel nut key, tools and accessories that were part of the deal.
- A signed receipt or contract with the date, price, mileage and the details of both parties.
The first week
Even a well-maintained car benefits from a careful start:
- Read the fault memory with a BMW-capable tool to see stored faults.
- Check fluids and tyre pressures, and look at the age and condition of the tyres.
- Plan a service if the history is incomplete. An oil change gives you a known starting point.
- Learn the car's settings, such as driving modes and display options.
- Register the car in your name if not done yet, and update your insurance with the final details.
Keep a notebook or a digital file with all invoices and work done from day one. It makes future maintenance easier and increases the value of the car when you sell it.
Introduce the new car
Once you are home, share your new BMW in Introductions or start a build thread in Photos & builds. Members love new arrivals, and they can point out the first things to check on your model.
What did you do in the first week with your BMW? Share your tips below for members who are about to collect their own.