Find or Sell Used Cars, Trucks, and SUVs in USA

12 Z4 Sdrive35i M Sport Premium Navigation 7-speed Dct Heated Seats Sat Apps Nr on 2040-cars

US $43,850.00
Year:2012 Mileage:14001 Color: and interior are in Extra Clean Condition
Location:

Dallas, Texas, United States

Dallas, Texas, United States
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- Vehicle Highly Optioned Equipment

- Vehicle Extra Clean Condition

- Vehicle Highest Quality

- Our Low Price!!

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We Present Highly Optioned and in Extra Clean Condition

 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive35i M Sport Roadster

We Often Close Auctions Early!!
 
Yes, We Do Accept Reasonable Offers!!
 
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Don't Wait Until The Listings Ends,
 
Make Us An "Reasonable Offer"
 
Right Now To Own This Car!!
 
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Use The eBay "BEST OFFER" Option Above
 
Because You Never Know,
 
When We Can Make a Deal On eBay!!
 
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Or Better Yet, For The Faster Service, Please Call Us Right Now:
 
Direct: 214-358-3400
 
International: 001-214-358-3400

Highly Optioned and in Extra Clean Condition

2012 BMW Z4 sDrive35i M Sport Roadster

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 In Extra Clean Condition - Inside & Outside

Must See in Person to Appreciate Vehicle Qualities

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- No Accident History

- No Damage History

- No Paint Work History

- No Dents

- No Dings

- Rust Free Car

- Smoke Free Interior

2012 BMW Z4 sDrive35i M Sport Roadster

Both the exterior and interior are in Extra Clean Condition; Clean and Fresh.

We have included over 200 pictures so you can judge for yourself

the condition this sharp sDrive35i Z4 M Sport Roadster is in.

For your peace of mind, we remind you that this vehicle is under a remainder of the

48 month / 50,000 miles bumper to bumper BMW Manufacturer's Warranty

and 48 months / 50,000 miles FREE BMW Maintenance Program.

So, if you are in the market for a very affordable late model Sport M Sport Roadster

for yourself or a loved one, then you owe it to yourself to take a closer look at this super sharp

 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive35i M Sport Roadster that is offered at a LOW BUY IT NOW and PRICED TO SELL!!!

BMW Manufacturer's Warranty 

 & 

BMW FREE Maintenance Program!

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Retail Date/In Service Date: 07-27-2012

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     4 Years/50,000 Miles BMW Manufacturer's Warranty


Valid Until 07-27-2016 or 50,000 Miles Whichever Comes First

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No Cost $0 - Free

4 Years/50,000 Miles BMW Maintenance Program

Valid Until 07-27-2016 or 50,000 Miles Whichever Comes First

 Full Maintenance Program covers all factory-recommended maintenance, as determined

by the Service Interval Indicator for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first

Full Maintenance Program includes items that need replacement due to normal

wear and tear, provided wear and tear exceeds BMW specifications

This includes items such as brake pads, brake rotors and wiper blade inserts

that are not covered by the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty

Any adjustments required due to normal operating conditions are also included

For exclusions and limitations, refer to the Service and Warranty Information booklet

that came with your new BMW, or see your authorized BMW center for details

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Extended Warranties up to 100,000 miles valid in any

North America BMW Dealership are Available - Please Inquire

Please View "Closely Vehicle Options" Listed Below! 

This Vehicle Is Equipped With Following Options: 

 

Exterior Paint Color: Melbourne Red Metallic - $550 Option

Interior: Black Kansas Leather

Interior Trim: Brushed Aluminum

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M Sport Package - $3,500 (This Package Includes)

Aerodynamic Package

Body color front and rear bumper aerodynamic components and side sills

Adaptive M Suspension

Adaptive advanced suspension system which electronically controlled dampers

adapt to the style of the driver and driving conditions

18" Light alloy Star-spoke Wheels style 276-with performance run-flat tires

Front: 18 x 8.0, 225/40-18 Performance Run-Flat Tires

Rear: 18 x 8.5, 255/35-18 Performance Run-Flat Tires

Sport Seats

10-way manually adjustable front sport seats including

thigh support plus two-way power adjustable side bolsters

Increased Top Speed Limiter

Factory Increased Top Speed Limiter for higher performance 

M Sport Steering Wheel with Paddle Shifters

M Design Door Sills

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Navigation System - $1,900 (This Option Includes)

Navigation System

The highly detailed maps now offer a variety of views to help make finding your route even easier

If you want more than the 2-D view, select a night view, a height mode, or even 3-D perspective

You can also add verbal or written instructions

Take advantage of the travel planner, for any trip requiring multiple stop-off points

Up to 30 different locations can be programmed along the same route

By switching from a DVD-based system to a quicker, hard drive-based system,

BMW also increased the operation speed

Voice Activation

Lets you verbally control numerous navigation system functions,

record up to five minutes of notes, and dial phone calls hands-free

Real Time Traffic Information

In many large cities, the navigation system can display and describe

the Real Time Traffic Information around your BMW

If congestion is on your planned route, the system can often plan a detour around

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Premium Package - $1,100 (This Package Includes)

Universal Garage Door Opener

BMW Universal transceiver takes the place of up to three remote-control devices

It can activate remote functions outside the vehicle, such as

garage-door openers or home-lighting systems

Auto-Dimming Interior and Exterior Mirrors

Automatic-dimming rear-view mirror senses the bright headlights

of vehicles behind you, and automatically darkens

Exterior power-folding side-view mirrors automatically dim when reflecting

bright lights, helping to eliminate glare when driving at night

Lumbar Support

Power lumbar support in the front seats adds four-way adjustable

comfort for the lower back - it can be adjusted up/down and in/out

Power Front Seats w/Driver Memory

Ambient Lighting

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BMW Assist with Bluetooth - $650 (This Option Includes) 

The BMW Assist and Bluetooth System comes with four years of the

BMW Assist Safety Plan which provides Automatic Collision Notification,

Emergency Request (SOS), Enhanced Roadside Assistance, MyInfo,

TeleService, Door Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery services.

Bluetooth® wireless communications technology connects compatible

Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones to your BMW for hands-free calling.
 
The driver can place and answer calls, and browse and select phonebook contacts

 from their phone; simply by using the multifunction steering wheel buttons

 and radio or Navigation system controller.

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Heated Front Seats - $500 (This Option Includes) 

A welcome feature for driver and front passenger in cooler weather

With the touch of a button, seat surface and backrest are heated and

quickly radiate comfortable warmth in your choice of three settings

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Anti-Theft Alarm System - $400 (This Option Includes)

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SIRIUS Satellite Radio - $350 (This Option Includes) 

Enjoy digital entertainment wherever you drive, coast-to-coast

SIRIUS delivers 60 commercial-free music streams and over 40 news, sports and entertainment streams

from the best names in the business, including CNN, ESPN, CNBC, NPR and Radio Disney

SIRIUS Satellite Radio integrates seamlessly into your vehicle with the controls of your BMW's radio

Service Subscription Required

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BMW Apps - $250 (This Option Includes)

Provides a fully integrated solution for connecting your iPhone to your BMW.

Allows you to access the BMW Connected Apps (containing Web Radio, Facebook, Twitter)

as well as Certified 3rd Party Apps via the iDrive system.

Additional features include Plug-in (iPod Interface and Video Playback).

Smartphone Integration

For iPhone and similar devices, allows access to store music, 

can improve signal reception, and recharges the battery.
 
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Through-Loading System with Cargo Bag - $195 (This Option Includes)

Through-loading hatch opening is almost 16 inches wide

With the backrest folded down, skis, snowboards, and other long

items can be transported - even with the top down

Two fastener hooks conveniently transport items, such as grocery bags, in an upright position

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Xenon Adaptive Headlights w/Dynamic Auto-Leveling - (Included) 

Provide brilliant clarity of the road ahead and to the side at night and in conditions with poor visibility

The dynamic auto-leveling feature adjust for varying passenger and cargo loads,

helping to keep headlight glare out of the eyes of oncoming drivers

BMW Adaptive Headlights provide optimum road illumination around corners,

thanks to electromechanical system that directs the headlights into

 and through the bend as soon as the vehicle begins cornering

Halogen free-form fog lights

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Servotronic Electric Power Steering (EPS) - (Included)

The Servotronic Electric Power Steering (EPS) on the BMW Z4 sDrive35i features

very sporty programming, focused to provide intense and clear steering feedback to the driver.

This enables the driver to turn-in with remarkable precision and confidence at all vehicle speeds.

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Tire Pressure Monitoring System w/Graphic Display - (Included)

A tire pressure monitoring system or TPMS is an electronic system for monitoring

the air pressure in a vehicle tire and automatically transmitting a warning

to the driver in the event of an under and, in some cases, over inflated tire

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01CA CO2 Relevant Vehicles
 
01CB C02 Content
 
01CD Brake Energy Regeneration
 
0216 Servotronic
 
0249 Multifunction Steering Wheel
 
0423 Floor Mats
 
0459 Power Front Seats
 
0521 Rain Sensor and Auto Headlight
 
0534 Automatic Climate Control
 
0544 Dynamic Cruise Control
 
0570 Stronger Electricity Supply
 
0615 Online Information Services
 
0620 Voice-command
 
0676 Hi-fi Sound System
 
0697 DVD Area Coding, North America
 
06AA BMW TeleServices
 
06AB TeleService Control
 
06VC Combox Controller
 
07XA M Steering Wheel w/Paddles
 
08S4 Variable Light Decoding
 
08SC TeleService Activation
 
08SP CO2 Control
 
08TN Daytime Driving Lights
 
0925 Shipping Package
 
0ZRF Run-flat Tires

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MSRP Sticker when New: $64,895 + Sales Tax & Fees

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This Car is Highly Optioned!

This is the Best Deal Anywhere - Don't Delay

First Come, First Serve/Buy!!

Note: This 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive35i M Sport Roadster was returned to the manufacturer (BMW NA, LLC) because the non conformity was not corrected within a reasonable time as provided by California State law.

Concern reported by previous owner: "Engine malfunction / reduced power indicator stays on."

BMW graciously repurchased the car from the owner and corrected the concern under the manufacturer's warranty.
BMW performed the following repair to correct the concern: "Replaced delivery unit with in tank right pump, plastic fuel tank with left sensor, performed toe adjustment and charged battery." BMW will very commonly repurchase vehicles to ensure a 100% customer satisfaction.

This 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive35i M Sport Roadster has remaining balance of BMW Manufacturer's Warranty for 4 Years/50,000 miles valid until 07-27-2016 or 50,000 miles whichever comes first. Further, this car have also NO COST $0 - FREE BMW Maintenance Program for 4 Years/50,000 miles valid until 07-27-2016 or 50,000 miles whichever comes first.

Extended Warranties up to 100,000 miles valid in any North America BMW Dealership are Available - Please see below prices:

Supreme Coverage 4 Years / 75,000 miles, $0 deductible per repair visit - Your Cost is: $2,392

Supreme Coverage 4 Years / 100,000 miles, $0 deductible per repair visit - Your Cost is: $2,970

Supreme Coverage 5 Years / 75,000 miles, $0 deductible per repair visit - Your Cost is: $2,617

Supreme Coverage 5 Years / 100,000 miles, $0 deductible per repair visit - Your Cost is: $3,396

Supreme Coverage 6 Years / 75,000 miles, $0 deductible per repair visit - Your Cost is: $2,722

Supreme Coverage 6 Years / 100,000 miles, $0 deductible per repair visit - Your Cost is: $3,610

Please look closely at the many detailed photos we have provided. Needless to say, this is a stunning color combination for this world-class Sedan, and certainly the one that was front and center on the showroom floor at any of the leading BMW dealerships. I hope the pictures do this beauty justice! Just throw yourself in the driver's seat and cruise. It's mechanically sound, and looks forward to pleasing it's next owner. This breathtaking BMW is in outstanding condition, free of any dents or unsightly parking lot door dings, and the sparkling finish is just beautiful. The sumptuous interior is in superb condition as well. VERY CLEAN is the best way to describe this car.

If you have any unanswered questions, comments, or concerns,

please call us at 214-358-3400. Thank You!

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Vehicle Inspection

We encourage and welcome pre-purchase inspections and are happy to assist with them in any way possible.

At client request, vehicle can be taken to local BMW Dealership for inspection.

The cost associated with this inspection is sole responsibility of the client.

Please contact us with any questions.

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Vehicle Condition

You will also have a piece of mind as this pre–owned 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive35i M Sport Roadster

has the remainder of a BMW Manufacturer's Warranty for 4 years / 50,000 miles

and 4 years / 50,000 miles FREE BMW Maintenance Program.

You are worry-free when you're making offer on this beautiful 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive35i M Sport Roadster.

Look at the pictures below and judge for yourself how nice it looks.

This is your chance, to own in Excellent condition 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive35i M Sport Roadster

 at a price you have always heard about through the Internet.

We hope you are our next satisfied online buyer.

Thank you and Good luck.

Auto Financing 

Numerous financial institutions can help you to finance this vehicle.

We recommend Pentagon Federal Credit Union and USAA Federal Savings Bank.

Please call them directly for more details.

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 Great Rates as Low as 1.99%* (APR) for Qualified Buyers from

Pentagon Federal Credit Union: 1-800-247-5626  

www.penfed.org

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USAA Federal Savings Bank: 1-800-531-2256  

www.usaa.com

*Interest rates fluctuate daily - please contact above financial institutions for today's rate; On Approved Credit

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Note:

If you are financing the vehicle, please have it pre-approved

before making an offer or commit to purchase.

Thank you!

Vehicle VIN # WBALM7C50CE385081

Vehicle Title - Ready for Export Buyer

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Recall Document Available for Canadian Buyer FREE!

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We can help you to TRANSPORT - EXPORT

this vehicle Anywhere in the US, Canada or Worldwide!

Very Attractive, Highly Optioned and in Excellent Condition

2012 BMW Z4 sDrive35i M Sport Roadster

Very Attractive, Highly Optioned and in Excellent Condition

2012 BMW Z4 sDrive35i M Sport Roadster

Low, Low, Low Miles!!

Only 14,001 Miles - in Extra Clean Condition!!

Low, Low, Low Miles!!

Only 14,001 Miles - in Extra Clean Condition!!

Be a "Smart Buyer" and call us 214-358-3400 before the Auction ends to make a deal.

We can end the auction at anytime and Sell To You! 

All it takes is your sincerity with a phone call and a $500 deposit.

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Terms and Conditions of Sale

Before you continue, you should print or save a copy of the Terms & Conditions for your records. 
 
We are committed to showing you honesty and integrity. 

We ask that you show us the same courtesy by abiding to all Westwood Motorcars terms and conditions. 

You are entering a legal binding contract. Please read the following carefully. 

Your bid, offer to buy and/or purchase constitutes your acceptance

 of all the terms and conditions in this Terms of Sale agreement. 

You acknowledge and agree that your bid, offer to buy and/or purchase has the 

same effect as manually signing a contract and creates a valid, binding agreement between you and Westwood Motorcars.

SATISFACTION GUARANTEE POLICY 

At Westwood Motorcars, the complete satisfaction with your new vehicle purchase is our top priority. 

For that reason, we guarantee that the vehicle you purchase from us meets or exceeds your expectations, 

or we will refund your deposit in full, less a $150 processing fee. 

Here is how it works: 

After securing the new vehicle purchase by a deposit, buyer has 7 days to complete the transaction. 

Within that 7 day period, buyer may view, inspect, and test drive the vehicle personally or using a 


3rd party services, to insure that the vehicle meets their expectations, and

that they are completely satisfied with the vehicle. 

If for any reason, the buyer is not completely satisfied with the outcome of the inspection, 

Westwood Motorcars will cancel the deal and refund deposit paid by buyer to Westwood Motorcars,

less $150 processing fee. Buyer must complete inspection before completing purchase and/or the 

vehicle leaves our facility. Buyer is also responsible for any inspection cost or expenses.

Once again we want you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase and we will have it no other way! 

We welcome you to come visit our facility as well as view our vehicles during business hours. 

To better assist all guest, test drives and vehicle showing are by appointment only. 

Please call us at 214-358-3400 at least one hour in advance to make an appointment.

FUNDS 

Bidders should seek pre-approval and commitment from a lender before making a bid/purchase or contact us 

before bidding/purchasing for information on available financing options. The full payment for this sale must 

take place within 7 calendar days of the auction close. Full payment can be made by certified check, or bank 

wire-transfer. We can also accept and honor Online Bank Checks from Pentagon Federal Credit Union, 

USAA and other lenders. However, buyer must first contact us before buying, initiating a purchase,

placing bids or clicking the "Buy It Now" for more information and qualification details.

DEPOSITS - PAYMENT TERMS

To secure this vehicle we require immediate $500 deposit.

Remaining balance to be paid in full and buyer to take delivery of vehicle no later than 7 days after auction's - listing close.

If payment terms are not followed as above, all contracts, eBay and Westwood Motorcars are void.

Due to the fact that we often have multiple prospective buyers for the same vehicle,

we will not hold a vehicle without $500 deposit - No Exceptions.

Without this deposit, all vehicles will remain advertised, listed, and available for sale.

PAYMENT METHODS

- Cash - US currency and in person only. 

- Certified Cashier's Checks (US Financial Institutions only) - that can be verified during normal business hours

- Bank Wire Transfer - preferred for faster transaction and required for all International Transactions

- No Escrows

- Vehicle will not be delivered nor title transferred until funds have cleared - No Exceptions.

TAXES & FEES FOR TEXAS BUYER

All sales are subject to a $100 Documentary fee. 

Texas residents must pay 6.25% sales tax and all other applicable Texas taxes and fees.

FEE FOR OUT OF THE STATE BUYER

All sales are subject to a $100 Documentary fee.

All taxes and license, title fees will need to be paid by the buyer when the vehicle is registered in their home state.

All state taxes and motor vehicle-related fees are administered by each state individually,

are not included in the price of the vehicle, and are non-negotiable.

Vehicle may be picked up locally or shipped at buyer's expense.

TRANSPORTATION 

We are willing to help with any reasonable vehicle shipping 

or delivery arrangement that the buyer may wish to arrange.

Please understand that we will arrange shipping for you as a value added service only. 

Westwood Motorcars does not have affiliation with any shipper or transporter.


TITLES 

Westwood Motorcars guarantees lien free titles on all our vehicles.

Absolutely NO Salvage titles or Reconditioned titles. 

All mileage stated is actual and accurate unless otherwise noted in the listing. 

An Odometer Disclosure Statement will be furnished to buyer and lender (if vehicle is financed).

Please understand that the mileage may be slightly higher at time of delivery due to demos, test drives and transportation.

In the state of Texas dealer title work can take up to 20 business days. 

Titles will be sent via FedEx for proper tracking. 

Vehicle will not be delivered nor title transferred until funds have cleared - No exceptions.


VEHICLE INSPECTION

We encourage and welcome pre-purchase inspections and are happy to assist with them any way possible.

At client request, vehicle can be taken to local BMW dealership for inspection.

The cost associated with this inspection is sole responsibility of the buyer. 

Please understand, we do our very professional best to describe in detail the condition of our vehicles as we see it, however,

we are only human and these are pre-owned vehicles, therefore, Westwood Motorcars, and their employees will not be held accountable

 for errors or omissions in the description of the above vehicle or typographical errors in any of our vehicles listings and

descriptions. All vehicle options, specs, features, color descriptions, history, paint history, maintenance records

and manufacturer's warranty information must be researched and confirmed by buyer or a 3rd party inspection

service before completing purchase.

Please call your local franchise dealership and confirm vehicle equipment, vehicle options and warranty expiration dates.

VEHICLE

This vehicle is being sold "As Is" and "Where Is" with no warranty, expressed written or implied.

The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness,

or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith.

Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle.

No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage.

Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type.

It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied

himself or herself as to the condition and value and to make offer based upon that judgement solely.

The accuracy of all information, regardless of source, is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

As we rely on information's from numerous sources we are not responsible for mistakes in the listing.

If you are unsure of anything, please ask. Do not assume anything.

Although we make every attempt to accurately describe our automobiles,

it is nearly impossible to go into detail about every mark on a car.

Our vehicles are hand-picked and we stand behind the quality of each car.

That said, most of our vehicles are pre-owned and driven and therefore have been subject to normal wear and tear.

All vehicles are professionally detailed and reconditioned (if needed) prior to delivery.

BOOKS & KEYS

We make every effort to deliver our vehicles to our clients with two keys, manuals/books, floor mats

navigation CDs (if applicable), wheel locks, tool kits, etc..., however, from time-to-time, a vehicle may be missing

one or more of these items and we cannot guarantee that they will be included in the vehicle at the time of sale.

In this case, we are more than happy to provide these items to our customers at our cost we pay!

In the interest of full disclosure all Westwood Motorcars vehicle listing 

include one photograph showing all attached accessories available with the vehicle. 

PROPER VENUE 

All obligations pursuant to this contract shall be performable in Dallas County, in the state of Texas. 

All obligations of purchaser to pay for the vehicle shall be payable in U.S. dollars in Dallas County, Texas. 


Buyer and Westwood Motorcars agree that in relation to any transaction involving this vehicle that

the proper venue for any legal proceedings will be in conducted in Dallas County, Texas.

AUCTIONS - LISTING

We reserve the right to cancel all bids and end an auction early should the vehicle no longer be available for sale.

There are no bid retractions accepted within the final 24 hours of the auction - listing.

If you have only negative feedback or bid retractions, DO NOT BID without pre approval from Westwood Motorcars. 

Unqualified Bidding, Auction Interference, Shill Bidding, or any form of harassment can be subject to legal prosecution. 

UPDATES 

Westwood Motorcars reserves the right to change the terms and conditions of sale at any time. 

Customers are encouraged to review the Terms of Sale on a periodic basis for modifications. 

This Westwood Motorcars Terms and Conditions of Sale is a revision/update. 

This Policy super cedes any previous terms and conditions. 

Any terms and conditions that contradict this revision or update will be invalid. 


Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

View Our Other eBay Listings

Thank You For Visiting!

 



Copyright © 2011-2014  Westwood Motorcars. All Rights Reserved.

Auto Services in Texas

Xtreme Customs Body and Paint ★★★★★

Automobile Body Repairing & Painting
Address: 4524 Dyer St, Tornillo
Phone: (915) 584-1560

Woodard Paint & Body ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Body Repairing & Painting
Address: 3515 Ross Ave, Dfw
Phone: (214) 821-3310

Whitlock Auto Kare & Sale ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, New Car Dealers
Address: 1325 Whitlock Ln 205, Shady-Shores
Phone: (972) 242-5454

Wesley Chitty Garage-Body Shop ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Body Repairing & Painting
Address: 805 W Frank St, Van
Phone: (903) 962-3819

Weathersbee Electric Co ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Parts & Supplies, Automobile Electric Service
Address: 7 E Highland Blvd, San-Angelo
Phone: (325) 655-7555

Wayside Radiator Inc ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Radiators Automotive Sales & Service
Address: 1815 Wayside Dr, Pasadena
Phone: (713) 923-4122

Auto blog

U.S. tariff threat hits European automakers' stocks

Thu, May 24 2018

FRANKFURT, Germany — A U.S. warning that it may introduce tariffs on foreign auto imports hit shares in German carmakers BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen on Thursday, which together have a more than 90 percent share of North America's premium car market. Washington said on Wednesday it had launched an investigation into whether car and truck imports are a national security issue due to signs they had damaged the U.S. auto industry. That could lead to new U.S. tariffs — up to 25 percent — similar to those imposed on imported steel and aluminum in March. BMW and Daimler shares fell as much as 3.1 percent in early Thursday trading, while Volkswagen's dropped as much as 2.5 percent. "(U.S. President) Donald Trump is obviously not thinking about how to prevent a trade war. Import duties on cars would be a nightmare for the German auto industry and would lead to a massive sales impact," said Thomas Altmann at Frankfurt-based asset manager QC Partners. BMW on Thursday condemned the move to consider tariffs. "The BMW Group is committed to free trade worldwide. Barrier-free access to markets is therefore a key factor not only for our business model, but also for growth welfare and employment throughout the global economy," it said. Daimler, which makes Mercedes-Benz cars, and Volkswagen, which makes upmarket Audis and Porsches, were not immediately available for comment. German carmakers produced 804,000 cars at local factories in the United States and exported 657,000 German-made cars into North America last year, according to German auto industry association VDA. China took pains on Thursday to welcome German firms and investments, with Premier Li Keqiang talking up relations after a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. BMW and Mercedes have expanded production capacity in the United States, but BMW, Audi, Volkswagen and Daimler have also invested billions to build new factories in Mexico in the hope of selling locally produced cars into the United States. German carmakers hiked vehicle production in Mexico by 46 percent to 620,000 cars last year, while production levels inside the United States fell by 6 percent to 804,000 cars because of a shift to Mexico, according to the VDA. BMW has its biggest factory worldwide in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and is the largest vehicle exporter among all the carmakers in the United States measured by value of goods exported. More than 70 percent of BMW's U.S.-made cars are exported.

LA Design Challenge invokes biology for 2025 concepts [w/poll]

Wed, 13 Nov 2013

Participants in the annual LA Design Challenge always manage to come up with edgy, wacky designs for future vehicles, but with a theme of "Biomimicry and Mobility: 2025" this year's crop of cars might be the quirkiest we've ever seen. As usual, automotive designers from around the world participated in this year's competition, and all the designs will all be unveiled next week during the LA Auto Show with a winner being announced on November 21.
Chinese automakers made a strong showing with Qoros, SAIC Motor, JAC Motors (the company responsible for the Ford F-150 clone) and Changfeng all bringing interesting takes on the biology, human intelligence and sustainability theme. One of the more innovative ideas among these automakers is the Qoros Silk Road System allows autonomous vehicles to drive in packs similar to how ants travel. Speaking of ants, the SAIC Motor Mobiliant (shown above) gets its design from the shape of an ant's body, and, like the insect, it can climb building acting as a personal elevator as well. The JAC Motors design also merges vehicle and building design, while the Changfeng LaBrea inspired by the design of muscle fibers.
Other entrants include Subaru and US-based design teams for BMW, Toyota and Mazda. BMW's duo of concepts mimic plant and animal life. The LA Subways concept acts as a submersible, single-person vehicle to take advantage of the LA river, with a shape similar to an Ocean Sunfish. The Sustainable Efficient Exploratory Device (SEED) imitates the shape of a seed pod, and uses propulsion methods inspired by a shark, dragonfly and a water bug. Mazda's Auto Adapt might be the most car-like concept of the bunch, while the Subaru Suba-Roo and the Calty-designed, Toyota e-grus are the most mind-blowingly awesome.

BMW mulled ten, eight, and six-cylinder engines for i8 before going hybrid

Wed, 09 Oct 2013

There's little doubt that the 2015 BMW i8 is one of the most radical and groundbreaking performance cars this industry has seen in a long time. From its unique carbon-intensive construction to its 1.5-liter, three-cylinder and electric motor plug-in powertrain to its concept-car appearance, the flagbearer for BMW's new i venture challenges the very notion of what it takes to be a supercar.
Yet apparently the i8 almost didn't do that at all. Yes, it probably still would've had innovative assembly techniques, serious performance and come-hither bodywork, but according to a new report in the Telegraaf, it was very nearly a much more conventional beast, drawing its power from a V10 engine. According to the report, that line of development never got much beyond the drawing board, but BMW engineers then shifted their focus to both V8 and six-cylinder motivation, going so far as to build prototype cars. The higher cylinder-count engines were eventually dropped altogether after BMW decided to turn the i8 into a hybrid, with the six-cylinder reportedly nixed due to heat management and weight issues. In the end, of course, BMW went with the PHEV powertrain that offers a total system output of 362 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque - plenty of thrust for this lightweight, all-wheel drive coupe while still enabling an incredible 94 miles to the gallon on the EU cycle. Regardless of how it turned out, it's still fascinating to think that BMW didn't have a much firmer conceptual idea of what it was after when it started the i8's development.
Here at Autoblog, we're genuinely thrilled about this new generation of greener hybrid super- and hypercars, a movement spearheaded by the i8, Porsche 918 Spyder, Ferrari LaFerrari and McLaren P1. But even so, our inner-gearheads can't help but wonder what might have been had BMW pursued a more conventional i8, either in place of, or in addition to, the car they did build. What do you think? Have your say in Comments.