M Buyers Guide
Inspection checklist
1 Series M E82, 2011
Before you go
- Open recalls. Run the VIN through NHTSA or a BMW dealer and ask for proof every recall was done.
- History report. Check the title, accidents, owners and mileage record.
- Service records. Ask for them in advance, ideally from a BMW dealer or specialist.
- Independent inspection. Book a pre-purchase inspection with a shop that knows this engine.
Known problems on this car
- Wastegate rattle about $4,000 to fix
Listen for a metallic rattle as the engine warms up and when coming off the throttle, and ask whether the turbos have been replaced.
- High-pressure fuel pump failure about $900 to fix
Check for long starts or stumbling under load, and look for a pump replacement in the records.
- Fuel injector failure about $1,200 to fix
Check for a rough idle or misfire codes, and ask which injector revision is fitted.
- Electric water pump failure about $1,000 to fix
Look for a water pump and thermostat replacement in the records, and treat an original pump as due.
- Charge pipe cracking about $300 to fix
Ask whether the original charge pipe has failed or been replaced.
At the viewing
- Records for the high-pressure fuel pump, injectors and electric water pump.
- No wastegate rattle on a cold start.
- The tune history.
- A documented, accident-free car, since values depend on originality.
Notes
From the 1 Series M E82 guide at M Buyers Guide. Repair costs are the guide's estimates, not quotes; the guide says where each comes from. Problems and costs as of the date printed.