Inspection checklist

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

• Coolant loss / expansion tank about $900 to fix

  Inspect the expansion tank seams, ask owner about coolant top-ups.

• Oil filter housing and valve cover gasket leaks about $1,500 to fix

  Look for oil or coolant residue at the oil filter housing and the valve cover, and ask about coolant top-ups.

• PCV diaphragm wear

  Ask whether the valve was replaced under SI B01 14 23; within 15 years and 150,000 miles a BMW dealer fixes it free.

• High pressure fuel pump about $1,100 to fix

  Ask about tune history and fueling upgrades, listen for HPFP whine at idle.

• Carbon buildup about $600 to fix

  Ask whether walnut blasting has been done, budget for it on higher mileage cars.

At the viewing

Full documented service history, coolant loss and expansion tank condition, oil or coolant leaks at the oil filter housing and valve cover, walnut blasting records on higher-mileage cars, a clean accident record, and the manual gearbox for collectibility. Check by VIN that recalls are done (instrument panel software and crankshaft sensor software on 2018 cars, knee air bags on 2019 and 2020 cars, seat belts on 2021 cars) and whether the crankcase valve was replaced under BMW's 15-year, 150,000-mile extended warranty (SI B01 14 23). A few of the first 2017 coupes, built from February 25 to March 8, 2016, also have BMW's 15-year cover for a fuel tank whose welded top plate can leak (SI B01 03 22); a dealer can check by VIN. BMW covers the EVAP purge valve for 15 years or 150,000 miles if it fails (SI B01 02 24); a dealer confirms the cover by VIN.