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

• Crank hub slippage about $4,000 to fix

  Ask about tune history and whether a pinned or upgraded crank hub has been fitted. Treat heavily tuned cars without it as higher risk.

• Charge pipe failure about $300 to fix

  Look for an aftermarket aluminum charge pipe, or ask whether the original has failed or been replaced.

• Rod bearing wear about $3,500 to fix

  Review oil analysis history if the seller has it, and factor in driving style and track use.

• Cooling system / water pump about $1,500 to fix

  Check service records for water pump and thermostat work, and watch for temperature irregularities.

• Rear differential mount knock about $600 to fix

  Listen for a knock from the rear when getting on and off the throttle at low speed, and ask whether the updated differential mount has been fitted.

• Fuel tank leak about $2,000 to fix

  Look under the car on the driver's side for wet fuel or staining, sniff for fuel after a fill-up, and scan for fuel tank leak codes. A BMW dealer can confirm by VIN whether the 15-year cover applies.

At the viewing

Full documented service history, clarity on tuning and whether the crank hub has been addressed on tuned cars, charge pipe and cooling maintenance, clean accident record, manual gearbox for collectibility, and desirable options and colors. Check by VIN that recalls are done, above all the driveshaft recall on 2016 and 2017 cars (18V-713) and the head airbag recall on 2015 cars (24V-288). Check for a fuel smell or wet fuel under the car on the driver's side, where the tank's welded top plate can leak; cars built through April 2016 have BMW's 15-year cover for it (SI B01 03 22). On a 2016 M4 GTS, have the front wheel carriers (steering knuckles) checked for cracks at the bolts that clamp the struts: five GTS owners have reported cracked carriers to NHTSA since 2020, one replaced under warranty, and no recall covers them.