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.

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

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

• Charge pipe failure about $300 to fix

  Look for an aftermarket aluminum charge pipe or ask if the original has been replaced.

• Retractable hardtop mechanism about $2,500 to fix

  Cycle the top fully on a test drive, listen for hesitation, watch for warning messages on the dash.

• Rod bearing wear about $3,500 to fix

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

• 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.

• Water leaks into the cabin about $500 to fix

  Feel for damp carpet under the rear seat and in the trunk, check for electrical faults, and ask whether the drain fix has been done; if water is collecting, a BMW dealer fixes it free within the cover.

• 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

All F82 checks (S55 crank hub, charge pipe, cooling, oil leaks, a leaking fuel tank) plus the retractable hardtop mechanism, hydraulic pump, trunk dividers, and any moisture damage. Verify the top cycles fully through every position. Ask whether BMW's drain fix has been done (SI B01 08 26, which replaced SI B51 33 16; a dealer confirms BMW's 15-year, 150,000-mile cover by VIN), look for water under the rear seat and in the trunk, and check recalls by VIN.