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.
• Certified or not. BMW can still certify 2022 to 2027 cars. If this one is certified, ask for the paperwork showing when its cover ends.
• Independent inspection. Book a pre-purchase inspection with a shop that knows this engine.

Known problems on this car

• Leaking coolant expansion tank 2020 to 2023 cars about $600 to fix

  Look for coolant under the car and low-coolant warnings in the history, and ask whether the tank has been replaced.

• Oil and coolant leaks around the hot vee about $3,000 to fix

  Look under the engine cover and beneath the car for wet oil or dried coolant, check for a coolant or burning-oil smell after a drive, and ask what seals or lines have been replaced.

• Carbon buildup on the intake valves about $800 to fix

  Listen for a rough idle and scan for misfire codes, and ask whether the valves have been cleaned on higher-mileage cars.

• Fast tire and brake wear about $2,750 to fix

  Check tread depth and the tire date codes, look for a worn lip on the rotors, and ask when pads and rotors were last replaced.

At the viewing

A VIN check for open recalls (on 2020 cars the rear spoiler bonding and steering column recalls, on 2020 and 2021 cars the brake unit recall, on 2023 cars the transmission control unit recall), a complete service history with oil changes on time or sooner, no oil or coolant leaks around the top of the engine, a clean fault-code scan, tread and brake life left, and how much of the 4-year, 50,000-mile factory warranty remains. BMW Certified cars (up to five model years old, under 60,000 miles) add a year of unlimited-mile cover after it ends.

Recalls to confirm

• Integrated brake system recall 2020 and 2021 cars

  Run the VIN through NHTSA or a BMW dealer and ask for proof the recall work was done.

• Transmission control unit recall 2023 cars

  Run the VIN through NHTSA or a BMW dealer and ask for proof the recall work was done.

• Rear spoiler bonding recall 2020 cars

  On a 2020 car, run the VIN through NHTSA or a BMW dealer, and check that the roof spoiler sits tight with even gaps.

• Integrated brake module recall 2024 cars

  Run the VIN through NHTSA or a BMW dealer and ask for proof the recall work was done.