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 2025 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

• Rear differential mounting bolt about $700 to fix

  Listen for a clunk from the rear when shifting into drive or reverse and when going on and off the throttle at low speed, and ask whether the bolt has been replaced or upgraded.

• Carbon buildup on the intake valves about $600 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 $2,400 to fix

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

• Coolant leaks about $1,200 to fix

  Ask about low-coolant warnings and top-ups, look for dried coolant around the tank and the top of the engine, and watch the exhaust for white smoke after a cold start.

At the viewing

A VIN check for open recalls (the 2020 steering tie rod recall above all; others cover seat belt sensors and seat frames on 2020 and 2021 cars and, on 2025 cars, a roof frame crack near the head air bag), no clunk from the rear when shifting into drive or reverse or on and off the throttle at low speed, a record of the rear differential bolt being replaced or upgraded, no low-coolant warnings or white exhaust smoke, a clean fault-code scan, tread and brake life left, and proof the car has not been tuned. Cars up to five model years old with under 60,000 miles can be sold as BMW Certified, with a year of unlimited-mile cover after the 4-year, 50,000-mile factory warranty.

Recalls to confirm

• Steering tie rod recall 2020 cars

  On a 2020 car, run the VIN through NHTSA or a BMW dealer and ask for proof the tie rods were replaced.