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 2024 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

• Coolant loss about $500 to fix

  Ask about low-coolant warnings and top-ups, and look for dried coolant around the expansion tank and hoses with the engine cold.

• 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 2018 and 2019 cars

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

• Rear differential mounting bolt about $700 to fix

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

• Oil pump failure 2020 and 2021 cars about $2,600 to fix

  Run the oil level check in iDrive. On 2020 and 2021 cars a check that stalls at 15 to 30 percent is usually a software fault BMW fixes with an update (SIB 11 04 26), so ask whether the update was done and, if the check still will not finish, have a BMW dealer or specialist check the oil pressure. Ask for an invoice if the pump has been replaced, and treat low oil pressure warnings in the history as a reason to walk away.

At the viewing

A VIN check for open recalls (the 2020 brake assist software update, the rear brake caliper recall on 2018 and 2019 cars, and the cargo rail fix on 2018 to 2023 cars), an electronic oil level check in iDrive that completes (on 2020 and 2021 cars one that stalls at 15 to 30 percent is usually a software fault BMW fixes with an update, SIB 11 04 26; if it still will not finish, have the oil pressure checked), any record of oil pump replacement, no low oil pressure or drivetrain warnings in the history, no clunk from the rear when shifting between drive and reverse, no low-coolant warnings or dried coolant around the expansion tank, no oil weeping at the valve cover or oil filter housing, oil changes on time, and how much factory or BMW Certified warranty is left. BMW covers the EVAP purge valve for 15 years or 150,000 miles if it fails (SI B01 03 24); a dealer confirms the cover by VIN. On 2018 and 2019 cars, ask whether the crankcase valve was replaced under its 15-year warranty (SI B01 14 23). On those 2018 and 2019 cars, BMW's 15-year, 150,000-mile covers also take in the fuel vapor leak diagnosis module (SI B01 09 21) and the grille's active air flaps (SI B01 12 19).

Recalls to confirm

• Brake assist software recall 2020 cars

  On a 2020 car, run the VIN through NHTSA or a BMW dealer and ask for proof the update was done.