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

• Coolant and turbo oil line leaks in the hot vee 2020 to 2023 cars about $1,500 to fix

  Look for low-coolant warnings in the history, dried coolant or wet oil at the top and back of the engine, and a coolant or hot-oil smell after a drive, and ask which hoses, seals or lines have been replaced.

• Carbon buildup on the intake valves 2024 to 2027 cars about $1,000 to fix

  Listen for a rough idle and scan for misfire codes, and on higher-mileage M60i cars ask whether the valves have been cleaned.

• Air suspension leaks and compressor wear about $2,400 to fix

  Check that the car sits level after standing overnight, listen for the compressor running often or for long spells, and look for suspension warnings on the dash.

• Oil consumption 2020 to 2023 cars about $4,000 to fix

  Ask how often it needs a quart between services, look for wet oil on top of the engine and a burning smell after a drive, and watch the exhaust for blue smoke on a cold start.

• Front differential and transfer case failure about $9,000 to fix

  Listen for a whine or grinding from the front that rises with speed, feel for binding or shudder in slow full-lock turns, and ask whether the front differential or transfer case has been replaced or its fluid changed. Near or past 50,000 miles, BMW Certified cover or a service contract is worth having.

At the viewing

A clean recall check by VIN, records of any front differential or transfer case work (proposed class actions over both are pending), no whine from the front axle and no shudder in slow full-lock turns, oil use and leaks on 2020 to 2023 M50i engines (turbo oil lines, coolant), a car that sits level overnight if it has air suspension, and BMW Certified cover (up to five years old and under 60,000 miles) or a service contract on any car near 50,000 miles. On 2020 cars BMW covers the engine coolant thermostat for 15 years or 150,000 miles (SI B01 01 21), and on cars built to October 2021 the lower active air flap in the front grille (SI B01 03 25); not every car is included, so check by VIN.

Recalls to confirm

• Integrated brake unit recall 2024 and 2025 cars

  Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup or a BMW dealer, and ask for proof that every brake recall on it has been completed.