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 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

• Oil and coolant leaks about $1,500 to fix

  Inspect for leaks at valve covers, turbo oil lines, and the cooling system.

• Cooling system load about $1,500 to fix

  Verify cooling parts have been refreshed past 80k mi, ask if owner has run 5k to 7.5k oil intervals.

• Oil consumption about $1,500 to fix

  Ask owner about oil top-ups between changes, review service records.

• Valve stem seals about $4,000 to fix

  Look for blue startup smoke, request a leakdown on high mileage cars.

• Fuel injectors corroded by coolant 2019 to 2021 cars

  Check coverage by VIN at a dealer and look for coolant residue around the injectors.

At the viewing

Oil consumption history, cooling system status (this is a hot V8 in a long body), full service records preferably with 5k to 7.5k mi oil intervals, no accident history, desirable Individual options. Check by VIN that recalls are done (the fuel pump flange on 2019 cars, the brake unit on 2020 and 2021 cars). Cars built before late February 2021 have 15-year, 150,000-mile cover for injectors corroded by coolant. On 2019 and 2020 cars BMW covers the engine coolant thermostat for 15 years or 150,000 miles (SI B01 01 21); a dealer can confirm it by VIN.