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 2023 to 2026 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 / expansion tank about $900 to fix

  Inspect the expansion tank seams, ask owner about coolant top-ups.

• High pressure fuel pump about $1,100 to fix

  Ask about tune history and fueling upgrades, listen for HPFP whine at idle.

• 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

  Pre-purchase scan for PCV and misfire codes, check idle quality.

• Carbon buildup 2023 and 2024 cars about $600 to fix

  Ask whether walnut blasting has been done, budget for it on higher mileage cars.

At the viewing

Walnut blasting on higher-mileage 2023 and 2024 cars (the 2025 engine adds port injection), full service history, up-to-date iDrive 8 (2023, 2024) or 8.5 (2025 on) software (iDrive 8 is a love or hate point), no accident history, working Curved Display. Check by VIN that recalls are done. On 2023 and 2024 cars, 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.