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

• Coolant loss / expansion tank about $900 to fix

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

• 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.

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

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

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

  Ask whether the oil pump has been replaced and when, look for oil pressure or oil level warnings in the service history, and have a shop scan for oil pressure fault codes.

• PCV diaphragm wear

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

• Carbon buildup about $600 to fix

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

At the viewing

Full service history, walnut blasting status on higher mileage cars, clean accident record, latest iDrive 7 firmware, and desirable options: Adaptive M suspension, Harman Kardon, the Premium or Executive Package (the M Sport differential is standard). Check by VIN that recalls and service actions are done: brake-assist software, the starter motor and steering tie rods on 2020 cars, the coolant pump on cars built September 2020 to May 2021 (SI B11 05 21), and seat belts on 2021 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. On cars built to October 2021, BMW also covers the lower active air flap in the front grille for 15 years or 150,000 miles (SI B01 03 25); not every car built then is included, so check by VIN.