M Buyers Guide
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M Buyers Guide

Inspection checklist

i4 M50 G26, 2022 to 2026

Printed October 29, 2026. Tick each item at the viewing, and write down what you find.

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 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

  • Combined Charging Unit failure 2022 to 2024 cars

    Charge the car on both a Level 2 and a DC fast charger, check the history for charging or Drivetrain warnings, and ask a BMW dealer whether the charging unit has been replaced or updated.

  • Axle shaft damage after wheel slip

    Ask a BMW dealer whether the work in that bulletin (December 2025, axle shafts) applies to the VIN and has been done, and listen for clicks or clunks when pulling away on full lock.

  • Charge-port flap stuck shut

    Open and close the flap several times, and plug the car in to both a home or Level 2 charger and a DC fast charger before buying.

  • Electric drive unit bearing and rear drive faults

    Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for the open front drive unit campaign and past drive unit repairs, listen for whining, grinding or rumbling from the front or rear at steady speeds, and prefer a car with warranty or BMW Certified cover left.

At the viewing

  • A battery health report from a BMW dealer.
  • The warranty start date (the battery is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles).
  • A clean recall check by VIN with the drive-power software recalls done (22V-944 on 2022 and 2023 cars, 25V-395 on cars built through January 2024, the chassis beam recall 24V-611 on 2024 cars built March to April 2024, and on a few cars the battery recalls 23V-295 on 2023 cars and 25V-470 on 2022 and 2023 cars).
  • A dealer check for open service campaigns (the front drive unit on cars built October 6 to November 10, 2022, the charging unit, axle shafts).
  • No history of Drivetrain malfunction warnings.
  • No whine or rumble from either axle.
  • A Level 2 and a DC fast-charge test.
  • A charge-port flap that opens freely.
  • A level stance after standing overnight (the rear springs are air springs).
  • Even wear on the rear tires.
  • BMW Certified cover on cars under 60,000 miles.

Recalls to confirm

  • Loss of drive power recall

    Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup or a BMW dealer and ask for proof both updates, and any battery recall repair, are done, and ask whether the car ever showed a Drivetrain malfunction warning or had a motor replaced.

Notes

From the i4 M50 G26 guide at M Buyers Guide. Repair costs are the guide's estimates, not quotes; the guide says where each comes from. Problems and costs as of the date printed.