M Buyers Guide
Check a car, free
Back to the Z4 M40i G29 guide

M Buyers Guide

Inspection checklist

Z4 M40i G29, 2020 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

  • Oil pump failure 2020 and 2021 cars about $1,800 to fix

    Run the oil level check in iDrive. On 2020 and 2021 cars a check that stalls at 15 to 30 percent is usually a software fault BMW fixes with an update (SIB 11 04 26), so ask whether the update was done and, if the check still will not finish, have a BMW dealer or specialist check the oil pressure. Ask for an invoice if the pump has been replaced, and treat low oil pressure warnings in the history as a reason to walk away.

  • Coolant loss about $500 to fix

    Ask about low-coolant warnings and top-ups, and look for dried coolant around the expansion tank and hoses with the engine cold.

  • 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.

At the viewing

A VIN check for open recalls (the brake assist software update on 2020 and 2021 cars, and the passenger seat belt check on 2021 cars), an electronic oil level check that completes (on 2020 and 2021 cars one that stalls at 15 to 30 percent is usually a software fault BMW fixes with an update, SIB 11 04 26; if it still will not finish, have the oil pressure checked), any record of oil pump replacement, no low oil pressure or drivetrain warnings, a soft top that opens and closes smoothly with no water inside, no coolant or oil leaks, even wear on the staggered tires, a clutch that engages cleanly on manual cars, and how much factory or BMW Certified warranty is left. On 2020 to 2025 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.

Recalls to confirm

  • Brake assist software recall 2020 and 2021 cars

    On a 2020 or 2021 car, run the VIN through NHTSA or a BMW dealer and ask for proof the update was done.

Notes

From the Z4 M40i G29 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.