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 and 2023 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.

• Valve stem seals about $4,000 to fix

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

• Oil consumption about $1,500 to fix

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

• Fuel injectors corroded by coolant 2021 cars

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

At the viewing

Verify the early 2021 engine and stability control software update has been applied (BMW fixed it over the air). Oil consumption history, cooling system status, full records, no accident history. Check by VIN that recall 26V-525 (driveshaft to rear differential, 2021 to 2023 cars) is done; letters go out from October 2026. 2021 cars built before July 2021 have 15-year, 150,000-mile cover for injectors corroded by coolant.