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.
• 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 2020 cars

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

• Passenger seat occupancy mat 2018 cars

  With the passenger seat empty and then with an adult in it, check that no belt chime or restraint warning appears; if one does, a BMW dealer can confirm the cover by VIN.

At the viewing

Confirm 2020 cars for the 523 hp output. Oil consumption history, cooling system status, full service records (5k to 7.5k mi intervals preferred), no accident history, desirable options. Check by VIN that campaigns and recalls are done; 2018 cars built before June 2018 may need the low-temperature cooling repair (SIB 17 06 17), and 2020 cars have 15-year, 150,000-mile cover for injectors corroded by coolant (SI B01 17 24). On 2018 cars built through June 20, 2018, the passenger seat occupancy mat has 10-year, 120,000-mile cover for false occupancy and air bag off warnings (SI B72 01 25). BMW's 15-year, 150,000-mile covers also take in the engine coolant thermostat (SI B01 01 21), the grille's active air flaps on cars built June 11, 2017 to June 27, 2019 (SI B01 12 19), the fuel vapor leak diagnosis module on 2019 and 2020 cars (SI B01 09 21) and, on 2018 cars built to June 26, 2018, the charge air coolers (SI B01 02 21); a dealer can confirm each by VIN.