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 to 2027 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

• Infotainment software glitches about $150 to fix

  Confirm the latest iDrive software is installed. A software annoyance, not a hardware failure.

• Carbon buildup about $600 to fix

  On high-mileage cars, ask whether the intake valves have been cleaned (walnut blasting).

• Coolant tank and charge-air cooler leaks about $1,200 to fix

  Review service records, look for coolant residue around the expansion tank, and ask about low-coolant warnings and track use.

At the viewing

Check by VIN that recalls and BMW campaigns are done: brake unit 21V-062 and seat belts 21V-554 on 2021 cars, the 25E-A03 engine software recall on cars built to January 2025, and the bearing shell campaign on 2026 cars built October 16, 2025 to January 19, 2026 (SIB 11 01 26); ask for the repair order. Confirm the latest iDrive software, full service history, tune clarity, clean accident history, and desirable specs and colors. Decide between the purist RWD manual and the faster Competition xDrive, and whether a CS or CSL premium is worth it.