Start with the paperwork
Match the VIN in the documents to the car. Check the claimed year, variant and service records. A long options list does not replace a clear ownership history and the seller’s right to sell the vehicle.
Before the test drive
Inspect bodywork in daylight, panel gaps, repair evidence, corrosion and tyre condition. Compare wheel sizes with the documentation. Ask to see a cold start. Visible leaks, warning lights or unexplained noises call for diagnosis, not guesswork.
An independent inspection
Arrange a lift inspection and diagnostics compatible with that BMW. Ask for written findings. Estimate future maintenance from this particular car’s condition rather than the generation’s reputation alone.
