Executive car · 2013–2021 cars
BMW 4 Series reliability
The BMW 4 Series fails 14.1% of first MOT tests, 34% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 386,143 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a BMW 4 Series before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 14.1%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 34% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 386,143
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 9,100
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
The BMW 4 Series is a solid choice on MOT results. It has 34% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage, and a first-time fail rate of 14.1%, against 28.4% for all cars. It ranks 19 of 40 executive car models. The 2021 models did best, with 42% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage. The 2019 models were weakest, at 14% fewer.
Tyres are the weak spot, with 23% more fails there than comparable cars, so give them a close look. When viewing a car, check for exposed tyre ply or cords, tread below 1.6mm, cuts reaching the ply or cords, and bulges from structural failure. These are the most common MOT failures for this model, so a careful tyre check could save you a costly repair.
MOT fail rate by age
How the BMW 4 Series ages
Each point is the share of BMW 4 Seriess of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | BMW 4 Series | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 10.7% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 11.7% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 12.6% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 13.9% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 14.7% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 16.1% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 16.8% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 18.8% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 19.1% | 34.6% |
By year
The best and worst BMW 4 Series years
2021 cars come out best and 2019 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 4 Series | 4,270 | 6.7% | 42% fewer fails | 25,240 |
| 2020 4 Series | 10,815 | 9.8% | 21% fewer fails | 28,398 |
| 2019 4 Series | 34,037 | 12.1% | 14% fewer fails | 34,925 |
| 2018 4 Series | 62,847 | 11.9% | 25% fewer fails | 41,008 |
| 2017 4 Series | 69,836 | 13% | 32% fewer fails | 52,355 |
| 2016 4 Series | 73,426 | 14.1% | 37% fewer fails | 63,003 |
| 2015 4 Series | 73,376 | 15.8% | 39% fewer fails | 71,340 |
| 2014 4 Series | 51,238 | 18.2% | 37% fewer fails | 77,319 |
| 2013 4 Series | 6,298 | 19.6% | 37% fewer fails | 84,811 |
Common problems
What fails most on a BMW 4 Series
Its weak spot is tyres: 23% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Tyres7.4%23% above avg
- Lights and electrics2.6%60% below avg
- Brakes2.1%52% below avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.7%53% below avg
- Suspension1.4%70% below avg
- Wheels0.8%169% above avg
- Number plates and VIN0.5%74% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.5%74% below avg
- Body, chassis and structure0.2%82% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.63% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
- 2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.45% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 3
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.41% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 4
Tyre bulge from structural failure 1.36% of tests
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
- 5
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 0.86% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 6
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.72% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
- 7
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 0.6% of tests
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
- 8
Headlamp aim set too high 0.4% of tests
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a BMW 4 Series's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit12.09%
- Brake pads wearing thin5.67%
- Brake disc pitted or scored4.1%
- Slight play in steering rack joints2.19%
- Tyre worn close to legal limit1.79%
- Nail in tyre, monitor1.53%
Before you buy
What to check on a used BMW 4 Series
- 1
Tyre ply or cords exposed
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
- 2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 3
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 4
Tyre bulge from structural failure
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical BMW 4 Series covers about 9,100 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Diesel66%
- Petrol33.4%
- Hybrid0.6%
Most common colours
Black, Blue, White, Grey, Silver
Average engine size: 2.3 litres.
Compare
How the BMW 4 Series compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Audi A6 | 20.1% | 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| BMW 5 Series | 20.4% | 35% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| BMW 4 Series | 14.1% | 34% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Audi A5 | 19.7% | 30% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 21% | 27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Jaguar XF | 23.1% | 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Audi A4 | 26.5% | 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every executive car ranked in the executive car reliability index, or all BMW models.
Questions
BMW 4 Series questions, answered
Is the BMW 4 Series reliable?
On MOT results, the BMW 4 Series is better than average: it fails 14.1% of first MOT tests, 34% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 19 of 40 executive car models in our index.
What fails most on a BMW 4 Series MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the BMW 4 Series are tyre ply or cords exposed (1.63% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.45% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.41% of tests). By area, tyres fails 7.4% of its tests.
Which BMW 4 Series year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2021 cars do best (42% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2019 cars do worst (14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a BMW 4 Series do a year?
A typical BMW 4 Series covers about 9,100 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a BMW 4 Series before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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