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BMW · Mid-Size · 2013–2020

BMW 4er F32

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

306–360 PS

3.0L Turbo Benzin

Six-Pot Coupe

Fun to Drive!

Body Variants

The BMW 4er F32 is available as Coupé and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Generations


Engine Overview

The BMW 4er F32 is available with 5 engine variants — from 116 to 360 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

420d · Diesel· 184–205 PS Engine Change
2015 2020
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2015 2020
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2016 2020
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2016 2020
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
430d · Diesel· 258 PS
2013 2020
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
420i · Benziner· 184 PS
2016 2020
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
430i · Benziner· 252–258 PS Engine Change
2016 2020
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2016 2020
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
435i · Benziner· 306 PS
2013 2016
Be Careful 10 weaknesses

The BMW 420d (Diesel, 184–205 PS) comes with 4 different engines: B47D20 (2015–2020, Be Careful) und B47D20 (2015–2020, Be Careful) und B47D20 (2016–2020, Be Careful) und B47D20 (2016–2020, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 420d!

The BMW 430d (Diesel, 258 PS) has the N57D30 (3.0L Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The BMW 420i (Benziner, 184 PS) has the B48B20 (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The BMW 430i (Benziner, 252–258 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B48B20 (2016–2020, Be Careful) und B48B20 (2016–2020, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 430i!

The BMW 435i (Benziner, 306 PS) has the N55B30 (3.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
N20 engine timing chain stretch

The four-cylinder N20 petrol engines (420i, 428i) suffer from premature timing chain stretch. Neglecting the issue risks engine damage.

Symptoms: Rattling or clattering on cold start, in severe cases sudden power loss.
from 80,000 km
High
N47 diesel timing chain snaps

The N47 diesel (418d, 420d up to March 2015) is notorious for timing chain failure. Chain snaps and causes engine damage.

Symptoms: Rattling and grinding on cold start, in final stages sudden complete engine failure.
from 100,000 km
High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
112 complaints · 2013–2020
Electrical
51 ⚠ 1
Engine & Cooling
35
Engine
20 ⚠ 1
Brakes
15 ⚠ 9
Other
14 ⚠ 1

Top Reported Issues

Electrical (51 complaints)
Engine & Cooling (35 complaints)
Engine (20 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 36 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW 4er F32 (2013–2020) — 28 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Body, Gearbox, HVAC.

4er (N57D30, 2013–2020) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage, EGR cooler leak — coolant loss. Power: 258 PS.

4er (B47D20, 2015–2020) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016), EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall), DPF clogging with short-trip use. Power: 200–211 PS.

4er (B47D20, 2016–2020) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016), EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall), DPF clogging with short-trip use. Power: 184–190 PS.

4er (N55B30, 2013–2016) — Be Careful: Bearing wear from neglected maintenance, Electric water pump failure, High oil consumption. Power: 306 PS.

4er (B48B20, 2016–2020) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail breaks, Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss, Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks. Power: 184 PS.

4er (B48B20, 2016–2020) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail breaks, Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss, Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks. Power: 245–258 PS.

What to watch out for with the BMW 4er? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the BMW 4er F32 have? +
The BMW 4er F32 has 28 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used BMW 4er F32? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: N55B30 (3.0L Turbo), B48B20 (2.0L Turbo), N57D30 (3.0L Diesel), B47D20 (2.0L Diesel). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the N55B30 (3.0L Turbo).
Which BMW 4er F32 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the BMW 4er F32 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} Turbo straight-six in the handsome coupe — beautifully balanced.
Is the BMW 4er F32 worth buying used? +
The BMW 4er F32 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW 4er F32? +
The BMW 4er F32 is available with engine variants from 116 to 360 hp. Petrol: N55B30 (3.0L Turbo), B48B20 (2.0L Turbo). Diesel: N57D30 (3.0L Diesel), B47D20 (2.0L Diesel).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee