BMW 4er F32
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The 4 Series F32 (2013–2020) has one critical date: summer 2016 — LCI (facelift). Pre-LCI models use the N20B20 in the 420i and 428i — a four-cylinder turbo with a well-documented timing chain problem. Plastic chain guides become brittle (especially 2013–2015 builds), repair costs $2,000–5,500 depending on collateral damage. Cold start rattle lasting more than 2 seconds = walk away. From LCI onwards, the B48B20 takes over with a revised chain — much better, but not trouble-free: plastic oil filter housing cracks ($1,500–3,500), coolant vent line at the cylinder head likes to break.
The highlight of the range: the N55B30 in the pre-LCI 435i (225 kW) and its successor B58B30 in the LCI 440i (240 kW). The N55 is a solid single-turbo inline-six — valve cover gasket and oil filter housing from 100,000 km as standard repairs, electric water pump from 80,000 km. The Valvetronic eccentric shaft is the most expensive risk ($900–3,000), but only occurs with poor oil maintenance. The B58 in the 440i is in a league of its own: one of the most reliable BMW engines ever built, 15-year BMW warranty on the PCV valve cover. Want an inline-six 4 Series without M4 maintenance bills? The 440i is the answer.
Diesel: Strongly avoid the N47D20 in the 418d (pre-LCI) — notorious rear-mounted timing chain, too weak for a coupé. The N57D30 in the 430d (190 kW) and 435d (230 kW) is powerful and refined but maintenance-heavy: four-chain timing drive stretches from 120,000 km ($3,000–4,000), swirl flaps clog, oil pump screen blocks without warning. From LCI, the B47D20 in the 420d — solid, but check EGR cooler recall status (800,000 BMWs worldwide affected, fire risk).
Test-drive checklist: Listen to cold start (N20/N47: timing chain rattle), check oil filter housing for crystal deposits (B48), wastegate rattle at idle is normal on the B58. On six-cylinders, check charge pipe: sudden boost loss under load = plastic pipe burst. Ask for ZF 8HP gearbox oil change records (every 60,000 km mandatory, BMW calls it "lifetime fill").
2026 market: 420i pre-LCI with 100,000 km from $13,000–16,500. 430i LCI $20,000–26,500. 435i $17,500–24,000. 440i LCI $24,000–33,000. 435d xDrive $20,000–27,500. Insider pick: 440i LCI Coupé with ZF oil change proof — B58 reliability, inline-six sound, rear-wheel drive, and 30% cheaper than an M4.
326 PS
440i · Benzin
The best 4 Series
Legendary!90–224 PS
2.0L Diesel Diesel
9 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The BMW 4er F32 is available as Coupé and Convertible — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The BMW 4er F32 is available with 9 engine variants — from 90 to 387 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
Widely used four-cylinder diesel with common-rail injection and piezo injectors. The notorious timing chain issue is the central concern: the chain sits at the gearbox side (rear of engine), stretches with irregular maintenance, and can snap — total engine loss. BMW revised the design multiple times (sharp-edged sprockets until 2009, improved from 2010) but never fully resolved it. Metallic rattling on cold start is the warning sign. Second major issue: the high-pressure fuel pump can shed metal shavings throughout the entire fuel system — requiring replacement of injectors, rail, and lines. On the positive side: the engine is economical in daily use (5-6 L/100km real), delivers solid torque from 1,750 rpm, and runs 250,000+ km with proper care. Short oil change intervals (max 15,000 km, better 10,000) and BMW-spec oil (LL-04) are mandatory. Used car purchase: have timing chain condition checked via endoscope or chain tensioner reset value.
- !! Timing chain breaks — known serial defect from 100,000 km
The N47D20 is notorious for its serial timing chain defect. The rear-mounted timing chain stretches and plastic guide rails break. Chain breakage causes total engine failure. Affected: build years 2007–2015.
Symptoms: Scraping or rattling noises on cold start from the rear of the engine. The damage often gives no acoustic warning and occurs suddenly. - !! Water pump defective — overheating risk from 120,000 km
The N47 water pump fails prematurely. When it does the engine overheats, causing secondary damage to an already vulnerable engine. Preventive replacement is recommended.
Symptoms: Coolant temperature rises suddenly, coolant loss, engine warning light, in the worst case overheating damage. - !! High-pressure pump failure — metal swarf in the system from 200,000 km
The high-pressure pump can wear internally and introduce metal swarf into the fuel system. Rail, pressure sensor, and all injectors are affected — complete system replacement is necessary.
Symptoms: Engine goes into limp mode; will not restart; fault code "rail pressure too low"; in the worst case the engine no longer runs
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modular four-cylinder diesel as a direct successor to the N47 — and a significant improvement. The timing chain now sits at the front of the engine (belt side), massively simplifying maintenance and diagnostics. The biggest N47 problem is structurally eliminated. Early examples (2014-2016) still had occasional chain stretch, from 2017 onward this is no longer an issue. The EGR cooler was subject to a BMW recall for potential fire risk — when buying used, always verify the recall was performed. In daily use a very balanced engine: Depending on variant 116 to 190 hp — even the base version is sufficient for relaxed driving, the 8-speed automatic pairing (ZF 8HP) is one of the best combinations in the segment. Real-world consumption 5-6 L/100km, documented mileages beyond 300,000 km. Weak points remain DPF with pure short-distance driving and typical diesel issues (EGR carbon buildup, injector wear from 160,000 km). Overall a solid, mature diesel — not maintenance-free, but in direct N47 comparison a different league.
- !! Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016) from 120,000 km
Early B47 engines (2014–2016) are prone to premature chain elongation. The tensioner can no longer compensate. Rattling on cold start is the typical warning sign before chain snap and engine damage.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling or clattering on cold start; subsides after warm-up; in advanced cases audible during driving; MIL may illuminate - !! EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall) from 100,000 km
Overheating and leaking EGR coolers can vaporise glycol and trigger self-ignition. BMW recalled affected vehicles. If coolant enters the combustion chamber, hydraulic lock and engine damage are possible.
Symptoms: Coolant level drops without visible leak; whitish smoke from exhaust; rough idle; MIL; limp mode; rarely smoke from engine bay - !! Turbo cascade failure from 130,000 km
Turbocharger develops axial play, blocks oil return and causes cascading damage to rod bearings, crankshaft and EGR cooler. Metal shavings circulate through entire oil system.
Symptoms: Power loss, whistling under load, increased oil consumption, blue smoke, rough running
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Successor to the legendary M57 with aluminum crankcase and piezo injectors. Extremely smooth, powerful, and with proper care a 400,000 km engine. From 204 to 313 hp (330d to 335d xDrive) — in every power level one of the best diesel configurations in BMW's lineup. The ZF 8HP automatic pairs perfectly with the sovereign torque delivery. Weak points are the EGR cooler (same issue as B47, check recall status), DPF with short-distance driving, and the turbochargers — the N57 uses staged bi-turbo charging that becomes wear-prone at high mileages. Injectors typically last 200,000+ km. Buying tip: service history is worth its weight in gold with the N57 — a well-maintained N57 is one of the best used diesel engines, period.
- !! Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter from 130,000 km
The N57D30 timing chain can break; plastic guide rails break and block the oil pump. Damaged valves and bearing shells follow. No reliable audible advance warning.
Symptoms: Rattling or clattering on cold start (warning sign!). Often no advance warning — engine dies suddenly. - !! Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage from 180,000 km
Main bearings and connecting rod bearings wear from around 150,000–200,000 km. The aluminium crankcase with steel bearing housings has differing thermal expansion coefficients. Bearing shells can spin — catastrophic engine damage.
Symptoms: Dull knocking or hammering from the engine block under load; oil pressure warning; metallic tapping; engine oil with metallic particles - !! EGR cooler leak — coolant loss from 120,000 km
Leaking EGR coolers cause gradual coolant loss. BMW carried out a voluntary service campaign. Overheating from coolant shortage risks a cracked cylinder head. Repair costs without goodwill are very high.
Symptoms: Gradual coolant drop with no visible external leak; white-blue exhaust smoke; sweet smell inside the cabin; engine warning light; overheating warning
+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Successor to the legendary M57 with aluminum crankcase and piezo injectors. Extremely smooth, powerful, and with proper care a 400,000 km engine. From 204 to 313 hp (330d to 335d xDrive) — in every power level one of the best diesel configurations in BMW's lineup. The ZF 8HP automatic pairs perfectly with the sovereign torque delivery. Weak points are the EGR cooler (same issue as B47, check recall status), DPF with short-distance driving, and the turbochargers — the N57 uses staged bi-turbo charging that becomes wear-prone at high mileages. Injectors typically last 200,000+ km. Buying tip: service history is worth its weight in gold with the N57 — a well-maintained N57 is one of the best used diesel engines, period.
- !! Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter from 130,000 km
The N57D30 timing chain can break; plastic guide rails break and block the oil pump. Damaged valves and bearing shells follow. No reliable audible advance warning.
Symptoms: Rattling or clattering on cold start (warning sign!). Often no advance warning — engine dies suddenly. - !! Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage from 180,000 km
Main bearings and connecting rod bearings wear from around 150,000–200,000 km. The aluminium crankcase with steel bearing housings has differing thermal expansion coefficients. Bearing shells can spin — catastrophic engine damage.
Symptoms: Dull knocking or hammering from the engine block under load; oil pressure warning; metallic tapping; engine oil with metallic particles - !! EGR cooler leak — coolant loss from 120,000 km
Leaking EGR coolers cause gradual coolant loss. BMW carried out a voluntary service campaign. Overheating from coolant shortage risks a cracked cylinder head. Repair costs without goodwill are very high.
Symptoms: Gradual coolant drop with no visible external leak; white-blue exhaust smoke; sweet smell inside the cabin; engine warning light; overheating warning
+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
BMW's first in-house four-cylinder turbo for the mid-range — the farewell to six cylinders in the 320i/328i. Timing chain and guide rails are the main weakness: BMW extended the warranty in 2015 (7 years/100,000 km) and revised the chain design multiple times. Metallic rattling on cold start should be investigated immediately. The electric water pump fails without warning — preventive replacement at 80,000-100,000 km saves a tow truck. Oil filter housing gasket becomes porous and can mix oil with coolant in worst case. Despite the weaknesses, a refined engine: quiet, good mid-range pull, economical (7-8 L/100km real). Manual transmission is the most durable combination. Replaced by the B48 from 2015.
- !! Timing chain and oil pump chain from 50,000 km
The best-known weak point of the N20. The timing chain and oil pump chain stretch; the chain tensioner fails. BMW offered an extended warranty (7 years/100,000 km) for pre-2015 models.
Symptoms: Rattling on start, engine warning light, sudden power loss, in extreme cases engine damage - !! Electric water pump failure from 90,000 km
The electric water pump fails, risking overheating. A BMW-typical problem across all engines with electric coolant pumps since the N52 generation.
Symptoms: Overheating warning, temperature gauge rises quickly, coolant warning - !! Oil pump chain / oil pump sprocket defective from 80,000 km
On the N20 the oil pump sprocket can wear prematurely or the oil pump chain can break. In documented cases (50,000 km) an internal drive component failure caused complete oil pump failure — catastrophic engine damage.
Symptoms: Whistling noise that increases with rpm; oil pressure warning; metallic rushing from the engine bay; unusual vibrations
+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modular four-cylinder turbo and workhorse of the current BMW lineup. Wide power range from 135 to 306 hp (M135i/M235i). Structurally the best four-cylinder petrol BMW has ever built: timing chain at front, closed oil circuit, Valvetronic variable valve lift. Oil consumption stays under control when BMW-spec oil (LL-01 or LL-17FE+) is used. Typical wear items are the electric water pump (from around 80,000 km) and the high-pressure pump with direct injection. Not an engine to fear — but BMW service intervals are too long; those who care for their B48 change oil every 10,000-12,000 km.
- !! Timing chain guide rail breaks from 60,000 km
Timing chain guide rail can break; chain jump and engine damage follows. More common on early production years and with spirited driving.
Symptoms: Rattling, clattering from the engine, sudden power loss, engine damage - !! Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss from 60,000 km
Oil filter housing with integrated oil/water heat exchanger leaks. Coolant loss and overheating risk from about 60,000 km.
Symptoms: Coolant level warning, oil puddle under engine, overheating - !! Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks from 70,000 km
A plastic bleed line between the cylinder head and expansion tank becomes porous and breaks. Coolant loss follows; the mounting location is difficult to access, so labour costs dominate.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level; coolant warning on the instrument cluster; faint sweet smell; no visible puddle under the car
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
BMW's first in-house four-cylinder turbo for the mid-range — the farewell to six cylinders in the 320i/328i. Timing chain and guide rails are the main weakness: BMW extended the warranty in 2015 (7 years/100,000 km) and revised the chain design multiple times. Metallic rattling on cold start should be investigated immediately. The electric water pump fails without warning — preventive replacement at 80,000-100,000 km saves a tow truck. Oil filter housing gasket becomes porous and can mix oil with coolant in worst case. Despite the weaknesses, a refined engine: quiet, good mid-range pull, economical (7-8 L/100km real). Manual transmission is the most durable combination. Replaced by the B48 from 2015.
- !! Timing chain and oil pump chain from 50,000 km
The best-known weak point of the N20. The timing chain and oil pump chain stretch; the chain tensioner fails. BMW offered an extended warranty (7 years/100,000 km) for pre-2015 models.
Symptoms: Rattling on start, engine warning light, sudden power loss, in extreme cases engine damage - !! Electric water pump failure from 90,000 km
The electric water pump fails, risking overheating. A BMW-typical problem across all engines with electric coolant pumps since the N52 generation.
Symptoms: Overheating warning, temperature gauge rises quickly, coolant warning - !! Oil pump chain / oil pump sprocket defective from 80,000 km
On the N20 the oil pump sprocket can wear prematurely or the oil pump chain can break. In documented cases (50,000 km) an internal drive component failure caused complete oil pump failure — catastrophic engine damage.
Symptoms: Whistling noise that increases with rpm; oil pressure warning; metallic rushing from the engine bay; unusual vibrations
+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modular four-cylinder turbo and workhorse of the current BMW lineup. Wide power range from 135 to 306 hp (M135i/M235i). Structurally the best four-cylinder petrol BMW has ever built: timing chain at front, closed oil circuit, Valvetronic variable valve lift. Oil consumption stays under control when BMW-spec oil (LL-01 or LL-17FE+) is used. Typical wear items are the electric water pump (from around 80,000 km) and the high-pressure pump with direct injection. Not an engine to fear — but BMW service intervals are too long; those who care for their B48 change oil every 10,000-12,000 km.
- !! Timing chain guide rail breaks from 60,000 km
Timing chain guide rail can break; chain jump and engine damage follows. More common on early production years and with spirited driving.
Symptoms: Rattling, clattering from the engine, sudden power loss, engine damage - !! Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss from 60,000 km
Oil filter housing with integrated oil/water heat exchanger leaks. Coolant loss and overheating risk from about 60,000 km.
Symptoms: Coolant level warning, oil puddle under engine, overheating - !! Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks from 70,000 km
A plastic bleed line between the cylinder head and expansion tank becomes porous and breaks. Coolant loss follows; the mounting location is difficult to access, so labour costs dominate.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level; coolant warning on the instrument cluster; faint sweet smell; no visible puddle under the car
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Single twin-scroll turbo instead of the N54's twin-turbo — torque comes in evenly from 1,200 rpm and doesn't let up to 5,500. At idle a deep, barely audible hum; under load a rich rumble that surpasses the N54 in refinement but lacks its rawness. Above 5,000 rpm the turbo drowns out the engine — those seeking naturally-aspirated emotion will be disappointed. Valvetronic almost completely eliminates the throttle butterfly; throttle response is therefore more direct than on most turbo engines. The electric water pump is the Achilles heel: fails between 80,000 and 120,000 km without warning. Valve cover gasket starts leaking from 100,000 km — replace the entire cover, not just the gasket. Oil changes every 10,000 km instead of BMW Longlife, 5W-30 LL-04. Tuning: Stage 1 brings 350+ hp; from Stage 2 the HPFP becomes the bottleneck — fit the B58 pump. Considered one of the most reliable M-engines of the last 20 years when maintained properly.
- !! Bearing wear from neglected maintenance from 120,000 km
Connecting rod bearings wear with extended oil change intervals or oil starvation. Particularly affects vehicles on Longlife intervals driven hard.
Symptoms: Knocking from the engine block, oil pressure warning, metallic particles in the oil - !! Electric water pump failure from 130,000 km
The N55 electric water pump typically fails between 100,000 and 150,000 km. A sudden failure while driving can cause overheating damage to the cylinder head or gasket within minutes.
Symptoms: Overheating warning; cooling fan runs continuously or intermittently; slow warm-up; coolant loss at idle - !! Valvetronic eccentric shaft wear from 150,000 km
Oil jet for eccentric shaft lubrication clogs with poor oil maintenance. Shaft wears excessively — loud ticking and Valvetronic system failure.
Symptoms: Ticking noise from engine bay, rough idle, misfires, power loss, extended cranking on start
+ 10 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Closed-deck aluminium block as standard — a feature normally reserved for racing engines. Water-cooled turbo with mechanical wastegate linkage that rattles at cold start — by design, not dangerous. Barely audible at idle; from 3,000 rpm a rich, deep six-cylinder thrust builds linearly to 6,500. The B58 sounds fuller than the S55 from outside — but inside the motorsport aggression is absent. Dual injection (direct + port) reduces intake valve carbon build-up significantly. The PCV membrane in the valve cover is the known weakness: BMW had to extend the warranty to 15 years. Plastic oil filter housing cracks around 100,000 km — coolant mixes into oil, act immediately. Oil changes every 10,000 km; inspect the cooling system from 70,000 km. Tuning: Stage 2 brings 500 hp — the closed deck makes it possible.
- !! Oil filter disintegrates — engine damage risk from 30,000 km
On B58-equipped M140i/M240i the oil filter can disintegrate on first change and distribute filter material through the oil circuit. BMW covers the costs with proven service history.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning, metallic noises, engine damage after oil change - !! Plastic oil filter housing cracks — coolant/oil mixing from 100,000 km
The plastic oil filter housing becomes brittle from heat cycling and cracks — often during oil changes from overtightening the filter cap. Coolant and oil mix; engine damage likely if unnoticed.
Symptoms: Milky oil on the filler cap, coolant loss without visible leak, oil pressure warning, coolant level drops slowly - !! PCV valve / valve cover membrane failed from 80,000 km
The PCV membrane in the integrated valve cover tears or hardens from heat cycles. Crankcase builds positive pressure, oil is forced through seals. BMW extended the warranty to 15 years/150,000 miles.
Symptoms: Whistling or squealing from the engine bay, white or blue smoke, rough idle, oil in the charge pipe or air filter
+ 9 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| F33 convertible roof water ingress On the F33 convertible, water enters through leaking roof edge seals. Symptoms: Damp floor mats, water marks at C-pillar, musty smell. | High | |
| F36 Gran Coupé boot water ingress In the F36 Gran Coupé, water enters the boot through faulty clips on the tailgate trim and damages the Harman Kardon amplifier. Symptoms: Moisture or standing water in the boot, sound system failure. | Medium | |
| F33 convertible: roof hydraulic pump failed The F33 convertible's hydraulic pump fails, typically from water ingress. The roof opens but won't close, or doesn't respond at all. BMW dealers charge around 2,300 € for pump replacement. Symptoms: Roof stops halfway open; fault message on display; pump runs without effect; if water ingress occurred, electrical issues in boot also present. from 80,000 km | High | |
| F33 convertible: roof leaks at panel joint The hardtop on the F33 doesn't permanently seal at the joints between the metal sections. Water tracks down to the A-pillar and enters the cabin. Symptoms: Water at the A-pillar after rain or car washing; damp headlining on the passenger side; mould smell in cabin. from 60,000 km | Medium |
Test Reports
TÜV Report 2021
The 4 Series Coupé F32 shares the technical base with the 3 Series F30 and scores just as solidly at MOT.
2020-11ADAC Breakdown Statistics 2022
The 4 Series Coupé matches the 3 Series for breakdown reliability — clearly above average.
2022-04Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 76 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW 4er F32 (2013–2020) — 70 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: N20B20 (2.0L Turbo), N47D20 (2.0L Diesel). Typical issues affect 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 (N57D30, 2013–2016) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage, EGR cooler leak — coolant loss. Power: 313 PS.
4er (N47D20, 2014–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing chain breaks — known serial defect, Water pump defective — overheating risk, High-pressure pump failure — metal swarf in the system. Power: 150 PS.
4er (B47D20, 2015–2020) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016), EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall), Turbo cascade failure. 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), Turbo cascade failure. Power: 184–190 PS.
4er (N20B20, 2013–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing chain and oil pump chain, Electric water pump failure, Oil pump chain / oil pump sprocket defective. Power: 184 PS.
4er (N20B20, 2013–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing chain and oil pump chain, Electric water pump failure, Oil pump chain / oil pump sprocket defective. Power: 245 PS.
4er (N55B30, 2013–2016) — Be Careful: Bearing wear from neglected maintenance, Electric water pump failure, Valvetronic eccentric shaft wear. 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.
4er (B58B30, 2016–2020) — Be Careful: Oil filter disintegrates — engine damage risk, Plastic oil filter housing cracks — coolant/oil mixing, PCV valve / valve cover membrane failed. Power: 326 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? +
What should I look for when buying a used BMW 4er F32? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which BMW 4er F32 engine is the most fun? +
Is the BMW 4er F32 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW 4er F32? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee