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BMW · Mid-Size SUV · 2014–2018

BMW X4 F26

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The BMW X4 F26 is available with 4 engine variants — from 197 to 360 hp.

xDrive30d · Diesel· 258–265 PS
2014 2018
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
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xDrive35d · Diesel· 313 PS
2014 2018
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
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M40i · Benziner· 354–360 PS
2015 2018
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
xDrive35i · Benziner· 306 PS
2014 2018
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The BMW xDrive30d (Diesel, 258–265 PS) has the N57D30 (3.0L Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The BMW xDrive35d (Diesel, 313 PS) has the N57D30 (3.0L Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The BMW M40i (Benziner, 354–360 PS) has the N55B30 (3.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

The BMW xDrive35i (Benziner, 306 PS) has the N55B30 (3.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖N20 Timing Chain Elongation

The four-cylinder N20 is prone to premature timing chain elongation. Neglect risks chain jump and catastrophic engine damage. Rattling on cold start is the first warning sign.

Symptoms: Rattling or clattering noise on engine start or load change, engine management light
from 90,000 km
Ad timing chain N20B20timing chain BMW X4 28itiming chain N20 11318648732
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
24 complaints · 2014–2018
Electrical
14
Engine & Cooling
8
Engine
5
Brakes
4 ⚠ 1
Other
3

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (14 complaints)
⚠ Engine & Cooling (8 complaints)
⚠ Engine (5 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 21 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW X4 F26 (2014–2018) — 16 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Cooling, Electronics, Gearbox.

X4 (N57D30, 2014–2018) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage, EGR cooler leak — coolant loss. Power: 258–265 PS.

X4 (N57D30, 2014–2018) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage, EGR cooler leak — coolant loss. Power: 313 PS.

X4 (N55B30, 2014–2018) — Be Careful: Bearing wear from neglected maintenance, Electric water pump failure, High oil consumption. Power: 306 PS.

X4 (N55B30, 2015–2018) — Be Careful: Bearing wear from neglected maintenance, Electric water pump failure, High oil consumption. Power: 354–360 PS.

What to watch out for with the BMW X4? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the BMW X4 F26 have? +
The BMW X4 F26 has 16 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used BMW X4 F26? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: N55B30 (3.0L Turbo), N57D30 (3.0L Diesel). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the N55B30 (3.0L Turbo).
Which BMW X4 F26 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the BMW X4 F26 — rated: "Decent". {description} Turbo R6 in the X4 — sportier than it should be.
Is the BMW X4 F26 worth buying used? +
The BMW X4 F26 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW X4 F26? +
The BMW X4 F26 is available with engine variants from 197 to 360 hp. Petrol: N55B30 (3.0L Turbo). Diesel: N57D30 (3.0L Diesel).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee