The BMW M4 Years To Avoid


in Avoid

We've identified four BMW M4 years to avoid based on commonly-reported problems. See which ones (and why you should avoid them).

Blue BMW M4
Source: Flickr

The BMW M4 is a sporty, performance-based selection, offering significant power and speed in a luxurious shell. There’s been about a decade of creation, resulting in several BMW M4 years to avoid and some we recommend. It’s valuable to do your research first to ensure the most effective BMW M4 is yours.

The more dependable your BMW M4 selection, the longer you can keep it, the less you’ll pay to maintain your car, and the more time you’ll gain on the road instead of in the dealership. There are some spectacular selections, but some less-than-ideal. Read on to understand the years to refrain from, top candidates, and other necessary details. 

Short Answer: 2015, 2019, 2020, and 2021.

The BMW M4 has a generally excellent disposition, but there are still several years we’d be more comfortable avoiding. If possible, do not invest in the 2015, 2019, 2020, and 2021 selections. They have the most issues, in particular with the 2015 BMW M4. Older, more dilapidated models are worse than newer ones. 

M4 Model Year To Avoid: 2015

Problems:

  • Wheels/hub issues
  • Brake troubles

The 2015 BMW M4 is the most problematic of the bunch, possessing significant errors that will cost drivers to repair. One of the most serious is trouble with the wheels and hubs. Drivers reported grinding noises from the wheels, which can point to something much worse under the surface.

Another fault was in the brakes. Some drivers stated there were sounds from the brakes, especially when using them, which can point to a significant error. It can be dangerous for the brakes to fail or stumble on the road. 


DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP

The CoPilot car shopping app is the smartest way to buy a car. Get a curated list of the best cars for sale in your area, as well as notifications if a similar vehicle is listed nearby at a lower price. CoPilot is the smartest way to shop for used cars. 


M4 Model Year To Avoid: 2019

Problems:

  • Oil leaks
  • Valve cover gasket leak
  • Cracked seats

There were some significant troubles in the 2019 BMW M4, making it another selection on our list of BMW M4 years to avoid. There were some oil leaks and a valve cover gasket leak, creating expensive repairs for investors.

In some cars with more mileage on the odometer, there were also cracked seats. These can occur with natural wear and tear and could happen from exposure to sunlight if the car isn’t protected properly. 

M4 Model Year To Avoid: 2020

Problems:

  • Fuel leaks
  • Airbags not deploying

The biggest troubles in the 2020 BMW M4 are in the two major recalls given to the machine. The first was a fault with fuel leaks. The fuel rail connection caused a fuel leak, which could create a significant fire hazard if left unaddressed.

The second recall dealt with the frontal knee airbags not deploying as they were supposed to in an accident. They may have been folded incorrectly during assembly, creating a hazardous and potentially deadly situation for those impacted. 


DO BMWs HOLD THEIR VALUE?

If you’re interested in a BMW, it’s critical to ask one question - do BMWs hold their value?


M4 Model Year To Avoid: 2021

Problems:

  • The seat belt warning chime does not sounding
  • Front passenger seatbelt fault
  • Head-thorax airbag not deploying properly

The 2021 BMW M4 is the final selection on our list of the BMW M4 years to avoid, again with three recalls impacting the system. In some vehicles, the seat belt warning chime doesn’t sound, which could lead to children or individuals remaining unbuckled without a warning - deadly in a car crash.

In some cars, the front passenger seatbelt didn’t secure the rider properly, risking more injury to the individual. There is also the risk of the head-thorax airbag not deploying, which still hasn’t been repaired. 

What Are Some Good Years? 2015, 2016, and 2017.

There are some less-than-ideal selections, but there are also some excellent years to invest in. We recommend some of the older models if you want the best. Out of the BMW M4 years available thus far, we’d advise going with 2015, 2016, or 2017.

2015 BMW M4

The 2015 BMW M4 was one of the first selections to appear and performed well. People love the turbocharged engine, agreeable ride quality, and stout brakes. It also has incredible handling that makes it easier to manage the system. 

2016 BMW M4

The 2016 BMW M4 took it to the next level, retaining the excellent turbocharged engine people adore in the BMW M4. It also possesses solid reliability and plenty of handling and braking on the highway. 

2017 BMW M4

Again, the 2017 BMW M4 continues with previous iterations of the car. This time, it adds even more standard features. 


HOW LONG DO BMWs LAST?

We’ll talk about how long BMWs last, how they stack up to the competition, and anything else you need to know about BMW lifespan before you buy one. 


Common BMW M4 Problems

A helpful consideration in the BMW M4 years to avoid are some of the frequent troubles in the system. If you know these, it’s much easier to care for and maintain your vehicle. 

Here are some frequent errors in the BMW M4:

  • Recalls: Several recalls appeared in a couple of years of the BMW M4. These can be dangerous if left unaddressed. 
  • Technology errors: Various minor technology errors can be an inconvenience and could lead to certain safety measures not being taken.
  • Fuel leaks: Various fuel leak points can create faults in the BMW M4 and even make a fire hazard. 

Frequently Asked Questions: BMW M4 Years to Avoid

We recommend refraining from a few BMW M4 selections. If possible, do not invest in the 2015, 2019, 2020, and 2021 iterations. 

Q: Why is the 2019 BMW M4 considered one of the worst model years?

There were issues with the oil levels, valve gasket, and trouble with the seats fading. Many of these were worse with older versions of the 2019 BMW M4. 

Q: Which BMW M4 models are considered reliable and safe to purchase?

There are several excellent years instead of purchasing the BMW M4 years to avoid. We recommend investing in the 2015, 2016, and 2017 selections to maximize your investment. 

Q: Are BMWs typically reliable?

BMW is one of the most reliable manufacturers. They consistently rank in the top three out of dozens of car creators.

Q: How much does a used BMW M4 typically cost?

The price range for the BMW M4 can range dramatically, from $24,000 to $150,000. The cost depends on factors like condition, trim level, miles on the odometer, and more.



Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You

The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to provide you with a personalized list of the best car listings.

The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.