The BMW X4 Years To Avoid
The BMW X4 is a luxury compact crossover SUV that was first introduced in 2014. It’s part of BMW’s “X” series of SUVs, but with a unique selling point: it combines the utility of an SUV with the sporty design and agility of a coupe, often referred to as a “Sports Activity Coupe” by the German automaker.
The X4 is not exactly a best-seller for BMW, but it has indeed found its niche among those who want the practicality of an SUV but with more distinctive and coupe-like styling. The BMW X4 sits between the X3 and X5 in terms of size and price. While the X3 is a more traditional SUV and the X5 is larger and more luxurious, the X4 is an odd bird among BMW’s massive lineup, but it’s filling niche markets not recognized by most carmakers. It competes with other luxury compact crossover SUVs with a sporty design, like the Porsche Macan and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.
When buying a used BMW X4, long-term reliability should be one of your top concerns. So for today, we rounded up some of the BMW X4 years to avoid if you’re buying used. Let’s take a look.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR OF THE BMW X4
We will go through the current lineup of this compact luxury SUV and determine the most reliable BMW X4 year, as well as the least reliable ones.
Which BMW X4 Years To Avoid?
BMW isn’t exactly known for its reliability, but the company has made some of the most dependable luxury vehicles in the market. Thankfully, the BMW X4 has a pretty good track record when it comes to reliability and longevity and may last between 150,000 to 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.
With that said, not all BMW X4 years are reliable, as some models are more problematic than others. And they are:
- 2015 BMW X4
- 2018 BMW X4
2015 BMW X4
Here at CoPilot, It’s practically sage advice to exercise caution when considering vehicles from the first model year of a new or significantly redesigned model. First model years are essentially the “beta” versions of cars. Manufacturers might not have fully ironed out all the kinks and issues. Many of these issues are identified and rectified as the model progresses in subsequent years. Sadly, that’s the case with the 2015 BMW X4.
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Below are some of the known issues of the 2015 BMW X4:
Drivetrain Issues
The 2015 X4 reportedly struggled with drivetrain issues. There were reports of the brakes being unresponsive, especially when trying to slow down at moderate speeds. This unresponsiveness led to near-miss incidents in intersections. Along with braking issues, the car exhibited violent shuddering, which can be unnerving and a safety risk.
One owner claimed that there were instances of drivetrain malfunction warnings shortly after purchase. Even after servicing, the problems persisted, sometimes making the car undrivable. The combination of drivetrain malfunctions and braking issues raises significant safety concerns, especially when considering potential accidents in intersections or highways.
Timing Chain Lawsuit
Another thing to keep an eye out for with the 2015 BMW X4 is the timing chain issue, which actually led to a class action lawsuit. BMW vehicles powered by N20 and N26 turbocharged engines, including the 2015 BMW X4, have been reported to experience failures of the primary and secondary timing chains. The class action lawsuit highlights that these engines are susceptible to premature failures of both primary and secondary timing chains.
As a result, the timing chain failure may result in the following:
- The primary timing chain assembly syncs the camshafts and crankshaft, managing the engine’s opening and closing of the combustion chamber valves.
- Failure of this assembly can cause the chain to skip teeth on the chain sprockets, leading to the components’ desynchronization.
- This can result in power loss, violent collisions between the engine’s pistons and valves, poor engine performance, stalling, or even outright engine failure.
BMW has agreed to a settlement, although they deny all allegations. A repair program has been established, requiring work to be performed by a BMW dealer. While this lawsuit was settled, it’s never a bad idea to check for potential timing chain issues when buying a used 2015 X4.
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2018 BMW X4
To be clear, the 2018 BMW X4 is far from a disastrously unreliable vehicle. In fact, we have no qualms recommending this model year if you can find a good deal for it. However, it has some problems, which is why it’s on our list of BMW X4 years to avoid. Plus, the reviews of its reliability are pretty mixed.
According to CarComplaints.com, the 2018 BMW X4 is the worst model year of the subcompact luxury crossover. One owner complained that the 2018 X4 offers a delightful driving experience. However, when it comes to comfort, the suspension feels overly rigid. Additionally, the interior seems to be constructed with less attention to detail, resulting in misaligned parts.
Also, one owner experienced a significant engine issue, precisely a faulty eccentric shaft, which posed a potential safety risk of the engine suddenly shutting down or slowing down while driving. Despite regular maintenance, the problem arose, and there was a dispute between the owner and the BMW store regarding warranty coverage, leading to legal proceedings. However, this is just one complaint from an owner, so there’s no indication it’s a widespread issue.
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Which BMW X4 Years Are Safe to Buy Used?
It’s hard to go wrong with the 2020 BMW X4 for a good balance of modern features and reliability. This model year has benefited from the 2019 redesign, plus the M40i’s twin-turbo six-cylinder engine has received a significant boost.
The 2020 BMW X4 offers a range of powerful engines, from a 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder to a 503-hp engine in the M Competition model. As with many BMW vehicles, the 2020 X4 boasts agile handling and strong acceleration. In addition, the SUV boasts a modern, stylish, and upscale interior with high-quality materials and an intuitive, user-friendly infotainment system.
However, while stylish, the unique design of the X4 compromises rear headroom and results in a below-average cargo capacity. It’s not a great option if you often have people hanging out in the back. The average price for the 2020 BMW X4 is around $42,296, which varies based on condition, mileage, and features.
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