Which Years Of Used BMW X4s Are Most Reliable?
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BMW is a cultural pioneer in the world of automotive. In fact, the automaker has pioneered specific niches. Enter the BMW X4. The BMW X4 is a luxury compact SUV that belongs to the Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) segment, a niche that BMW pioneered. Don’t be fooled; the X4 may look like a sporty coupe, but it’s an SUV. It combines an SUV’s robustness with a coupe’s sporty elegance. The X4 is known for its sleek design, powerful performance, and advanced technology features.
As expected, the BMW X4 is a high-quality, luxurious SUV. It offers a range of powerful engines, a comfortable interior with high-end materials, and a suite of advanced safety and tech features. Its driving dynamics are also commendable, striking an excellent balance of comfort and sportiness.
THE BMW X4 YEARS TO AVOID
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.
The BMW X4 can be a good choice for those looking to buy a used car, especially if they prioritize style and performance. However, reliability is a crucial factor to consider when purchasing a used car like the BMW X4.
So for today’s post, 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. Let’s get to it.
2015-2018 BMW X4 (1st Generation)
The X4, compared to the X3, leans more towards sportiness with its coupe-like features. It boasts agile handling, a firm ride, and a finely crafted interior. Seats are lowered to fit the design, but the sloping rear reduces cargo space, making it less versatile than traditional crossovers and SUVs.
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Avoid: 2015 BMW X4
If you’re like us, you’ll want to skip the 2015 BMW X4 due to first-year quirks. “First-year quirks” in vehicles refer to potential problems or flaws in a new model during its debut year. These arise as manufacturers adjust to producing a new or significantly redesigned model, leading to a manufacturing learning curve.
The 2015 model is far from the most reliable BMW X4 year due to various issues. For starters, this model year has received reports of service brake issues. Several owners reported that the brakes were unresponsive when trying to slow down from 35 mph, leading to a near-miss at a stop sign. The car shuddered violently before coming to a stop.
In addition, the 2015 X4 was also involved in the BMW timing chain lawsuit. This lawsuit pertains to vehicles equipped with N20 and N26 direct injection turbocharged engines. These engines are alleged to have premature failures of the timing chain assemblies. Such failures can lead to severe engine malfunctions, including catastrophic engine breakdowns. While BMW denies these allegations, a settlement has been reached.
Buy: 2016 BMW X4
Thankfully, the following year went better for the BMW X4 SUV. This X4 model year received a slightly above-average reliability score from J.D. Power and received only a few complaints and one recall.
With that said, The 2016 BMW X4 stands out for its agile handling and robust engines, making it a pleasure to drive. However, while the X4 boasts a chic cabin and an intuitive infotainment system, it has very limited rear seating and cargo space – probably not a quality most people have in their heads when they say they want a coupe SUV.
Regardless of its issues, the 2016 BMW X4 is a solid pick for a used luxury SUV.
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Buy: 2017 BMW X4
Due to fewer complaints and known issues, the 2017 model is undoubtedly worthy of being called the most reliable BMW X4 year. Like the previous model years, the 2017 BMW X4 excels in performance with its powerful engines, sports car-like handling, and beautiful interior.
In terms of consumer feedback, the 2017 BMW X4 is very well-received, as per Edmunds. Owners praised the X4 for its sporty handling, likening it to BMW’s sports car models. Overall, the vehicle’s performance, especially in the xDrive28i and M40i trims, was highlighted as a strong point. Moreover, the X4 was perceived as reliable, with some owners comparing its performance favorably to other models they’ve owned.
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Avoid: 2018 BMW X4
In a vacuum, the 2018 BMW X4 is an excellent SUV with decent reliability. However, it’s simply less reliable than other model years. According to CarComplaints, the 2018 BMW X4 is the worst model year of the BMW X4 – no thanks to its interior accessory issues.
With that said, the 2018 X4 brings the same good stuff typical of the lineup, including enthusiastic engines, nimble handling, and a user-friendly infotainment system. However, also typical of the X4 line, the 2018 version has rather cramped rear seats and cargo area. The 2018 BMW X4 is a tough sell if you want more practicality with your luxury SUV.
2015-Present BMW X4 (2nd Generation)
The 2019 BMW X4, redesigned and modeled after the latest X3, boasts enhanced safety features and an extra inch of legroom compared to its earlier version. However, the same sporty, coupe-like design trades off some practicality and visibility for a sleeker look.
Buy: 2019 BMW X4
Typically, we’d advise against buying the first production year of a new generation model, but we make an exception for the 2019 BMW X4. On its own, the 2019 X4 offers robust engine options, agile handling, and a refined ride – basically, it’s a joy to drive. However, keep in mind that this is a highly competitive segment. The limited interior space and high ownership costs may dissuade you from a used 2019 X4.
Buy: 2020 BMW X4
If you don’t mind a newer model year, the 2020 BMW X4 is undoubtedly worth checking out. So far, no known issues or reliability woes are associated with this model year. Also, people seem to be satisfied with the 2020 X4, and the number of complaints is relatively paltry.
However, some users felt the interior build quality could be improved, especially compared to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC. And this is where it can get tricky. Many comparable luxury SUVs compete with the 2020 X4, but they don’t have limited interior and cargo spaces.
Overall, the 2020 BMW X4 is an excellent used luxury crossover, but expect to pay a premium for it.
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