BMW X4: Best Years and Years to Avoid
The X4 is the coupe-roofed version of the X3, so it shares that car's platform, engines and engine-specific risks almost exactly. There are two generations: the F26 and the current G02. Neither is a blanket avoid, but the early F26 timing-chain engines need the same scrutiny they do in the X3. You pay a small premium over an X3 for the styling and lose a little boot space, but mechanically the buying advice is the same.
Quick answer
Best all-round pick: a G02 xDrive20d or 20i, or a post-2016 F26 with the later B-series engines. Be most careful with pre-2016 N20 petrols and early N47 diesels for timing-chain risk. The M40i (N55/B58) and M40d (B57) are the performance picks and generally robust.
G02 (2018-present) Buy
Chassis: G02
The current X4 shares the G01 X3's platform and modular B-series engines, making it the most refined and reliable X4 yet. The xDrive20d and 20i are the sensible mainstream picks; the M40i and M40d add pace from proven six-cylinder units.
| Best years | Any G02 xDrive20d, 20i or 30i with full history is a solid buy. Later cars benefit from the 2021 facelift updates. |
| Years to watch | Very early 2018 to 2019 cars may have outstanding software updates; check infotainment and driver aids on the test drive. |
| Engines to trust | xDrive20i (B48), xDrive30i (B48), xDrive20d (B47), M40i (B58), M40d (B57) |
| Engines to check | Diesels used mostly on short trips (DPF) |
Key risks
- B47/B57 diesel DPF regeneration needs; avoid short-trip-only cars
- Occasional early-car software and infotainment glitches
- Large alloys and firm coupe-SUV ride; check for kerbing and tyre wear
F26 (2014-2018) Mixed
Chassis: F26
The first X4 is mechanically an F25 X3 with a sloping roofline, so it is durable on the right engine and needs the same chain scrutiny on the wrong one. The later B-series and the six-cylinder N57 diesels age well; the early N20 petrol and N47 diesel are the ones to check carefully.
| Best years | 2016-2018 xDrive20d (B47) or xDrive20i/28i (B48) with full history are the durable sweet spot. The 30d/35d (N57) are strong six-cylinder diesels. |
| Years to watch | 2014 to early-2016 xDrive20i/28i (N20) for timing-chain stretch and xDrive20d (N47) for the rear-mounted chain. |
| Engines to trust | xDrive30d (N57), xDrive35d (N57), xDrive20d (B47, later), xDrive28i (N20, post-2016), M40i (N55) |
| Engines to check | xDrive20i / 28i pre-2016 (N20 timing chain), xDrive20d (N47 timing chain, early cars) |
Key risks
- N20 petrol timing-chain stretch on pre-2016 cars; listen for extended cold-start rattle
- N47 diesel rear-mounted timing chain, expensive to replace
- Diesel swirl flaps, EGR and DPF issues on neglected or short-trip cars
- N55 (M40i): wastegate rattle, water pump and oil filter housing gasket are known wear items
The pick of the range
For most buyers, a 2016-2018 F26 xDrive20d (B47) with full service history is the value sweet spot: efficient, durable X3 mechanicals with coupe-SUV styling. If budget allows, a G02 xDrive20d or 20i is the safer long-term choice on the newest platform. Buyers wanting more pace should look at a G02 M40d (B57) or M40i (B58). If practicality matters more than looks, the equivalent X3 is the more sensible buy.
What to avoid, and why
Be most cautious with pre-2016 F26 xDrive20i/28i cars (N20 timing chain) and any N47 diesel (xDrive20d) without chain-replacement receipts, exactly as with the equivalent F25 X3. On the M40i (N55), factor in wastegate and water pump wear. None are automatic walk-aways, but each needs the relevant history before you commit.
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Get your report →Bimmer.AI is designed to help you identify BMW-specific buyer risks before you travel, negotiate, or pay for an inspection. It does not replace a physical inspection by a qualified mechanic, a legal vehicle-history check (e.g. HPI Check), or independent verification of finance, stolen, or write-off status. Repair-cost ranges are indicative UK figures that vary by region, specialist, parts supply, and labour rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most reliable BMW X4 year?
The current G02 (2018 on) is the most reliable, using BMW's modular B47, B48, B57 and B58 engines shared with the G01 X3. Among older cars, a post-2016 F26 xDrive20d (B47) is the durable value choice.
Which BMW X4 should I avoid?
No generation is a blanket avoid. Be most careful with pre-2016 F26 xDrive20i/28i cars (N20 timing chain) and any N47 diesel without chain-replacement receipts, the same combinations to watch in the F25 X3.
Is the F26 X4 reliable?
It shares the F25 X3 mechanicals, so it depends on the engine and year. Post-2016 cars with B47/B48 engines and the six-cylinder N57 diesels are durable; early N20 petrols and N47 diesels need checking for timing-chain history.
Is the BMW X4 just an X3 coupe?
Mechanically, yes. The X4 shares the X3's platform, engines and running gear, trading a little boot space and rear headroom for the sloping roofline. That means the buying advice, and the engines to watch, are effectively identical to the X3.
Petrol or diesel X4 for the UK?
For a heavy coupe-SUV covering real mileage, a post-2016 B47 diesel (xDrive20d) is the efficient, durable choice. If your mileage is lower or mostly urban, a B48 petrol avoids DPF and EGR concerns. Older N47 diesels carry timing-chain risk that later engines resolved.
Does the BMW X4 have timing chain problems?
Only on the early F26 engines: the pre-2016 N20 petrol and the N47 diesel, the same units used in the F25 X3. Later B-series engines are far more robust. Always check for chain-replacement history on the affected engines.