Should I buy a 2013–2020 BMW 4-Series F32?

Explore common problems, estimated repair costs and practical checks for the 2013–2020 BMW 4-Series F32. Use this guide to help assess a used car, then unlock a personalised report for the exact vehicle you're considering.

Common problems

1Moderate Likelihood

EGR cooler coolant leak and intake fire risk

Coolant level drops, a sweet smell or hot smell appears, the engine may run roughly, and some cars show drivetrain or engine warnings.

How to check

Warm the car fully, then let it idle for a minute after the drive and pay attention to smells and warning messages.

Estimated Repair Cost

£1,200

2High Likelihood

Plastic oil filter housing cracks and dumps coolant

Coolant level warnings, sweet coolant smell after a drive, dried white residue around the housing area, or a sudden large coolant loss.

How to check

Warm the car fully, drive it normally, then stop and let it idle for a minute before opening the bonnet.

Estimated Repair Cost

£1,200

3Moderate Likelihood

VANOS solenoid seepage or control fault

Engine light, slightly rough idle, flat response, or oily residue around the timing control area.

How to check

Drive gently, then accelerate progressively through the mid-range once warm.

Estimated Repair Cost

£400

MOT Failure Rate

0%10%20%30%0–20,000 miles: 6.9% (4,236 failed / 61,711 tests)20,000–40,000 miles: 11.0% (23,853 failed / 217,110 tests)40,000–60,000 miles: 12.9% (26,374 failed / 204,665 tests)60,000–80,000 miles: 14.8% (20,903 failed / 141,148 tests)80,000–100,000 miles: 16.5% (13,623 failed / 82,693 tests)100,000–120,000 miles: 18.2% (7,361 failed / 40,448 tests)120,000–140,000 miles: 19.1% (3,384 failed / 17,738 tests)140,000–160,000 miles: 19.2% (1,378 failed / 7,186 tests)160,000–180,000 miles: 21.3% (586 failed / 2,748 tests)180,000–200,000 miles: 22.5% (218 failed / 969 tests)020k40k60k80k100k120k140k160k180k200kMilesFailure rate
2013–2020 BMW 4-Series F32

BMW 4-Series buying questions

Is a 2013–2020 BMW 4-Series worth buying?

It can be, but only if the individual car backs it up. For the 2013–2020 BMW 4-Series F32, treat model-level patterns as viewing priorities and let condition, history and inspection evidence decide.

What common problems affect the BMW 4-Series (2013–2020)?

The problem cards above list the model-level checks for this guide. Read them as priorities for inspection and paperwork review, not proof that every example will have those faults.

What should I check before buying a BMW 4-Series?

Look for evidence, not just assurances: MOT advisories, service history, repair invoices, warning lights, fluid leaks, tyre and brake condition, and how the car behaves on a proper test drive. And of course, look at your personalised Should I Buy This Car? report, outlining a full list of common issues in detail, a personalised road test, a plain-English explanation and a MotorIQ score.

A model guide is useful. A report on its registration is better.

The guide above gives you the model-level pattern. A personalised MotorIQ report checks the registration-specific record and turns it into an ownership view before you commit.

Or enter the vehicle manually