BMW M4 Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 1,415 MOT tests from 237 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every BMW M4 has the same fault.

BMW M4's have a extremely good reliability rating of 799/999. The score was calculated from the average of every BMW M4 that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, road tax, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions for the BMW M4.

BMW M4 (example)

Check a BMW M4 before you buy

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Fuel Type	Year	Reliability Score	Avg Mileage	Sample Size
N/A	N/A	843/999Excellent	74,874 miles	1,066 vehicles
N/A	N/A	805/999Excellent	71,749 miles	1,169 vehicles
N/A	N/A	786/999Very good	71,814 miles	1,596 vehicles
N/A	N/A	763/999Very good	69,134 miles	1,372 vehicles

How reliable is the BMW M4?

Based on 1,415 MOT tests from 237 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

237

MOT tests

1,415

Pass rate

88.8%

Median mileage

45,639 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every BMW M4 has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 869 out of 999.

Common BMW M4 MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 226 advisory comments and 83 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE REAR TYRE WORN CLOSE TO LEGAL LIMIT/WORN ON EDGE (5.2.3 (E))

Brake disc wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 40 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake discs that were worn, scored, pitted, or corroded.

What to inspect

Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE DISC WORN, PITTED OR SCORED, BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (1.1.14 (A) (II))

Brake pad wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 20 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake pads that were worn or below the inspection limit.

What to inspect

Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE PAD(S) WEARING THIN (1.1.13 (A) (II))

Coil spring issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 18 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record coil springs that were corroded, fractured, or otherwise defective. They are counted separately from shock absorbers.

What to inspect

Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE REAR COIL SPRING FRACTURED OR BROKEN (5.3.1 (B) (I))

Registration plate condition

VehicleScore MOT data includes 10 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a number plate that was deteriorated, insecure, or did not meet the plate rules.

What to inspect

Check both plates are secure, clean, and clearly readable.

Example MOT wording: FRONT REGISTRATION PLATE DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE SPECIFIED REQUIREMENTS (0.1 (D))

Engine warning lamp

VehicleScore MOT data includes 4 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an engine warning lamp that was on, or did not work, during the inspection.

What to inspect

Switch on the ignition and confirm the lamp comes on and then goes out. Ask what was diagnosed if it stayed on.

Example MOT wording: ENGINE MIL INOPERATIVE OR INDICATES A MALFUNCTION (8.2.1.2 (H))

BMW M4 MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

Year	Vehicles	MOT tests	Pass rate	Recurring issues seen
2024	5	1	100%	No recurring grouped MOT issue in this year sample
2023	14	14	92.9%	Tyre wear
2022	15	22	100%	Tyre wear
2021	18	56	94.6%	Tyre wear
2020	18	78	89.7%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2019	19	109	91.7%	Tyre wear
2018	33	222	85.1%	Tyre wear, Registration plate condition
2017	25	191	89%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2016	37	329	87.8%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2015	26	244	87.3%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2014	14	149	91.9%	Tyre wear, Brake pad wear

What to check when buying a used BMW M4

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.
Brake disc wear. Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.
Brake pad wear. Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.
Coil spring issues. Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.
Registration plate condition. Check both plates are secure, clean, and clearly readable.
Engine warning lamp. Switch on the ignition and confirm the lamp comes on and then goes out. Ask what was diagnosed if it stayed on.

Buying a BMW M4?

Common problems tell you what can affect BMW M4s generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

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