Is the BMW M4 a Reliable Sports Car? Engineers Examine the Pros and Cons
The BMW M4 is an exhilarating high-performance coupe that competes with the likes of the Audi RS5 and Mercedes-AMG C63. With its thrilling twin-turbo straight-six engine delivering up to 503 horsepower, razor sharp handling, and luxurious cabin, the M4 seems like the ultimate driving machine. But is the M4 as dependable and reliable as it is exciting to drive?
In this in-depth 3,000+ word review, we’ll examine the BMW M4’s reliability from every angle. We’ll look at expert evaluations, owner surveys, maintenance costs, warranty coverage, and common problems. By the end, you’ll know if the M4’s exciting performance comes at the cost of reliability.
How Reliable Is the BMW M4 According to the Experts?
To start our deep dive into M4 dependability, let’s look at reliability ratings and reviews from the top experts in the industry:
J.D. Power Gives the M4 Above Average Marks
The renowned J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study rates the BMW M4 as “Better than Most” compared to other sports cars. J.D. Power surveys original owners of 3-year old vehicles to determine long-term quality and reliability. The above average score reflects that the M4 has fewer issues reported after 3 years compared to competitors.
J.D. Power also gives the M4 high praise for quality and appeal of its performance, acceleration, transmission performance, driving dynamics, and braking. Owners clearly enjoy driving the powerful M4 even years after purchasing it.
RepairPal Ranks It Above Average for the Class
According to RepairPal, the BMW M4 earns a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, which is categorized as “above average” for the sports car class. RepairPal uses real repair estimates, projected maintenance costs, and expert assessments to come up with their ratings.
The M4 scores well due to having lower than average repair costs compared to competitors. RepairPal estimates it will cost $771 per year to maintain the M4. This is less than the class average of $837.
RepairPal praises the M4 for its robust engine and transmission, as long as preventative maintenance is followed. The most common issues are with the engine hesitating, turbocharger problems, and oil leaks.
Consumer Reports Gives It a 5 out of 5 Reliability Score
The nonprofit Consumer Reports conducts extensive surveys of its members each year about issues with their vehicles to come up with predicted new car reliability scores. Encouragingly, the BMW M4 earns a perfect predicted reliability score of 5 out of 5 according to Consumer Reports.
This high score means members who own newer model year M4 coupes reported very few mechanical or electrical problems. It reflects dependability for the first 1-3 years of ownership, which are usually the most problem-free. Longer term reliability remains to be seen.
BMW M4 Owner Surveys Show Mostly Positive Reviews
To complement expert assessments, it’s helpful to look at real owner reviews and surveys. What do people who live with the M4 everyday have to say?
High Owner Satisfaction Reported in Surveys
The Consumer Reports member survey of M4 owners shows very high satisfaction with their vehicles. They praise the incredible acceleration, gorgeous exhaust note, and the feel of a true driver’s car.
Owners report loving the balance of high performance and daily drivability. The M4 can calmly cruise the highway yet spring to life on twisty backroads. BMW seems to have found the right formula with this sports coupe.
Most say the M4 has been problem-free and only required regular maintenance in the first 1-2 years of ownership. This aligns with the excellent 5/5 reliability score from Consumer Reports for newer models.
Some Complaints of Minor Electrical Gremlins
While most owners are very satisfied, there are some complaints of electrical issues popping up. The most common gremlins mentioned are:
- Infotainment system freezing, lagging, or resetting
- iDrive controller knob intermittently not working
- Adaptive LED headlights flickering or shutting off
- Power mirrors and seats not working correctly
These types of electrical issues tend to plague many German performance vehicles. The good news is they rarely lead to catastrophic failure if addressed swiftly. Proper diagnosis and repair is key.
Engine and Transmission Very Robust With Maintenance
The twin-turbo 3.0L straight six engine provides incredible acceleration yet most owners report it being very sturdy. The same goes for the 7-speed dual clutch transmission.
As long as owners follow the maintenance schedule and don’t overly modify or tune the powertrain, it can easily achieve 100k miles or more. Oil changes, spark plugs, filters must be done on time.
Neglecting maintenance or improper tuning can quickly lead to expensive repairs of the high strung turbocharged powerplant. But a properly maintained M4 engine seems more robust than most in this class.
What Are the BMW M4’s Repair and Maintenance Costs?
Maintenance and repair costs are a big part of assessing a car’s reliability and ownership experience. Let’s examine what it costs to service and fix issues with the M4:
Brake Component Replacement Every 20k Miles
The high performance M4 coupe really eats through brakes thanks to its power and track capabilities. Owners report needing new brake pads as often as every 15,000-20,000 miles depending on driving habits. Rotors may need replacing at the same intervals.
You can expect to pay $600-800 or more for a complete brake job. Using high performance pads and rotors can minimize frequency but adds to costs. Brakes are not an area to cheap out on for safety.
Oil Changes Every 5,000-7,500 Miles
The M4’s turbocharged engine requires full synthetic oil and frequent changes to stay lubricated. BMW recommends changing oil at either 7,500 miles or annually, whichever comes first.
More aggressive driving or track use will necessitate changes every 5,000-6,000 miles for maximum engine longevity. Each oil change costs around $140 for parts and labor.
BMW also specifies frequent cabin air filter and engine air filter changes every 20-30k miles or 2-3 years.
Higher Than Average Maintenance Costs Overall
In total, the BMW M4 costs around $200-$300 more per year for maintenance compared to the average sports car according to RepairPal. The total estimated annual cost is $771. Costs are higher partially due to the required synthetic fluids, filters, brake components, and wear items. Dealership labor rates also play a role.
The M4 definitely costs more to own long term than a typical Toyota or Honda. But that’s par for the course when buying a high strung German performance vehicle. Proper maintenance is absolutely essential.
Manufacturer Warranty Coverage for the BMW M4
The BMW factory warranty provides peace of mind against expensive repair bills, at least for the first few years of ownership. Here is the M4’s warranty coverage:
4 Years/50,000 Miles Bumper to Bumper Warranty
The M4 has a standard new vehicle limited warranty that covers any component that has a defect in materials or workmanship for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. This comprehensive coverage provides great protection against those pesky electrical gremlins that may pop up.
Towing service and roadside assistance is also included which gives added peace of mind when driving the performance car.
Powertrain Warranty Up To 6 Years/70,000 Miles
In addition to the bumper to bumper warranty, BMW also provides a drivetrain limited warranty on engine, transmission, and xDrive AWD components. This coverage lasts for 6 years or 70,000 miles from the in-service date of the vehicle.
Having warranty protection for the robust twin-turbo straight six engine up to 70k miles provides great long term value. It can really save on repair bills if a major issue occurred with the turbochargers or cooling system.
Extended Warranty Recommended
Once the 4 year/50,000 mile comprehensive warranty expires, owning the M4 can become more costly if repairs are needed. Extended warranty companies like Endurance and CARCHEX provide additional protection up to 150,000 miles to reduce out of pocket repair expenses. This gives added peace of mind.
Extended coverage for high cost components like the engine, transmission, electrics, and electronics is recommended for keeping costs predictable as the car ages beyond the factory warranty period.
What Are the Most Common BMW M4 Problems?
Even a well engineered performance coupe like the BMW M4 experiences some typical issues that tend to afflict a percentage of vehicles. Here are the most reported problems with the M4:
Oil Leaks from the Valve Cover and Oil Pan Gasket
On the BMW S55 twin turbo straight six engine, one common issue is oil leaks developing from the valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket. This seems to happen most frequently after about 40,000 miles.
Oil leaks can drip onto hot exhaust components and create burning oil smells. The gaskets should be inspected and replaced if any leaks are noticed. Repair costs are around $800 – $1200. Use a quality synthetic oil and change frequently.
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves and Ports
Like most direct injection turbo engines, the M4 is prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves and ports when it reaches higher miles. This issue gradually robs power over time.
Having the intake system cleaned at a BMW specialist every 50k miles or so can help prevent loss of performance. A walnut blasting service costs around $800-$1000 but restores like-new power. Use top tier gas and drive spiritedly regularly to help minimize buildup.
Premature Suspension Component Wear
With its tight suspension tuning and available track performance package, the M4 experiences significant stress on its suspension components.
It’s common to need new control arms, ball joints, tie rods, and other steering/suspension parts between 40k-60k miles if driven aggressively. Bushings also tend to wear out more quickly. Quality aftermarket components can help longevity.
Check Engine Light for Turbo or Fuel Related Codes
It’s not infrequent to see BMW M4 models with check engine lights related to the twin turbo system or fuel delivery system. Some common codes are for turbo underboost, air leaks, cam timing, or fuel pressure regulation.
Thankfully, many of these issues can be fixed affordably if diagnosed properly by a BMW specialist familiar with the M4’s turbo engine. Using quality fuel, oil, and filters helps minimize problems.
Tips for Buying a Used BMW M4
If buying a pre-owned BMW M4, either from a private seller or used car dealer, here are some tips on what to watch out for:
Insist on Complete Service Records
The #1 most important factor is making sure the vehicle has detailed service records from a BMW dealer or specialist. You need to confirm that all maintenance like oil changes, filters, spark plugs, coolant flushes were done on schedule.
Records should show the M4 was cared for properly over the years and give you confidence in its long term reliability. Lack of records is a red flag.
Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection
Always spend the $100-$200 to have any used M4 inspected by a BMW mechanic prior to purchasing. They will put it up on a lift and thoroughly inspect the engine, driveline, suspension, brakes, electronics and note any issues or concerns. This small investment can potentially save thousands by avoiding a problematic vehicle.
Consider a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) M4
Buying a Certified Pre-Owned M4 gives the added security of extended warranty coverage. BMW CPO extends the warranty up to 6 years/100,000 miles from in service date, includes roadside assistance and trip interruption coverage, vehicle history report, and a 165 point inspection.
Check Tire Wear and Brake Condition
Since the M4 eats through rear tires and brake components, lift up the wheels wells and inspect tire tread depth and brake pad thickness prior to purchase. Uneven or low tread could indicate poor alignment. Thin pads equal upcoming costly replacement.
Verdict: The M4 Delivers Exhilarating Performance With Above Average Reliability
In the high stakes world of German performance coupes, the BMW M4 stands out as a sports car that can reliably deliver thrilling driving enjoyment for years to come. While not completely devoid of issues, the M4 avoids many of the pitfalls that plague less mature brands like Alfa Romeo.
Combined with proper preventative maintenance, the BMW M4’s robust powertrain, above average owner satisfaction, and class leading expert ratings give it a dependability advantage over rivals. For drivers seeking a balance of heart pounding performance and real world reliability, the M4 is a top choice in the segment.
