Used car guide

2020 BMW M4: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2020 BMW M4s, from 1,154 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,154MOT tests in 2025
89%pass first time (all 2020 cars: 86%)
5,700typical miles a year
20%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2020 BMW M4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    20% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    5% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    3% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Suspension
    3% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    1% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    1% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Looking at a BMW M4?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20221,452Tyres 18%
2021954Tyres 17%
20191,714Tyres 20%
20181,992Tyres 21%
20171,937Tyres 21%
20161,691Tyres 21%
20151,800Tyres 21%
2014914Tyres 19%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2020 BMW M4s registered in 2020. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score