Used car guide

2016 BMW X4: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 BMW X4s, from 2,713 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

2,713MOT tests in 2025
80%pass first time (all 2016 cars: 75%)
8,800typical miles a year
11.4×the usual rate for steering rack inner joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2016 BMW X4s than on all cars registered in 2016.

  • Steering rack inner joints11.4× usual
    BMW X4
    9.1% All 2016 cars
    0.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Coil springs2× usual
    BMW X4
    8.3% All 2016 cars
    4.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 2.5% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

  • Transmission oil leaks4.4× usual
    BMW X4
    2.2% All 2016 cars
    0.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

By area

The share of 2016 BMW X4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    27% 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.

  • Suspension
    19% 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.

  • Brakes
    17% 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.

  • Steering
    10% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Lights and electrics
    5% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

Looking at a BMW X4?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20221,575Tyres 20%
20211,586Tyres 22%
20201,871Tyres 24%
20193,995Tyres 26%
20182,038Tyres 25%
20172,132Tyres 27%
20152,078Tyres 29%
2014723Tyres 27%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2016 BMW X4s registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score