2017 BMW 4 Series: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the BMW 4 Series first registered in 2017: we looked at the 139 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 139 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2017 BMW 4 Series MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2017 BMW 4 Series MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres20% 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.
- Brakes6% 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.
- Suspension5% 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.
- Steering4% 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.
- Lights and electrics3% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors3% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Known faults on the 2017 BMW 4 Series
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- 2.0 petrol and diesel
Timing chain wear
The four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines (shared with the 3 Series) can suffer timing chain wear, especially with late oil changes. A failed chain is an engine-out repair.
At the viewing: Listen for a rattle or whine from the back of the engine, especially from cold. Ask for oil changes on time.
Source: Parkers: BMW 3 Series (2012-2019) used review (the 4 Series shares its engines and running gear)
- Diesel
Blocked EGR valve or particulate filter (diesel)
Diesels used mostly for short trips can block the EGR valve or clog the particulate filter, causing poor running.
At the viewing: Ask what journeys it’s done and watch for warning lights or a lack of power.
If it needs doing: DPF clean or regeneration, about £160–£500. ClickMechanic
Source: Parkers: BMW 3 Series (2012-2019) used review (the 4 Series shares its engines and running gear)
Noisy differential
A whine from the rear as the car passes you can mean the differential has been neglected.
At the viewing: Ask someone to drive it past you slowly and listen for a whine from the back.
Source: Parkers: BMW 3 Series (2012-2019) used review (the 4 Series shares its engines and running gear)
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 BMW 4 Series
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the timing chain been checked or replaced, and have oil changes been on time?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a BMW 4 Series?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the BMW 4 Series compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | – | Too few tests |
| 2021 | – | Too few tests |
| 2020 | – | Too few tests |
| 2019 | 125 | Tyres 22% |
| 2018 | 333 | Tyres 13% |
| 2016 | – | Too few tests |
| 2015 | – | Too few tests |
| 2014 | 904 | Tyres 27% |
| 2013 | 1,989 | Tyres 31% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of BMW 4 Series cars first registered in 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score