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BMW 4 Series F32/F33/F36 (2013-2019) reliability

At a glance

BMW 4 Series F32/F33/F36 built around 2018: more dangerous faults than average

Testers find a dangerous fault on BMW 4 Series F32/F33/F36 models built around 2018 more often than on similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Looking at a BMW 4 Series F32/F33/F36?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

7% of MOT tests on BMW 4 Series F32/F33/F36 models built around 2018 found a fault the tester marked as dangerous, against 5% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on BMW 4 Series F32/F33/F36 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

BMW 4 Series F32/F33/F36
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2013-2019CoupeDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 109,367 tests of 4 Series models registered 2013-2019.

About 1 in 40 4 Series F32/F33/F36 MOTs (2.7%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 18,592 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 15 4 Series F32/F33/F36 MOTs (6.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 18,592 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

F32/F33/F36 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
4,09612.6%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
14,77113.0%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
18,59213.2%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
21,40614.0%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
21,43015.4%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
19,23517.3%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
9,37318.8%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
46418.3%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 11 years old.

How the 4 Series F32/F33/F36 compares

At each age below, see how the 4 Series F32/F33/F36 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 156,618 tests across 18 BMW models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateBMW average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
4,09612.6%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
14,77113.0%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
18,59213.2%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
21,40614.0%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
21,43015.4%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
19,23517.3%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
9,37318.8%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
46418.3%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other coupes to compare

Other coupes, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 4 Series F32/F33/F36.

  1. 1

    Porsche 911

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    5.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.4%
    Dangerous
    1.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94%

    Lower fail rate: 5.3%, against 13.2% for the BMW 4 Series F32/F33/F36, both built around 2018.

    2,547 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Porsche Cayman

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    5.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.3%
    Dangerous
    2.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93%

    Lower fail rate: 5.5%, against 13.2% for the BMW 4 Series F32/F33/F36, both built around 2018.

    1,235 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Jaguar F-Type

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    8.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.9%
    Dangerous
    2.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.3%

    Lower fail rate: 8.6%, against 13.2% for the BMW 4 Series F32/F33/F36, both built around 2018.

    2,085 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Audi TT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.8%
    Dangerous
    4.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.5%

    Lower fail rate: 10.4%, against 13.2% for the BMW 4 Series F32/F33/F36, both built around 2018.

    6,783 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

88%of all BMW 4 Series cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

45 recalls in all

13 of the 45 4 Series F32/F33/F36 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 6 Critical
  • 7 more

Top concerns

  • Takata driver and/or passenger airbag recall (global VINs)
  • Check driver’s airbag for conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5
  • A possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on 4 Series F32/F33/F36 cars built around 2018

The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 678 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
3%
Emissions
3%

Wear items

Tyres
32%
Brakes
6%
Lighting
1%

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2018 (7 years old)

Engine sizes across all diesel 4 Series tests (not specific to F32/F33/F36).

1.4 to 2.0 litres13.9%7,500 tests2.0 to 3.0 litres13.5%3,466 tests
How 4 Series F32/F33/F36 cars have aged

How 4 Series F32/F33/F36 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%357911Age at MOTBuilt around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 11.4% (9,109 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 12.2% (8,527 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.3% (7,885 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.3% (7,647 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 10.7% (14,006 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 10.3% (12,330 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 11.6% (11,409 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.8% (11,005 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.3% (10,687 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 10.5% (14,335 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 11.4% (13,162 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.6% (12,768 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.5% (12,511 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 14.0% (11,997 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 11.8% (13,816 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.7% (13,244 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.8% (12,823 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 14.4% (12,447 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 14.6% (11,965 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.1% (13,391 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 14.1% (12,999 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 14.7% (12,598 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 16.0% (12,399 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (12,081 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 14.5% (8,796 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.3% (8,527 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (8,280 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.9% (8,108 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 18.7% (7,960 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 13.1% (625 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 14.7% (573 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 14.3% (533 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 17.2% (487 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 18.3% (464 tests, 2025 data)2013
First registered around 2019First registered around 2018First registered around 2017First registered around 2016
How each part holds up as F32/F33/F36 cars age

How each part holds up as F32/F33/F36 cars age

The share of diesel cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car5 years6 years7 years8 years
Suspension1%2%3%6%
BrakesNo figure7%6%10%
Emissions2%2%3%1%
Tyres25%32%32%35%
Lighting2%2%1%3%

Based on diesel cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 104 to 1,029 cars at each age.

F32/F33/F36 variants compared

4 Series F32/F33/F36 variants built around 2018

The fail rate for each 4 Series F32/F33/F36 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • 42013.9%7,484 tests
  • 43514.0%1,875 tests
  • 43012.8%1,574 tests

Petrol

  • 42013.1%4,641 tests
  • 44010.2%1,824 tests
  • 43013.4%1,055 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on BMW 4 Series models of this age

This list covers every BMW 4 Series built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the F32/F33/F36 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    19.9%
    Advisory: 5,601Fail: 421 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    9.2%
    Advisory: 1,985Fail: 221 (10% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    6.6%
    Advisory: 774Fail: 849 (52% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    6.1%
    Advisory: 1,634Fail: 18 (1% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords

    3.8%
    Advisory: 515Fail: 367 (42% of the times it was found)

Based on 18,592 tests

Looking at a BMW 4 Series F32/F33/F36?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the BMW 4 Series F32/F33/F36 (2013-2019) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 18,592 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 109,367 MOT tests on BMW 4 Series models first registered between 2013-2019. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.