Front control arm bushes
Signs: Shimmy under braking
Fix: Replace bushes / arms
2014–2018
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
The BMW X4 (F26) was built from 2014 to 2018.
For this generation we cover 6 engines and 21 known faults, each with the mileage range where it usually appears.
The most expensive known risk is Timing chain wear (rear-mounted): it usually appears at 150,000–280,000 km and costs €2,000–4,000 to fix.
In UK roadworthiness tests in 2024, at 100–150 thousand km this model most often failed on: tyres and wheels (7.2 %), lights, wipers and visibility (7.2 %), suspension (4.8 %). It fails less often than average on: brakes, suspension, lights, wipers and visibility, exhaust, emissions and leaks.
| Engine | Fuel | Timing drive | Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 petrol (BMW N20) | Petrol | Chain | 5W-30 / 0W-30 · BMW LL-01 · ~5.0 L · every 15,000 km |
| 2.0 petrol (BMW B48) | Petrol | Chain | 0W-20 / 0W-30 · BMW LL-17FE+ / LL-01 · ~5.25 L · every 15,000 km |
| 1.6d / 2.0d (BMW N47) | Diesel | Chain | 5W-30 · BMW LL-04 · ~5.2 L · every 15,000 km |
| 2.0d (BMW B47) | Diesel | Chain | 5W-30 / 0W-30 · BMW LL-04 · ~5.2 L · every 15,000 km |
| 3.0d (BMW N57) | Diesel | Chain | 5W-30 · BMW LL-04 · ~6.5 L · every 15,000 km |
| 3.0 turbo petrol (BMW N55) | Petrol | Chain | 5W-30 / 0W-40 · BMW LL-01 · ~6.5 L · every 10,000 km |
Signs: Shimmy under braking
Fix: Replace bushes / arms
Signs: Harsh ride; expensive to replace
Fix: Budget accordingly
Signs: 4x4 / DSC warning lights, grinding
Fix: Replace actuator motor / gear
Signs: Whine at 2,000–3,000 rpm
Fix: Replace chain, guides, oil pump chain
Signs: Oil smell, drips onto the belt
Fix: Replace gasket
Signs: Oil misting, burning smell
Fix: Reseal
Signs: Coolant warning, sweet smell, level drops
Fix: Find and replace the leaking pipe or tank
Signs: Whirring or rattle from gearbox end at idle
Fix: Act immediately: gearbox-out repair
Signs: Can break off into the engine
Fix: Replace or blank off
Signs: Power loss, EGR codes
Fix: Replace EGR components
Signs: Coolant leaks into the EGR system
Fix: Check recall status; free replacement
Signs: DPF warning, frequent regeneration
Fix: Clean or replace
Signs: Whine or rattle from the gearbox end
Fix: Replace chain (gearbox out)
Signs: Coolant leak into the EGR — fire risk
Fix: Check recall status (free)
Signs: Oil leaks
Fix: Reseal
Signs: Overheating warning without early signs
Fix: Replace pump and thermostat
Signs: Oil smell, drips on the belt
Fix: Replace gaskets
Signs: Rough idle, cam timing codes
Fix: Clean or replace
Signs: Sudden power loss, whoosh
Fix: Replace with an aluminium pipe
Signs: Delayed or harsh shifts
Fix: Fluid service, repair
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
Intervals and typical prices for the 2.0 petrol (BMW N20) engine. Other engines differ in oil, timing drive and some filters; the app gives the exact plan.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer case / rear differential oilTransmission | every 80,000 km | €60–160 |
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| AWD coupling (Haldex) oil + filterTransmission | every 60,000 km or every 36 months | €60–150 |
| Automatic transmission fluidTransmission | every 90,000 km | €200–450 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
Share of tests in the United Kingdom (DVSA MOT, 2024) that this model failed because of each system. Bold red means more often and green less often than an average car of the same age and mileage. Sample: 9,680 tests.
| thousand km | 0–50 | 50–100 | 100–150 | 150–200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 0.0 % | 2.3 % | 3.0 % | 4.0 % |
| Suspension | 0.9 % | 2.3 % | 4.8 % | 6.0 % |
| Steering | 0.2 % | 0.1 % | 0.4 % | 0.5 % |
| Tyres and wheels | 4.0 % | 5.4 % | 7.2 % | 8.4 % |
| Lights, wipers and visibility | 5.6 % | 6.0 % | 7.2 % | 8.0 % |
| Body and corrosion | 0.0 % | 0.1 % | 0.3 % | 0.5 % |
| Exhaust, emissions and leaks | 0.5 % | 0.4 % | 1.1 % | 1.8 % |
BMW X1 (E84) 2009–2015BMW X1 (F48) 2015–2022BMW X1 (U11) 2022–BMW X2 (F39) 2018–2023BMW X3 (E83) 2003–2010BMW X3 (F25) 2010–2017BMW X3 (G01) 2017–2024BMW X5 (E53) 1999–2006BMW X5 (E70) 2006–2013BMW X5 (F15) 2013–2018BMW X5 (G05) 2018–
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 07/10/2026