BMW 4er-Reihe F32/F33/F36/F82/F83 420i Coupé, 184 PS, 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive (2013–2017)

Research for this car

• Generation guide BMW 4 Series F32/F33/F36 (2013-2021): known problems and buying guide

  A usable buy with recall work on record. Avoid early N20 petrol cars with no chain work on record.

• Gearbox guide ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic (BMW Steptronic): problems, costs and what to check

  A solid 8-speed when its fluid is changed on time. Buy with oil records and a clean scan, and avoid one that shudders or has run in limp mode.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Start the cold engine and listen for a rattle in the first seconds. Ask for a record of timing chain work. Bad result: a rattle on cold start, or no chain work on a car built to 2015 or 2016.
2. Drive at part throttle on a flat road and watch for judder. Check that all four tyres match and that the pressures are right. Ask for the oil change record. Bad result: judder that stays after the tyres are checked, or no oil record.
3. Lift the car and check the springs, shock absorbers and tie rod ends. Bad result: leaking shocks, worn tie rod ends, or knocks over bumps.
4. Ask a BMW dealer to check the fuel pump recall and all open campaigns for the car's VIN. Build dates differ by source, so check the VIN. Bad result: an open campaign, or a pump not replaced.

From the gearbox guide

1. Read the gearbox fault memory with a BMW-capable scanner. Bad result: pressure or solenoid codes such as 4F84, 4F87, P189C or P0748, or a past limp mode.
2. Ask for fluid and filter invoices. Bad result: no fluid change by 80,000 to 120,000 km, or a change without an adaptation reset.
3. Drive the car from cold and select Drive and Reverse. Bad result: a hard 1-2 shift, or a delay of 1-3 seconds before the gear engages.
4. Drive 15 minutes in town, then under load. Bad result: jerky 2-3 shifts, flaring, slipping or a burnt smell.
5. Hold a steady light throttle at low speed. Bad result: a shudder or vibration, which points to the torque converter lock-up clutch.
6. Look under the car on a lift. Bad result: oil at the wiring connector on the case, on the plastic pan or on the cooler lines.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions