Used Car Checklists

2025 BMW 4 Series: What to check before buying

Only 2 owner complaints are on file with NHTSA for this car, so this sheet is short. Problems reported on neighboring 4 Series years are listed below the checklist.

BMW 4 Series2025
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
6
Crashes reported
0
Reliability
Good
67/100 on Auto Reliability Index

Run the VIN before you go

A history report shows accidents, title brands, odometer readings, and open recalls for this 2025 BMW 4 Series. Ask the seller for the VIN; it is also on the dash at the base of the windshield.

Your inspection sheet

Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.

These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.

Reported on neighboring 4 Series years

Few owners have reported problems with this year yet. Nearby years usually share most parts, so their problems are worth checking on this car too.

2024 4 Series

17 owner complaints
  • Brakes 4
  • Backup camera 2

Worth adding to your 2025 checks

  • Brake gently at parking speed in an empty lot and confirm the car stops firmly and predictably.
  • Run the VIN through federal recall records and confirm every open brake recall is completed.
  • Check service records for repeat brake visits or unresolved brake complaints.
Open the 2024 checklist

2023 4 Series

43 owner complaints
  • Brakes 12
  • Stability control 5
  • Electrical 3

Worth adding to your 2025 checks

  • Run the VIN through a federal recall lookup and confirm every open brake-related recall repair has been completed.
  • Brake firmly from moderate speed several times and reject a car whose pedal sinks, goes stiff, or grabs and releases.
  • Watch the dash at startup and while driving for "Drive Carefully" brake messages or safety-system warnings.
Open the 2023 checklist

Which 4 Series is it?

EPA figures for each version of the 2025 BMW 4 Series. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.

VersionDriveEPA rating
3.0L 6-cylGasAWD, RWD18–19 mpg
2.0L 4-cylHybridAWD, RWD30–31 mpg
3.0L 4-cylHybridAWD, RWD29–30 mpg
  • The 2025 BMW 4 Series was sold in three versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
  • On the hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
  • Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A 4 Series that averages well under the EPA 18 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.

Recalls to confirm (6)

Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.

  1. 26V096000ElectricalFeb 2026

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 M5 Sportswagon, 2025-2026 M5, 2024-2025 750e xDrive, 2025-2026 550e xDrive, 2023-2025 I7, 2023-2025 7 Series, 2024-2026 i5, and 5 Series vehicles. The electrical wiring harness for the air conditioning system may become damaged during replacement of the cabin air filter.

    Risk: A damaged wiring harness can short-circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the air conditioning system’s electrical wiring harness and add a retaining strap/bracket to the harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 13, 2026.

  2. 25V202000ElectricalApr 2025

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 330i, 330i xDrive, 530i, 530i xDrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive) and X3 30 xDrive vehicles. The electrical connection between the starter-generator and battery may come loose.

    Risk: A loose starter-generator connection can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, the wiring may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the starter-generator and positive battery cable as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed May 28, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  3. 24V870000AirbagsNov 2024

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 530i and 540i xDrive vehicles. The air bag control unit may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in the air bags not deploying as intended.

    Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended during a crash increases the risk of injury.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The vehicles have not been sold from dealer inventory and therefore no owner letters will be mailed. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  4. 24V714000SteeringSep 2024

    BMW of North America (BMW) is recalling certain 2024-2025 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive, 2024-2025 i5 eDrive40, i5 M60 xDrive, 2025 i5 xDrive40, 2024 740i xDrive, 760i xDrive, 750e xDrive, i7 eDrive50, i7 xDrive60, and i7 M70 xDrive vehicles. The steering spindle may break requiring a greater steering effort to control the vehicle.

    Risk: A sudden increase in required steering effort increases the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the steering spindle's double universal joint, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 22, 2024. Owners may contact BMW Customer Service at 1-800-525-7417.

  5. 24V697000Stability controlSep 2024

    BMW of North America (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 X1, 2024-2025 X5, 2025 X6, 2023-2025 X7, 740i, 760i, 2024 XM, 530i, 540i, i7, 750e, X2, 2024-2025 i5, 2024 Rolls Royce Spectre, 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4, JCW Countryman ALL4, and 2025 MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, Cooper S) vehicles. Please refer to the recall report for the complete list of models. The welds in the servomotor of the integrated brake control module may break, causing a loss of power brake assist and rear brake function. In addition, the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system may not function.

    Risk: A loss of brake power assist or rear brake function can result in extended stopping distance. A loss of ABS or DSC can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 13, 2024. Owners can contact BMW Customer Service at 1-800-525-7417.

  6. 24V104000Stability controlFeb 2024

    BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2025 BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.

    Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between June and December 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls Royce customer service at 1-877-877-3735.

Also looking at these instead of a 4 Series?

Cars shoppers compare with the BMW 4 Series, with their own 2025 checklists.