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BMW M4
Cabriolet · Gas · 20 versions · owner report
Ranked #12 of 17 luxury compact cars on owner data, price and fuel economy
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (302 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2027
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Extremely positive sentiment among owners, characterized by high satisfaction with performance, daily drivability, and emotional fulfillment.
5 problems reported (1 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentHigh Cost of Ownership
Very frequent warnings about expensive routine maintenance (tires, brakes) and major repairs (turbos) on used, high-mileage examples. Budgeting thousands annually is emphasized.
- RecurrentCarbon Bucket Seat Drawbacks
Recurrent mentions of being a "pain to live with," including difficulty entering/exiting, wear on bolsters, and compromised comfort for some passengers on long trips.
- RecurrentRisk of Purchasing Modified Used Vehicles
Recurrent strong advice against buying modified M4s due to unknown build quality, potential hidden damage from aggressive tuning, and the likelihood that the car was driven hard.
+ 2 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedThrottle Response in Efficient Mode
Isolated complaint that throttle response in the G82's most efficient driving mode is too sluggish.
- IsolatedExtended Warm-Up Time
Isolated mention that the advanced cooling system on the G82 requires 10-15 minutes to reach optimal operating temperature.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Strong appreciation is expressed for both the F82 (2015-2020) and G82 (2021+) generations. Within the G82, the Competition xDrive model is mentioned as the spec that inspired a purchase due to its all-weather capability and performance. The manual transmission (available on base and Competition RWD models) is highly valued by a subset of owners for engagement. The limited-production F82 M4 GTS is mentioned in isolation as "the best one ever." There is active debate over the necessity of the Carbon Bucket Seats, with some owners considering them a "must" for spirited driving and others avoiding them for daily comfort and passenger accessibility.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Porsche 911, BMW M3, BMW M5, BMW M2 and Cadillac ATS-V/CT4-V Blackwing.
Is the M4 right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Extremely positive sentiment among owners, characterized by high satisfaction with performance, daily drivability, and emotional fulfillment. The M4 is consistently described as a "dream car" that delivers a thrilling, occasion-like driving experience. Owners of the current G82 generation (2021+) praise its all-around capability as a perfect daily driver that is "quick enough to do everything, but also super comfortable," with a smooth ride and impressive technology. The S58 engine platform is singled out for being "insanely modifiable and tunable" and is perceived as grossly underrated from the factory. A strong sense of community pride and ownership joy is evident. Criticisms are minor and focus on specific optional equipment or the financial realities of used, high-mileage, or modified examples, rather than fundamental flaws in the vehicle itself.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a versatile high-performance coupe that balances track capability with daily comfort and luxury. It is frequently compared to the Porsche 911, with the consensus being that the M4 offers superior value and daily practicality, especially for taller drivers or those in urban environments, though the 911 remains an aspirational next step. Compared to American muscle (Camaro ZL1 1LE), the M4 is acknowledged to have a nicer interior and more advanced technology but may underperform on track with stock tires; the value proposition shifts when factoring in tuning potential. Versus competitors like the Cadillac Blackwing, the M4 is seen as lighter and more precise, potentially making it a better track tool. Within the BMW lineup, it is compared to the M3 for practicality, the M5 for performance and running costs, and the M2 for a purer, smaller sports car feel, though weight comparisons between modern M2, M3, and M4 are noted to be very close.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is recommended by enthusiasts for engagement. xDrive all-wheel drive (on Competition models) is noted for improved traction and all-weather confidence. For the G82 generation, the M Drive Professional package is recommended to enable customizable traction control settings in RWD mode on xDrive cars. Laser lights are mentioned as a desirable aesthetic option. For used F82 models, an unmodified car or one with only mild supporting mods (charge pipes, downpipes) is strongly advised over heavily modified examples. A pre-purchase inspection is universally recommended for any used purchase, especially modified or high-mileage vehicles.
General recommendations
Suitable for driving enthusiasts seeking a high-performance coupe that excels as a daily driver. Ideal for owners who value a blend of luxury, technology, track capability, and street presence. Strongly recommended for buyers who can afford not only the purchase price but also the significant ongoing maintenance and repair costs, which can amount to $3,500-$5,000 USD per year for high-mileage examples. NOT recommended as a first car for buyers on a tight budget, as the cost of ownership (premium fuel, tires, brakes, potential turbo replacement) will quickly eclipse the initial savings of a cheap, high-mileage purchase. Buyers should avoid previously modified vehicles unless they have extensive documentation, professional installation records, and are prepared to assume unknown risks. Aggressive negotiation on new models is possible, as one owner reported a dealer repeatedly dropping the price before purchase.
Remarks
The discussion spans two primary generations: the F82 (2015-2020 with S55 engine) and the G82 (2021+ with S58 engine). Feedback is overwhelmingly centered on ownership experience rather than mechanical failures. The S55 and S58 engines are both regarded as robust and highly tunable platforms. A significant portion of the discourse involves financial advice, stressing that the true cost of an M4 extends far beyond the purchase price, particularly for older models. The polarizing design of the G82's grille is acknowledged but not a dominant point of criticism in these owner discussions. The vehicle's driving aids (DSC, MDM) are praised for being highly effective and making the car very difficult to crash unintentionally. Analysis based on approximately 60 substantive owner discussions and comments.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2016. Years to avoid: 2016Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all BMW M4 years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 0 | steering |
| 2024 | 4 | 0 | back over prevention |
| 2022 | 4 | 0 | visibility |
| 2021 | 5 | 6 | service brakes |
| 2020 | 1 | 2 | suspension |
| 2018 | 6 | 1 | fuel/propulsion system |
| 2017 | 2 | 3 | power train |
| 2016 | 22 | 3 | engine |
| 2015 | 12 | 3 | engine |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices18 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2021 · seat beltscampaign 21V554000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible (430i, M440i), BMW X1 sDrive28i, xDrive28i, 2 Series Gran Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i xDrive), M2 Competition Coupe, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, M3 Competition, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, CooperS, JCW), X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X2 M35i, Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper SE), MINI Convertible (Cooper, Cooper S, JCW), MINI Clubman (Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW), MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), Rolls Royce Ghost, MINI Countryman (Cooper S E All4), Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and Toyota Supra vehicles. The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2021 · service brakes, hydrauliccampaign 21V062000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
2021 · electrical system:12v/24v/48v batterycampaign 20V761000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
2021 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 21V096000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2021 · air bags:side/window:thoraxcampaign 21V176000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 430i and M440i 4 Series Convertible vehicles. In certain side-impact crashes, the head-thorax air bag may not deploy as intended.
2021 · seat beltscampaign 23V584000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 2022 430i Coupe, 2021-2022 430i, M440i Convertible, and 2020-2022 228i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2020 · air bags:knee bolstercampaign 19V352000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive, M2 Competition Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, and 2019 330i xDrive Sportswagon vehicles. The driver and passenger knee air bag assemblies may have been improperly folded and assembled.
2020 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection systemcampaign 20V666000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 M2 Coupe and 2020 M4 Coupe vehicles. Fuel injectors may have been installed without a damping component which is used to reduce vibration. If a damping component is not present, vibration will increase at the connection between the fuel line and the fuel rail, which over time, can result in damage at the connection.
2018 · seat belts:frontcampaign 17V507000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, and M4 convertible vehicles. The Emergency Locking Retractors (ELR) within the front seat belt assemblies may have been produced with incompatible vehicle-sensitive locking mechanism housings.
2017 · power train:driveline:driveshaftcampaign 18V713000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2017 BMW M3 Sedans, 2016-2017 BMW M4 and M4 GTS Coupes and 2017 BMW M4 Convertible vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the flange may fail resulting in a loss of propulsion.
2017 · air bagscampaign 17V115000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive and M4 vehicles and Rolls-Royce Dawn vehicles. The affected vehicles have seat-mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.
2017 · air bagscampaign 16V914000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S, Mini 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and 2016 BMW 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5 and 535d vehicles. The affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.
2016 · power train:driveline:driveshaftcampaign 18V713000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2017 BMW M3 Sedans, 2016-2017 BMW M4 and M4 GTS Coupes and 2017 BMW M4 Convertible vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the flange may fail resulting in a loss of propulsion.
2016 · structure:frame and memberscampaign 16V653000
BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 BMW M2 Coupe vehicles, 2015-2017 M3 Sedan vehicles and 2015-2016 M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible vehicles. During servicing of the rear differential for a prior service action, the rear sub-frame bolts may have been reused instead of being replaced. Reuse of the existing bolts may cause the bolts to loosen.
2016 · power train:driveline:driveshaftcampaign 15V782000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 M3 Sedan vehicles manufactured May 30, 2015, to September 2, 2015, 2016 M4 Coupe vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to September 11, 2015, and 2015-2016 M4 Convertible vehicles manufactured May 29, 2015, to August 4, 2015. The affected vehicles have a driveshaft with a slip-joint that may not have been filled with grease. As a result, the slip-joint may fail over time.
3 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: G82
CS 3.0 M xDrive M
3.0L 6-cylinder · 550 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2024–2026