2015 BMW X4 Problems: 7 Known Issues

On the 2015 BMW X4 N20, bMW SIB 11 03 17 identifies F26 X4 xDrive28i N20 vehicles produced from March 2014 through February 2015. A lower-engine whine that increases with engine speed can be associated with timing-chain or oil-pump-drive-chain wear; the bulletin does not declare every X4 or every N20 defective.

On the 2015-2023 BMW X4, bMW X4 models with N20, N55, B46, B48, and B58 engines commonly develop oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and oil filter housing gaskets. The plastic valve cover warps from heat cycles, causing gasket failure. The oil filter housing, which bolts to the engine block on a profile gasket, also develops leaks. These are wear items that typically fail between 60,000-100,000 miles. Oil leaks onto hot exhaust components, causing burning oil smell but rarely major issues if addressed promptly.

On the 2015-2018 BMW X4 N20, bMW recalled more than 720,000 vehicles in August 2024 because small drops of liquid from the positive crankcase ventilation system can drip onto and penetrate the electrical plug connector of the electric coolant pump. Over time this can lead to a short circuit and, in rare cases, a thermal event. The 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i (F26) is named in the campaign. This is distinct from an ordinary worn-out pump: BMW states the electric coolant pump itself is not recalled, and the remedy centres on the connector and a retrofitted protective splash cap. BMW reported roughly 18 customer complaints and no crashes or injuries at the time of the recall.

On the 2015-2017 BMW X4, on the European-market X4 20d, 30d and 35d, coolant (glycol) can leak from the exhaust gas recirculation cooler. Combined with soot deposits and the high temperatures inside the EGR system, the leaking glycol can produce burning soot deposits that can melt the intake manifold and in the worst case start a fire. BMW's UK recall named X4 (20d, 30d, 35d) vehicles manufactured between December 2013 and June 2017. US X4s were never sold with these diesels, so this is a European and UK issue.

On the 2015-2023 BMW X4, the rear differential mounting bushings on the X4 degrade over time, causing clunking and vibration from the rear of the vehicle. The rubber bushings crack and collapse, allowing excessive differential movement. Common in models driven aggressively or on rough roads.

On the 2015-2018 BMW X4, bMW xDrive (AWD) X4 models use an electronically-controlled transfer case that commonly experiences actuator motor failures between 60,000-100,000 miles. The transfer case actuator motor and internal clutch pack wear out from normal use. Symptoms include grinding noises, AWD malfunction warnings, and xDrive no longer engaging properly, leaving the car driving on the rear wheels only. The actuator motor is a common failure point and can be replaced separately, but complete transfer case failure requires full replacement. This is reported on the first-generation F26 X4 (2015-2018) with xDrive.

On the 2015-2017 BMW X4, the lower anchor bars used to attach child restraint systems can be damaged over the life of the vehicle when rigid ISOFIX-style connectors are repeatedly used on them. A damaged anchor bar may not hold the child seat as designed in a crash. NHTSA campaign 16V-333 covers roughly 188,670 US vehicles; BMW's bulletin lists F26 X4 vehicles produced from April 2014 through April 15, 2016 (model years 2015-2017 per NHTSA). BMW notes the rigid-style connector is mainly used in Europe and that the condition is unlikely with LATCH-type flexible connectors.