2017 BMW X4 Problems: 5 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2017 model year · 530+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 530+ owner reports, the 2017 BMW X4 has 5 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Electric Water Pump Failure ($600-$1,500 repair) and N20 Timing Chain Guide Failure ($2,200-$4,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Electric Water Pump Failure with 200 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $400 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 5 Known Issues

Filter:

When Issues Typically Appear

N20 Timing Chain Guide Failure

50K-90K

Transfer Case Actuator Motor Failure - All xDrive X4

60K-100K

Oil Leaks - Valve Cover & Oil Filter Housing - All Models

60K-100K

025K50K75K100K mi

Community Reported

180 owners

On the 2015-2018 BMW X4 N20, the F26 X4 equipped with the N20 engine suffers from the same timing chain guide failure that affects all N20-powered BMWs. The plastic chain guides deteriorate and can fracture, leading to chain slack and potential engine destruction. Failure typically occurs between 50,000-90,000 miles.

This issue also affects: Citroën C3, Citroën DS3, Peugeot 2008

Common Symptoms

Metallic rattling from engine on cold start
Check Engine light with timing correlation codes
Engine misfires and rough running
Reduced power and acceleration
Unusual whining from front of engine
Metal particles visible during oil changes

How to Fix

Replace the complete timing chain assembly including chain, guides, tensioner, and sprockets. Preventive replacement is advisable around 70,000-80,000 miles. Monitor for early symptoms and address immediately if detected.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 180+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeBMW N20 complete timing chain replacement kit (Genuine BMW #11318648732)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$2,200 - $4,500

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180+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence180 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

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 (integrated into engine block) 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.

This issue also affects: BMW 8 Series, BMW i3, BMW M3

Common Symptoms

Burning oil smell, especially after driving
Visible oil on valve cover or around oil filter housing
Low oil level warning (slow leak)
Oil residue on engine bay components
Smoke from engine bay when hot

How to Fix

Replace valve cover gasket and/or oil filter housing gasket. Valve cover replacement is 3-4 hours labor on X4. Oil filter housing gasket is 1-2 hours. Both are routine maintenance items on BMW turbo engines. Use OEM gaskets for best longevity. Clean oil residue from engine bay after repair. Monitor oil level regularly to catch leaks early.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeGenuine BMW N20 valve cover assembly (11127588412) - includes integrated PCV valve. Complete assembly replacement preferred over gasket-only repair. (Genuine BMW #11127588412)
View on Amazon
TipFix oil leaks promptly - oil on exhaust can cause fires in rare cases
TipWhen replacing valve cover, also check PCV valve and replace if needed
UpgradeElring oil filter housing gasket (11428637821) - OEM supplier quality. Replace when doing valve cover to prevent oil leak from second common failure point. (Elring #11428637821)
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Typical repair cost:$500 - $1,400

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

Community Reported

200 owners

On the 2015-2023 BMW X4, the X4 shares BMW electric water pump reliability issues common across the platform. The pump can fail without warning, causing rapid engine overheating. Failure is especially dangerous on highway drives where overheating can occur within minutes of pump failure.

This issue also affects: BMW 1 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW X3

Common Symptoms

Sudden engine overheating
Temperature gauge climbing rapidly
Engine goes into limp mode
Coolant boiling over
Heater output fluctuates between hot and cold
Warning message to stop vehicle immediately

How to Fix

Replace the electric water pump and thermostat as a pair. Bleed the cooling system completely after installation. Keep a close eye on coolant temperature gauge as early detection is key to preventing engine damage from overheating.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 200+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradePierburg electric water pump for BMW (Pierburg #11517632426)
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Typical repair cost:$600 - $1,500

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200+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence200 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

Community Reported

150 owners

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.

Common Symptoms

Clunking noise from rear when accelerating or decelerating
Vibration felt through floor and seats
Driveline shudder during low-speed maneuvers
Thud when shifting from Drive to Reverse
Rear end feels loose or disconnected
Noise worsens over bumps

How to Fix

Replace rear differential mount bushings. Both front and rear differential bushings should be inspected and replaced as a set. Upgraded aftermarket bushings with stiffer rubber or polyurethane are available for longer service life.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 150+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeLemforder rear differential mount bushing set (Lemforder #33176770457)
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Typical repair cost:$400 - $1,000

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150+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence150 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

On the 2015-2023 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 the vehicle stuck in FWD mode. The actuator motor is a common failure point and can be replaced separately, but complete transfer case failure requires full replacement. This affects all X4 generations (F26 and G02) with xDrive.

Common Symptoms

Grinding or whining noise from under vehicle
AWD malfunction warning on dashboard
Transfer case failsafe program message
Vehicle stuck in front-wheel drive only
Vibration during acceleration
Fluid leak from transfer case area

How to Fix

Diagnose specific failure. Transfer case actuator motor replacement ($800-1,200) is most common. Complete transfer case replacement required for internal failures ($2,500-4,000). Regular transfer case fluid changes every 50,000 miles may extend life. Some owners install aftermarket upgraded actuator motors. Common wear item on high-mileage xDrive BMW models.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeFCP Euro transfer case actuator gear repair kit ($100-150) - much cheaper than full motor replacement. Kit includes replacement plastic gears and seals. (FCP Euro Transfer Case Actuator Gear Repair Kit)
View on Amazon
TipChange transfer case fluid every 50k miles - BMW says "lifetime" but preventive changes help
NoteDon't drive with transfer case warnings - can damage transmission and differential

Typical repair cost:$800 - $4,000

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0+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common BMW X4 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 530+ owner reports, the 2017-2017 BMW X4 has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Electric Water Pump Failure, N20 Timing Chain Guide Failure, Rear Differential Mount Bushing Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the BMW X4 reliable?

The 2017-2017 BMW X4 has 5 known issues documented across 530+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Electric Water Pump Failure and N20 Timing Chain Guide Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common BMW X4 problems?

Repair costs for known BMW X4 issues range from $400 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Electric Water Pump Failure, typically costs $600-$1,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2015-2023 BMW X4 Electric Water Pump Failure?

The X4 shares BMW electric water pump reliability issues common across the platform. The pump can fail without warning, causing rapid engine overheating. Failure is especially dangerous on highway drives where overheating can occur within minutes of pump failure. Repairs typically run $600-$1,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2018 BMW X4 N20 Timing Chain Guide Failure?

The F26 X4 equipped with the N20 engine suffers from the same timing chain guide failure that affects all N20-powered BMWs. The plastic chain guides deteriorate and can fracture, leading to chain slack and potential engine destruction. Failure typically occurs between 50,000-90,0… Repairs typically run $2,200-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2023 BMW X4 Rear Differential Mount Bushing Failure?

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. Repairs typically run $400-$1,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2015-2023 BMW X4 Transfer Case Actuator Motor Failure - All xDrive 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 malf… Repairs typically run $800-$4,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2015-2023 BMW X4 Oil Leaks - Valve Cover & Oil Filter Housing - All Models?

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 (integrated into engine block) also develops l… Repairs typically run $500-$1,400. Severity: low.

2017 BMW X4 Problems: 5 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 5 Known Issues

When Issues Typically Appear

2015-2018 BMW X4: N20 Timing Chain Guide Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2015-2023 BMW X4: Oil Leaks - Valve Cover & Oil Filter Housing - All Models#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2015-2023 BMW X4: Electric Water Pump Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2015-2023 BMW X4: Rear Differential Mount Bushing Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2015-2023 BMW X4: Transfer Case Actuator Motor Failure - All xDrive X4#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other BMW Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common BMW X4 problems?

Is the BMW X4 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common BMW X4 problems?

What is the 2015-2023 BMW X4 Electric Water Pump Failure?

What is the 2015-2018 BMW X4 N20 Timing Chain Guide Failure?

What is the 2015-2023 BMW X4 Rear Differential Mount Bushing Failure?

What is the 2015-2023 BMW X4 Transfer Case Actuator Motor Failure - All xDrive X4?

What is the 2015-2023 BMW X4 Oil Leaks - Valve Cover & Oil Filter Housing - All Models?