BMW remains a luxurious fan-favorite despite the brand’s below-average reliability ratings. But if you’re looking to buy a used BMW with excellent reliability ratings, those options do exist. Take the BMW 4 Series, for instance. Not only is the 4 Series fun to drive, it’s also earned solid reliability ratings from respected critics. These are the most reliable used BMW 4 Series models in 2023.

Overview of the 4 Series

The 2014 BMW 4 Series is the most reliable used BMW 4 Series

The 4 Series began as the coupe version of the BMW 3 Series. BMW introduced the 4 Series as an all-new model for 2014, differentiating its two-door and four-door models. The 4 Series instantly captured the attention of critics and consumers for its array of potent turbocharged engine options and dynamic handling.

The 4 Series’ quiet cabin only elevated the model’s driving experience. Critics also explicitly recognized the 4 Series for absorbing road imperfections with ease. One of its few downsides though, is a small rear seat that is wildly uncomfortable for adults. 

Over the years, BMW has diversified the 4 Series by adding a Gran Coupe body style option and the high-performance M4 variants. The variety in the 4 Series lineup is enticing, but its higher-than-average base price makes it less so. What makes this series a better choice to buy used is its fast depreciation rate. The average three-year depreciation rate for the 4 Series is 51.7 percent, according to iSeeCars.com. Based on this data, the 2017 model year is one of the best bargain deals you can buy. 

Why the 2017 4 Series is one of the best versions to get

U.S. News identifies the 2017 4 Series as one of the best versions to buy used because of its luxurious offerings and its above-average dependability scores. It’s a bit challenging to compare the different 4 Series model years because of the various body style and package options. That said, the 2017 version stands out because BMW introduced two new engine options. 

As a new model, the 2017 4 Series finished as #3 in U.S. News’ luxury small cars category. This model earned a 4 out of 5 for dependability based on J.D. Power’s ratings. While these scores are excellent, you should know that there were three safety recalls on this model for potential issues with its airbags and powertrain.

The best BMW 4 Series model years all use the same setup

Because they all sit on the same platform, the most reliable 4 Series model years are the 2016, 2018, and 2019 versions. Like most modern cars, there are recalls to consider. But outside of valve cover gasket issues and charge pipe failures in the N55 six-cylinder models, the 4 Series proves a reliable luxury option.

For the most part, these three 4 Series models are largely similar. The 2018 version introduced an updated exterior design and an easier-to-use infotainment system. And BMW made parking sensors and navigation standard on the 2019 version. As far as owner satisfaction goes, 4 Series owners are most happy with their vehicles’ performance and style. And it’s certainly better than the bucktoothed 4 Series that dropped in 2020.