2016 vs 2017 BMW 4 Series

vs

Both years are the same generation, so most of what they offer is shared.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

2016

  • Timing chain stretch on the N20 four 2014–2016 One source so far

    What to check: Listen for a rattle at idle, and ask whether the timing chain and its guides have been replaced.

    Euro Premium Parts calls the timing chain a major weak point, with plastic guides that can break and wreck the engine.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Oil use and leaks on the N20 four 2014–2016 One source so far

    What to check: Look for blue smoke when accelerating and oil around the valve cover, and ask how often the oil has needed topping up.

    Euro Premium Parts says oil use can start as early as 60,000 miles, from a faulty crankcase vent valve, worn valve stem seals or, at worst, worn rings, and lists coolant leaks at the back of the block and cracked boost hoses.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Oil leaks on the N55 six 2014–2016 One source so far

    What to check: Look for oil around the valve cover, the oil filter housing and the oil pan.

    Euro Premium Parts lists leaks from these gaskets, and carbon on the intake valves.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

2017

  • Coolant leaks on the B48 four 2017–2020 One source so far

    What to check: Look for coolant at the upper radiator hose and the oil filter housing.

    Euro Premium Parts reports occasional leaks at these two points.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

Both years

  • Water trapped in the convertible's rear side panels All years

    What to check: Listen for water sloshing in the rear side panels while driving, run each rear window and the roof, and look for water or a musty smell in the corners of the trunk. Ask whether the drains have been cleared.

    BMW of North America's bulletin says the rocker trim and underbody panel can sit too tight against the drain plugs, so water fills the lower rear side panels and can corrode the rear window regulators and motors, then reach the trunk's audio amplifier. It extends coverage of the drain repair to 15 years or 150,000 miles from first delivery. On a British owners' forum, owners of four convertibles in three threads report a rear window or the roof stopping working from water in the panel, and another found water running out of a sill after a car wash.

    BMW, owners' reports (unofficial)

Recalls

2016

  • 24V608000 2014–2016

    A badly sealed electrical connector on the water pump can let water in and short circuit. Dealers inspect and replace the pump and connector as needed and fit a shield. NHTSA

2017

  • 16V914000 2017

    The initiators of the seat-mounted side airbags may fail to fire in a crash. Dealers replace the airbag modules. NHTSA

  • 17V115000 2017

    The initiators of the seat-mounted side airbags may fail to fire in a crash. Dealers replace the airbag modules. NHTSA

What changed between

After 2016, up to and including 2017.

  1. 2017The B48 430i and B58 440i replace the 428i and 435i, with an updated iDrive, wireless charging and Wi-Fi, and free maintenance drops to three years. Edmunds, CarGurus

What it came with

2016

Nothing that 2017 lacks.

2017

Packages
Wireless Charging Package (2017) Edmunds

Both years

Engines
2.0L turbo four-cylinder (2017–2020) Edmunds, a published reference, 3.0L turbo inline-six (2017–2020) Edmunds, a published reference
Transmissions
Eight-speed automatic Edmunds, CarGurus, Six-speed manual Edmunds, CarGurus
Drivetrains
Rear-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, CarGurus
Body styles
Coupe Edmunds, a published reference, Convertible Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference, Gran Coupe (2015–2020) Edmunds, a published reference
Packages
Luxury Line, later Luxury Package Edmunds, a published reference, M Sport Edmunds, a published reference, Premium Package Edmunds, Technology Package Edmunds, Lighting Package Edmunds, Cold Weather Package Edmunds, Driver Assistance Package Edmunds, Driver Assistance Plus Package Edmunds, Track Handling Package (2016–2017) Edmunds

Colors

2016

Nothing that 2017 lacks.

2017

Nothing that 2016 lacks.

Both years

  • Alpine White 2015–2019 Edmunds
  • Estoril Blue 2015–2019 Edmunds
  • Imperial Blue Metallic 2015–2019 Edmunds
  • Black Sapphire Metallic 2015–2019 Edmunds
  • Glacier Silver Metallic 2015–2019 Edmunds
  • Jet Black 2015–2019 Edmunds
  • Melbourne Red Metallic 2015–2019 Edmunds
  • Mineral Grey Metallic 2015–2019 Edmunds
  • Mineral White Metallic 2015–2019 Edmunds
  • Sparkling Brown Metallic 2015–2019 Edmunds

Interiors

2016

Nothing that 2017 lacks.

2017

Nothing that 2016 lacks.

Both years

  • Venetian Beige Dakota 2015–2019 Edmunds
  • Black SensaTec 2015–2019 Edmunds
  • Venetian Beige SensaTec 2015–2019 Edmunds
  • Black Dakota with Red Highlight 2015–2019 Edmunds

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

2016

  • Watch for: A 428i without timing chain or engine records 2014–2016 Less sought after One source so far

    Euro Premium Parts says the N20 four-cylinder cars are best avoided unless the engine has been rebuilt or carefully maintained. A seller's guide (unofficial)

2017

  • Sought after: The six-cylinder 440i 2017–2020 One source so far

    Euro Premium Parts calls the B58 six the most reliable petrol choice in this generation and highly recommends it. A seller's guide (unofficial)