BMW 4 Series: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 11,965 BMW 4 Series cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2013 and 2026.
In a sample of 396 cars, 41.2% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, less often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is dipped beam incorrectly aimed (11.9% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 25 recalls for this model; 26.4% of registered cars still have an open recall.
1% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific BMW 4 Series
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 11.9% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 11.4% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 8.8% |
| Tyre damaged | 6.3% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 2.8% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 2.3% |
| Brake lining carrier/fixing touches drum or disc | 1.8% |
| Front fog light incorrectly aimed | 1.8% |
| Exhaust not gas-tight / exhaust gases discharged unsafely | 1% |
| Windscreen washer not working | 0.8% |
Share of 396 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 14.6% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 7.1% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 1% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 0.8% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 11,965 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 26.4% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 2013 to 2026 |
All BMW 4 Series passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-05 | electrical system | serious | 5,584 |
| 2025-12-18 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 0 |
| 2025-10-01 | electrical system | serious | 13,734 |
| 2025-10-01 | electrical system | – | 1 |
| 2025-07-24 | electrical system | serious | 6 |
| 2024-08-26 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 15,702 |
| 2024-07-08 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 87,520 |
| 2024-06-07 | general construction | – | 7 |
| 2024-04-29 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1 |
| 2024-02-27 | electrical system | – | 1 |
| 2023-12-20 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 3 |
| 2023-12-06 | general construction | serious | 4 |
| 2023-10-24 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 886 |
| 2023-06-30 | electrical system | – | 22 |
| 2023-04-21 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 347 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the BMW 4 Series fail the APK?
In a sample of 396 cars first registered 2012–2021, 41.2% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the BMW 4 Series?
The most common APK defects are: dipped beam incorrectly aimed (11.9%), tyre pressure incorrect (11.4%), tyre tread depth insufficient (8.8%).
Does the BMW 4 Series have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 25 recalls. 26.4% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other BMW models
3 Series · 1 Series · 5 Series · X1 · 2 Series · X5 · X3 · iX1 · iX3 · i4 · i3 · X2 · i5 · Z4 · 7 Series
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.