2021 BMW M4

The 2021 BMW M4 Competition is a high-performance sports coupe, known for its aggressive styling, powerful engine, and engaging driving experience. It boasts a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in the Competition trim. Drivers appreciate its sharp handling, strong acceleration, and the overall thrill of the driving experience. Some criticisms include the controversial front grille design and a ride that can be firm for daily use. The M4 Competition is available with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

S58 3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-Six (Competition)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the oil filter housing or valve cover gasket. Owners may notice oil spots on the ground after parking, a burning oil smell, or low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking oil filter housing gasket or valve cover gasket. Clean the affected area.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• VANOS Solenoid Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system may experience issues due to faulty solenoids. Symptoms include rough idling, decreased performance, and the check engine light illuminating.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty VANOS solenoid(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)

• Rough or Delayed Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough or delayed shifts, particularly during cold starts or under heavy acceleration. This can manifest as a noticeable jerk or hesitation between gears.
  • Solution: In some cases, a transmission software update may resolve the issue. If the problem persists, valve body replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (software update) - $2,000+ (valve body)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Adaptive Damper Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The adaptive dampers may experience failures, leading to a rough ride, poor handling, or warning lights on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty adaptive damper(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ (per damper)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• iDrive System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive infotainment system may experience glitches such as freezing, lagging, or random reboots.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update can resolve the issue. If the problem persists, the iDrive control unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,500+ (iDrive unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Issues with various sensors, such as the parking sensors, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), or oxygen sensors, may occur.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (per sensor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat heaters may fail to function properly, either not heating up at all or only heating intermittently.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the faulty seat heating element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 BMW M4 Competition, while a highly desirable performance car, can suffer from a range of issues. Engine oil leaks and VANOS solenoid problems are relatively common, while transmission issues, suspension problems, and electrical glitches with the iDrive system and sensors are also observed. Interior issues such as seat heater failure may occur as well. While some issues like software glitches are minor and inexpensive to fix, others like engine oil leaks, transmission problems, adaptive damper failures, or infotainment system failures can be more costly to address. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into their purchase decision, including budgeting for potential repairs.