BMW M4: Issues/ must have spec?

[FatRS]

I suppose I should consult Porsche/M3.net for this so here goes.
Never been a BMW fanboy, to the contrary, but I’m getting itchy feet with the Meg for something different.
What do I need to be aware of on M4s? (2014-2017)
I see loads of comments of certain engine codes being problematic on Beemers, so what are these like?
Must have specs? What spec should I look for if I take the plunge?

 

[imprezaworks]

@Sir_Dave

@MarkCup who's the chap you know on here who has one

 

[gez 172]

Get a Porsche.

Preempting the responses..

 

[Sir_Dave]

Have a read about valvetronic motor failure, then crank hub failure. The former, not too much of an issue, the latter, more than a slight problem.
Also M3 > M4. Everytime.

 

[Ex-User (60778)]

I suppose I should consult Porsche/M3.net for this so here goes.
Never been a BMW fanboy, to the contrary, but I’m getting itchy feet with the Meg for something different.
What do I need to be aware of on M4s? (2014-2017)
I see loads of comments of certain engine codes being problematic on Beemers, so what are these like?
Must have specs? What spec should I look for if I take the plunge?

I didn’t go with a competition pack. I love mine. Extended leather would have been nice but this had all the other specs I wanted and not too far away.

 

[Daniel]

Have a read about valvetronic motor failure, then crank hub failure. The former, not too much of an issue, the latter, more than a slight problem.
Also M3 > M4. Everytime.

Is that when something gets scored/too hot/burnt?

We went to see a man not long ago who was repairing an M4 and had the engine in pieces. Said he’s doing loads of them.
I wasn’t really listening though.
But he had what looked like burnt rod bearings in his hand. 😂

 

[Ex-User (60778)]

Only thing I’ve learned since, I should have bought a year newer for the upgraded Idrive. I have an older version so requires hardware upgrades for carplay which I will do at some point.

 

[Thrust-Rated]

@Sir_Dave

@MarkCup who's the chap you know on here who has one

Mark doesn't have one?

 

[imprezaworks]

 

[riz]

Is there a way of making them sound less farty?

 

[imprezaworks]

It was this vid I was thinking of.

 

[Gally]

I'm really not an M4 fan. Can't quite put my finger on it. I've driven more than I can count and always feel underwhelmed! I'd rather drive a Cayman or something.

If I needed the size space I'd definitely look at an M3 of comparable cost.

 

[Ex-User (60778)]

Is there a way of making them sound less farty?

Yep. Using bootmod3 the burbles etc are customisable and can be switched off altogether. You can turn off active noise in the cabin and turn off cold start. Sport mode once warmed up makes some nice noises!

There’s two options with the mid pipes, equal length or single pipe. I’ll be going for the single mid pipe eventually.

This is equal length midpipes (resonated) and decat (click log in to Facebook):

Joes M4 running decats and Active Autowerke equal length mid pipe (resonated version) How good does this sound!? 😍 | By DRW Performance | Facebook

Joes M4 running decats and Active Autowerke equal length mid pipe (resonated version) How good does this sound!? 😍

fb.watch

 

[NorthloopCup]

Have a read about valvetronic motor failure, then crank hub failure. The former, not too much of an issue, the latter, more than a slight problem.
Also M3 > M4. Everytime.

So I’ve seen more valvetronic motor failures than I’ve seen crank hub failure! Granted, no ones going to necessarily bring a modified M3/M4 into a main dealer, but I’ve never seen a standard spec crank hub failure. Remapped? Yep. And BMW see it in the data that’s transmitted back to them, so they know if it’s had a map on it! Lol! It’s amazing how many people still think they can have a map that’s ‘undetectable’.

 

[Sir Nancy Flowers]

So I’ve seen more valvetronic motor failures than I’ve seen crank hub failure! Granted, no ones going to necessarily bring a modified M3/M4 into a main dealer, but I’ve never seen a standard spec crank hub failure. Remapped? Yep. And BMW see it in the data that’s transmitted back to them, so they know if it’s had a map on it! Lol! It’s amazing how many people still think they can have a map that’s ‘undetectable’.

The 'undetectable' map questions get asked at least twice a week on the 135/140 page on facebook. Facepalm.

 

[Silent_Scone]

Bit weird coming to a Porsche forum for BMW advice.

 

[Sir Nancy Flowers]

Bit weird coming to a Porsche forum for BMW advice.

you're gravely mistaken sir. Half the cliosport forum own 135/140's 🤣

 

[NorthloopCup]

The 'undetectable' map questions get asked at least twice a week on the 135/140 page on facebook. Facepalm.

They all get hit with a warranty marker now as well. So that mean if they have any drivetrain issues, their warranty is void. Lol

 

[Sir Nancy Flowers]

They all get hit with a warranty marker now as well. So that mean if they have any drivetrain issues, their warranty is void. Lol

I expect nothing less! Any reasonable person cant expect to have a non-OEM tune done and then for BMW to pick up the pieces if it goes bang? For all you know your 'map' could have been written by a 6 year old in his mums basement....

 

[Sir_Dave]

Is that when something gets scored/too hot/burnt?

Yup, its a very common fault, normally signified by a tapping from the top of the engine as you unlock the car.

My knowledge on the S55 isnt so great, but on the N55, when the valvetronic motor fails, it defaults to throttle body only, so barring the slight/occasional clicking on startup, the normal man in the street wouldnt notice a difference. It doesnt give an EML (but will show a shadow fault code on proper diagnostics), so the only other tell tale is poor mpg, but you already own the car by that point if you havent read the codes.

To put it into perspective, when i was looking for an M135i last, 5 out of 7 i looked at had the following code:

Fault Code: 133E10
Fault Explanation: Valvetronic system: disabled to frequent Verstellfehler

Search the US forums and its far more detailed info/fix wise as they are much more mechanically aware.

Info: http://www.fluidmotorunion.com/bmw-valv ... t-failure/
More info: https://bmwtechnician.com/2017/03/27/n5 ... nic-motor/
Google search term: https://www.google.com/search?q=n55+val ... e&ie=UTF-8

If the valvetronic motor fails (usually as the shaft isnt being lubricated properly), the eccentric shaft stops turning, this then causes all manner of issues with the cams, ie scoring, etc if left too long, at that point, it goes from being an easy valvetronic motor change to pulling the top end apart. Being that the S55 is the higher performance version of the N55, similar problems occur.

So I’ve seen more valvetronic motor failures than I’ve seen crank hub failure! Granted, no ones going to necessarily bring a modified M3/M4 into a main dealer, but I’ve never seen a standard spec crank hub failure. Remapped? Yep. And BMW see it in the data that’s transmitted back to them, so they know if it’s had a map on it! Lol! It’s amazing how many people still think they can have a map that’s ‘undetectable’.

I tend to agree, crank hub failure is mostly a remapped S55 thing!! People that map modern cars and think the manufacturer cant spot it are plebs

 

[Sir Nancy Flowers]

Yup, its a very common fault, normally signified by a tapping from the top of the engine as you unlock the car.

My knowledge on the S55 isnt so great, but on the N55, when the valvetronic motor fails, it defaults to throttle body only, so barring the slight/occasional clicking on startup, the normal man in the street wouldnt notice a difference. It doesnt give an EML (but will show a shadow fault code on proper diagnostics), so the only other tell tale is poor mpg, but you already own the car by that point if you havent read the codes.

To put it into perspective, when i was looking for an M135i last, 5 out of 7 i looked at had the following code:

Fault Code: 133E10
Fault Explanation: Valvetronic system: disabled to frequent Verstellfehler

Search the US forums and its far more detailed info/fix wise as they are much more mechanically aware.

Info: http://www.fluidmotorunion.com/bmw-valv ... t-failure/
More info: https://bmwtechnician.com/2017/03/27/n5 ... nic-motor/
Google search term: https://www.google.com/search?q=n55+val ... e&ie=UTF-8

If the valvetronic motor fails (usually as the shaft isnt being lubricated properly), the eccentric shaft stops turning, this then causes all manner of issues with the cams, ie scoring, etc if left too long, at that point, it goes from being an easy valvetronic motor change to pulling the top end apart. Being that the S55 is the higher performance version of the N55, similar problems occur.



I tend to agree, crank hub failure is mostly a remapped S55 thing!! People that map modern cars and think the manufacturer cant spot it are plebs

Definitely didnt just listen as I unlocked my car...then got my code scanner.....Im clear

 

[NorthloopCup]

Definitely didnt just listen as I unlocked my car...then got my code scanner.....Im clear

Trust me mate, the noise is very distinctive.

Interestingly enough though, the fault codes that the M3/M4 display when the motor fails wouldn’t actually lead you to the valvetronic motor! Lol!

Oh and @FatRS listen for a ticking noise from the top end of the engine at idle. It sounds like a tappet has failed, but it’s actually nothing to do with tappets. It’s the cam caps have become misaligned and need refitting! Simple enough job to do in all fairness, but not a DIY or back street garage job as you need some proper tools.

👍🏻

 

[_Tom]

Trust me mate, the noise is very distinctive.

Interestingly enough though, the fault codes that the M3/M4 display when the motor fails wouldn’t actually lead you to the valvetronic motor! Lol!

Oh and @FatRS listen for a ticking noise from the top end of the engine at idle. It sounds like a tappet has failed, but it’s actually nothing to do with tappets. It’s the cam caps have become misaligned and need refitting! Simple enough job to do in all fairness, but not a DIY or back street garage job as you need some proper tools.

👍🏻

Random one but do you very often see bottom end issues with the N57 35D lump? Seems a handful on the forums and have had issues with the bearings/shells but now the masses think it's a huge issue. I can't see it with the number of N57's on the road.

 

[NorthloopCup]

Random one but do you very often see bottom end issues with the N57 35D lump? Seems a handful on the forums and have had issues with the bearings/shells but now the masses think it's a huge issue. I can't see it with the number of N57's on the road.

Nope. But it’s obviously now become internet folklore.

The only N57’s I’ve seen have been police vehicles. And that’s because they spend the majority of their life sitting in a lay-by at idle, then when mr/mrs criminal come smoking past, they go from 0 to tasty and it didn’t do them any favours. They now run them on a specific oil and oil grade - can’t actually remember off the top of my head now though tbf, but I can find out tomorrow. 👍🏻

 

[FatRS]

So after looking and considering the comments on here, I’m now thinking (more so from budget linitations) a 3 or 4 series 35i or 40i.
Are there any common similarities and issues? Would they be pretty underwhelming?
Really wanting a change from the 250, until I look at it then fall in love with it again.

 

[FatRS]

Has anyone here got access to get the spec of a BMW?

 

[imprezaworks]

@Sir_Dave

 

[Sir_Dave]

Has anyone here got access to get the spec of a BMW?

Yeah.
Pm me the reg/vin and ill send it over in the morning. Or post in here, whatever you prefer.

 

[FatRS]

Yeah.
Pm me the reg/vin and ill send it over in the morning. Or post in here, whatever you prefer.

Thanks. WBS3R92040K341323

 

[Sir Nancy Flowers]

I think vin decoder works too. Used that when I was buying my 140 😉

 

[FatRS]

I think vin decoder works too. Used that when I was buying my 140 😉

I couldn’t get any online to work. Spec doesn’t show on trade Hpi checks either.

 

[Sir Nancy Flowers]

I couldn’t get any online to work. Spec doesn’t show on trade Hpi checks either.

Ah, fair enough. Worth a shot. Sir Dave to the rescue then 😉

 

[Sir_Dave]

Bimmerwork isnt working atm, but i paid for 100 credits on mdecoder a while back. Looks to be a fairly lightly optioned example, no HK for starters:

Vehicle information​

Vin	WBS3R92040K341323
Production date	2014-11-12
Model	M4 Coupé RHD
Series	M4
Generation	F82
Body type	-
Type code	3R92
Engine code	S55
Power	-
Fuel type	-
Displacement	-
Drive type	-
Steering side	-
Color	Mineral Grey (L0B39)
Interior	Leather Merino extended black (PLKSW)
Transmission	Manual

Vehicle Options​

Code	Option
S01CA	Selection of COP relevant vehicles
S0230	EU-specific supplementary equipment
S02MK	M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic
S02PA	Locking wheel bolts
S02VB	Tyre Pressure Monitor
S02VF	Adaptive M suspension
S02VZ	19" Lt/Aly wheels Double-spoke 437 M/mixed tyres, black
S0302	Alarm system
S0320	Model designation, deletion
S03AG	Rear view camera
S0420	Sun protection glazing
S0423	Floor mats in velour
S0428	Warning triangle
S0430	Interior and exterior mirror package
S0431	Interior rear-view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function
S0459	Seat adjustment, electrical with memory
S0488	Lumbar support for driver and front passenger
S0490	Seat backrest width adjustment
S0493	Storage compartment package
S0494	Seat heating for driver and front passenger
S04LX	Highlight trim finishers Black Chrome
S04MC	Interior trim finishers Carbon Fibre
S0502	Headlight washer system
S0508	Park Distance Control (PDC)
S0521	Rain sensor
S0522	Xenon light
S0524	Adaptive Headlights
S0534	Automatic air conditioning
S0544	Cruise control with braking function
S0563	Lights package
S0575	Additional 12V power socket
S05AC	High-beam assistant
S05DA	Front passenger airbag deactivation
S05DP	Parking assistant
S0609	Navigation system Professional
S0654	DAB tuner
S0698	Area Code 2 for DVD
S06AC	Intelligent Emergency Call
S06AE	Teleservices
S06AK	ConnectedDrive Services
S06AM	Real Time Traffic Information
S06AN	Concierge Services
S06AP	Remote Services
S06NS	Enhanced telephony with extended smartphone connectivity
S0760	BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line
S0775	BMW Individual headliner anthracite
S0812	Great Britain/Ireland version
S0850	Additional tank filling,export
S0853	Language version English
S0880	Owner's handbook/service booklet, English
S08KA	Oil service interval 24 months/30,000 km
S08S2	Coding of alarm signal
S08S3	Automatic lock when driving away
S08SM	VIN, visible from outside
S08TG	Anti-theft security system
SLEDE	Leather equipment

 

[FatRS]

Thanks @Sir_Dave
Seems to be some options… am I right with some of them?
Rear camera
Sun protection glass
Mirror package?
Extended storage?
Carbon interior pack
Rear camera (not 360)
Adaptive Xenons (not LED😞)
ACC
High beam assist
Park assist (park itself?)
CarPlay??? (Enhanced telephony services)
Anthracite headlining
High gloss shadow line?? (Kidneys in black??)
Extended leather- so real leather not faux?

 

[Sir_Dave]

I suppose when you put it like that, yes, it does have a few options, albeit none that id be looking for, like HK and full leather. Im no expert on the M4 though if im honest!!

Standard spec can be found here: https://www.ardenmaidstonebmw.co.uk/media/301147/jgb57431-bmw-m4-f82_f83-lci-pt-spreads.pdf - that is for later cars though, so a 2014 may be a little different.

Last 3 on your list are all standard though.

 

[Sir Nancy Flowers]

Dont forget the Warning Triangle! Must have option IMO

 

[FatRS]

I suppose when you put it like that, yes, it does have a few options, albeit none that id be looking for, like HK and full leather. Im no expert on the M4 though if im honest!!

Standard spec can be found here: https://www.ardenmaidstonebmw.co.uk/media/301147/jgb57431-bmw-m4-f82_f83-lci-pt-spreads.pdf - that is for later cars though, so a 2014 may be a little different.

Last 3 on your list are all standard though.

HK and LED headlights were a real preferred crate to not see HK on one TBH.

 

[_Tom]

Extended leather is the standard leather on a BMW. Full leather is the option with dash etc.

 

[BIFCAIDS]

Plus only difference inside between a normal 3/4 series is the front seats and the quality of leather, your dash is my dash etc. unless you've got carbon but it's trim anybody could have.

I personally wouldn't bother with an F8X M car, buy a Porsche... honestly.

 

[Not a Diesel!!!]

I would keep the Meg. Where is the RS love.