BMW M4 (2014-2020) review - Reliability and safety

The BMW M4 shares a lot of its electrical systems and basic chassis components with the BMW 3 Series and 4 Series while adding a host of bespoke parts and electronics, too. But while many of the M4’s underpinnings are unique, the car is also partly hand-built by BMW's M Division, which should mean a better quality of finish than a standard production line 4 Series.

BMW’s standard 3 Series has finished well in past Driver Power owner surveys, although the company as a whole consistently finishes in the lower half of the manufacturer ranking, although the same can be said for Audi and Mercedes.

Standard safety kit isn’t in short supply, with all models featuring six airbags, lots of electronic safety nets and uprated brakes. You can also add a head-up display (around £850) and lane keep assist (£400).

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Warranty

As with all BMW models, the M4 is covered by the brand's standard three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. The paintwork is guaranteed for the same period, while there's also protection against rust for 12 years. At the end of the standard warranty period, you can pay extra to extend the cover.

Also included in the three-year warranty is BMW's Emergency Services cover. Effectively, this is breakdown recovery assistance, although there's also a provision for hire cars if your car can't be repaired at the roadside and you need to continue your journey.

Servicing

BMW models don't have a standard mileage- and time-based servicing schedule and rely instead on the car's on-board computers to advise when maintenance is needed. As a result, drivers doing higher mileages mainly on motorways will probably go further between routine garage visits.

As with its lesser models, BMW offers the M4 with its great-value Service Inclusive packages. However, due to the high-performance nature of these M Sport-developed machines, these pre-paid plans are more expensive, with the standard scheme (five years and 50,000 miles) setting you back around £1,000. The comprehensive Service Inclusive Plus is around £3,500, but includes cover for brake pads and discs, clutch assembly and wiper blades if they wear out during the period of cover.