IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2018 BMW X4 (G02)

The G02 X4 was launched in the UK in 2018, developed alongside the G01 X3 but with a sloping coupe roof, and built from March 2018. It is 52mm taller and 81mm longer than the first-generation X4 while running the same CLAR architecture, with four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines plus the X4 M (F98).

What changed for 2018

  • •Bigger, lighter body than the F26 with a more usable boot despite the sloping roof
  • •Model codes G02 for the standard car and F98 for the X4 M
  • •Curved-free digital cockpit, adaptive suspension and xDrive across most UK versions

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Starter motor and EGR recalls on diesels and later petrols, both of which can trigger a warning light
  • !Kerbed large-diameter wheels and part-worn run-flat tyres
  • !Camera, radar and lighting damage on the sloping tailgate and narrow rear lights
3
Known Issues
0
Serious
3
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Active Grille Shutter Motor

ModerateCooling System

The motorized air flap louvres behind the kidney grilles can bind due to winter road grit and road salt, causing the internal micro-stepper motor to fail and triggering an engine management light.

Est. Repair Cost: £300–£600
Warning Signs:

Engine check light illuminated on instrument cluster, Active aero flaps stuck permanently open or closed, Clicking noise from behind front bumper on vehicle unlock

What to Inspect:
  • Visually inspect front kidney grille flaps to ensure they open and close smoothly
  • Scan for stored air flap actuator fault codes (e.g. 138102)
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Steering Rack Play

ModerateSteering

The variable sport steering rack can develop play between the pinion and rack gear over sharp road ridges, causing an unsettling clunk and vague on-centre steering feel on cars fitted with large wheels.

Est. Repair Cost: £300–£1,500
Warning Signs:

Knock through steering column over small potholes, Car wanders slightly on motorway requiring constant micro-corrections, Rattle when jiggling steering wheel while parked

What to Inspect:
  • Drive over broken tarmac at 20–30 mph and feel for play through the rim
  • Check if upgraded thrust piece bush has been fitted
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

iDrive Screen Delamination

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The optically bonded central touchscreen display (CID) can develop internal bubbles, milky patches, or phantom touch inputs as the adhesive layer breaks down under cabin solar heat.

Est. Repair Cost: £500–£1,200
Warning Signs:

Bubbles or oily ring patterns visible under the glass, Ghost touches causing map scrolling or radio channel switching on its own, Unresponsive areas of the touchscreen

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect touchscreen surface from multiple angles under daylight with screen turned off
  • Test touch response across all four corners of the display
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2018 BMW X4 (G02)

  • Check the DVSA record for R/2025/405 (starter motor) and R/2022/255 (EGR) on cars from 2019-2021
  • Confirm the boot seal and tailgate alignment, since the coupe shape is prone to rattle and water ingress
2019–2024
Check a 2018 BMW X4 (G02) by Registration