M Buyers Guide
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BMW X4 M40i F26

BMW X4 M40i F26

2016 to 2018SUV CoupeM Performance

Guide Score 66Good$2,028 a year to ownAbout 33rd of 69
Best year
2016
Example asking
$12k to $30k
Prices near you
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Photo: Bull-Doser, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The short answer

The F26 X4 M40i was the first X4 M40i and the only one with the N55: an M Performance version of BMW's 3.0-liter turbo six with 355 hp, an eight-speed automatic, rear-biased xDrive, adaptive dampers and variable sport steering as standard.

The score, part by part

66Guide Score for 2016Goodabout $2,028 a year to own
Place among the 69 generations
About 33rd of 69, likely 24th to 52nd
Likely score range
59 to 77
Confidence
Low
Acclaim
27 of 100
Chance of a bill over $10,000 in five years
under 0.1%
Best purposes
Tuning, 5th of 69; Performance SUV, 1st of 12

The seven parts and acclaim, 2016 model year

Heritage counts 14 of 100
324% of it not measured
Engine counts 14 of 100
51
Drive feel counts 19 of 100
65
Analog connection counts 10 of 100
75
Weight counts 10 of 100
59
Long-term value not scored
not measured
Ownership counts 19 of 100
69
Acclaim counts 14 of 100
27

Each part is scored from 0 to 100 on a fixed outside scale. Acclaim comes from published expert lists, launch reviews and awards; the more acclaimed a car, the less its ownership cost counts in this all-time score (its dollars below are unchanged). A part marked not measured carries no weight for this car, and the others share its weight.

Long-term value, shown and not scored

No permitted price yet: we have not found three prices for this car from sources that allow this use.

Long-term value starts to count in the score once 75% of the 69 generations have permitted prices. Today 43 do.

The cost to own

About $2,028 a year to own ($1,262 to $3,036), about $9,168 over five years, bought at five years old or its own age if older, kept five years.

  1. Water pump and thermostat failure (N55): about $350 over five years, common (source)
  2. Oil leaks at the valve cover and oil filter housing (N55): about $263 over five years, common (source)
  3. VANOS solenoid faults (N55): about $82 over five years, possible

Expect about $1,300 to $3,000 a year; the bills that decide it are water pump and thermostat failure, oil leaks at the valve cover and oil filter housing and VANOS solenoid faults. Ownership risk: moderate.

Guide Score method v5-final.14, an editorial score built only from permitted, sourced data. How it works.

N55355 hpAWD8-speed automatic19 city, 26 hwy mpg

Colors it came in, most wanted first. Pick one to see the page in it.

Routine service a year, estimate
$450 to $950

Best year to buy

2016The best year to buy, reading 66 of 100, about $2,028 a year to own.

No logged change between model years sets it apart; every year reads within 2 points of it, so buy on condition and records.

No year to think twice about: none reads 3 or more points below the 2016, and no logged fault separates them.

  1. 201666best year
  2. 201766$2,028 a year
  3. 201866$2,028 a year

From our log of the changes between model years, each with its source. Only changes the score reads count as reasons; recalls BMW fixes for free, options and tuning notes do not. The cost a year is for a car bought at five years old, or its own age if older, kept five years. How the score works.

The longer answer

It was sold here for 2016 to 2018 in seven paints, among them Long Beach Blue, which only the M40i offered.

It is now one of the cheapest ways into an M Performance six-cylinder SUV, with 2016 to 2018 cars averaging about $18,000 to $21,000 on Cars.com in September 2026, and every one is too old for BMW Certified cover. Budget for the N55's age items: the water pump and thermostat, oil leaks at the valve cover and oil filter housing, and VANOS solenoids.

What to look for. A service history with oil changes on time, the water pump and thermostat replaced or budgeted for, no oil leaking from the valve cover or oil filter housing, no coolant loss or temperature warnings, a smooth idle with no misfire or camshaft timing codes, proof the car has not been tuned (and on a tuned car, a stronger aftermarket charge pipe), even wear on the staggered run-flat tires, and a clean accident history.

Holds value

  • Long Beach Blue or Melbourne Red paint
  • Ivory White or Saddle Brown leather
  • The Technology Package (2016 and 2017)
  • 20in M wheels
  • Low documented mileage with water pump and gasket work done
  • Unmodified cars

Hurts resale

  • High mileage with no records
  • Tuning
  • Accident history
  • Oil leaks left unrepaired
  • Worn run-flat tires

What to do next

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Follow the X4 M40i

The M Index, once a month: any change to the X4 M40i's guide or score, with the reason, new recalls on M cars, and one thing to check before you buy.