The complete buyers guide to the F36

"Everything a buyer needs to know about the F36"

The BMW F36 was the coupe version of the 4 Series which was launched in 2014. The 4 Series was developed when BMW decided to give even numbers to all of its coupe models.

The vehicles that were previously a part of the BMW 3 Series Gran Coupe thus became a part of the BMW 4 Series.

The F36 resembled the 3 Series GT. However, the 4 Series vehicles were sleeker and had a sportier shape.

Size-wise, the F36 was the same as other BMW 4 Series vehicles however it had more space thanks to a marginally taller height of 12mm.

There was a range of F36 engine options

Gasolene engines

• 418i 2016– B38A15M0
  1.5 L turbocharged I3
  100kw (134hp) @4,400–6,000rpm 220 Nm (162lbft) @1,250–4,300rpm
• 420i 2014–2016 N20B20
  2.0 L turbocharged i4
  135kw (181hp) @5,000–6,250rpm 270 Nm (199lbft) @1,250–4,500rpm
  2016– B48B20A
  2.0 L turbocharged i4
  135kw (181hp) @5,000–6,500rpm 270 Nm (199lbft) @1,350–4,600rpm
• 428i 2013–2016 N20B20
  2.0 L turbo i4
  180kw (241hp) @5,000–6,000rpm 350 Nm (258lbft) @1,250–4,800rpm
• 430i 2016– B48B20B
  2.0 L turbocharged i4
  185kw (248hp) @5,250–6,500rpm 350 Nm (258lbft) @1,450–4,800rpm
• 435i 2013–2016 N55B30M0 (twin scroll turbo)
  3.0 L turbocharged I6
  225kw (302hp) @5,800–6,500rpm 400 Nm (295lbft) @1,200–5,000rpm
• 440i 2016– B58B30M0
  3.0 L turbocharged I6
  240kw (322hp) @5,500–6,500rpm 450 Nm (332lbft) @1,380–5,000rpm
• M4 2013– S55B30T0
  3.0 L twin-turbocharged I6
  317kw (425hp) @5,600–7,300rpm 550 Nm (406lbft) @1,800–5,500rpm
• M4 Comp 2016–331kw (444hp) @7,000rpm
• M4 CS 2017–338kw (453hp) @6,250–7,000rpm 600 Nm (443lbft) @4,000–5,380rpm
• M4 GTS 2016–368kw (493hp) @6,250rpm 600 Nm (443lbft) @4,000–5,000rpm

Diesel engines

• 418d 2014–2015 N47D20
  2.0 L turbocharged i4
  105kw (141hp) @4,000rpm 300 Nm (221lbft) @1,750–3,000rpm
  2015– B47D20
  2.0 L turbocharged i4
  110kw (148hp) @4,000rpm 320 Nm (236lbft) @1,500–3,000rpm
• 420d 2013–2015 N47D20
  2.0 L turbocharged i4
  135kw (181hp) @4,000rpm 380 Nm (280lbft) @1,750–2,750rpm
  2015– B47D20
  2.0 L turbocharged i4
  140kw (188hp) @4,000rpm 400 Nm (295lbft) @1,750–2,500rpm
• 425d 2014–2016 N47D20O1
  2.0 L twin-turbocharged i4
  160kw (215hp) @4,400rpm 450 Nm (332lbft) @1,500–2,500rpm
  2016– B47D20O1
  2.0 L twin-turbocharged i4
  165kw (221hp) @4,400rpm 450 Nm (332lbft) @1,500–3,000rpm
• 430d 2014– N57D30O1
  3.0 L turbocharged I6
  190kw (255hp) @4,000rpm 560 Nm (413lbft) @2,000–2,750rpm
• 435d xDrive 2014– N57D30T1
  3.0 L twin-turbocharged I6
  230kw (308hp) @4,400rpm 630 Nm (465lbft) @1,500–2,500rpm

The BMW F36 remained in production for two different periods which were as follows:

• 2014 to 2018 - 21 variants
• 2018 to 2021 - 13 variants

Let’s discuss them in detail to see the different models offered by the German automaker during these times.

2014 to 2018 F36

In these years, the F36 was offered with both gasoline and diesel engine options. Combined, a total of 21 variants were presented out of which 9 had diesel engines whereas 12 sported gasoline engines.

During these years, the F36 ranged in power from 143 hp to 313 hp for the diesel variants. The gasoline vehicles had power in the range of 184 hp to 306 hp.

This means that the base gasoline version was powerful than the base diesel version whereas the top tier diesel version was more powerful than the top tier gasoline version.

Performance Versions

Diesel Version

The 435d xDrive 8AT was the performance version of the car’s diesel variant. This model had a straight-six engine with a displacement of 2993cm³.

The car had 465 lbft torque at 1500 to 2500 RPM and carried an impressive 0 to 60 mph time of 4.8 seconds. It was electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph.

Gasoline Version

The 435i xDrive 8AT was the gasoline performance version. This car also had a straight-six engine with a displacement of 2979cm³.

It had a torque of 295 lbft and thus the 0 to 60 mph time was 5 seconds.

2018 to 2021 F36

During the years 2018 and 2021, BMW offered the F36 in 13 different variants, 7 out of which were diesel and 6 were gasoline.

The diesel cars ranged in power from 150 hp to 258 horsepower whereas the gasoline ones had power ranging between 184 hp and 252 hp.

Similar to the previous generation, the base variant gasoline vehicle had a higher horsepower whereas the top tier diesel variant carried more power.

Performance Versions

If you are interested in the performance versions of the BMW F36, here are the cars you should be looking for.

Diesel Variant

430d xDrive 8AT with 258 hp featured a four-cylinder engine having a displacement of 2993c^c.

The vehicle carried a torque of 413 lbft at 1500 to 3000 RPM and had a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.3 seconds.

Gasoline Variant

The 430i 8AT with 252 hp carried a four-cylinder engine and had 258 lbft torque at 1450 to 4800 RPM. This version had a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.9 seconds.

Which Ones Were The Best?

Although most automakers improve the performance of their vehicles with every upcoming model, however, this has not been the case with BMW’s F36 as the vehicles of the 2018 to 2021 period were considerably slower than those of the 2014 to 2018 time period.

That’s why most car enthusiasts prefer the previous versions of the cars over the newer ones.

When Buying An F36 Which Engine Should You Go For?

Let's pick a couple of great diesel and gasolene engine options and discuss why these are fantastic options.

Please let us have your thoughts in the comments section below, we'd love to hear your opinions and what choices you made when choosing an F36.

Please watch my video overview and tips on BMW Tuning. Be sure to keep up with our latest YouTube content and subscribe.

Diesel Variants

435d xDrive 8AT

If fuel price is not an issue for you and you want a "mean machine" that shows exhilarating performance, the 435d xDrive 8AT with 313 hp is the diesel variant vehicle to get in the 2014 to 2018 model year range.

435d xDrive 2014– N57D30T1
3.0 L twin-turbocharged I6
230kw (308hp) @4,400rpm 630 Nm (465lbft) @1,500–2,500rpm

This car has an extraordinary performance due to its straight-six engine coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The jaw-dropping 0 to 60 mph acceleration of 4.8 seconds makes it an irresistible car from this era that has allowed it to gain fame particularly among the automotive fans that love a blend of luxury and performance.

The vehicle came standard with 17-inch alloy wheels which could be upgraded to 20 inches for further enhancing the looks of this incredible machine.

420d 6MT

Going for the F36 from 2018 to 2021, particularly the 420d 6MT with an L4 engine having a displacement of 1995cm3 is recommended if you want adequate performance but also want an option that isn't too taxing on your wallet in terms of fuel costs.

The car has 190 horsepower, which allows it to perform admirably.

420d
2015– B47D20
2.0 L turbocharged i4
140kw (188hp) @4,000rpm 400 Nm (295lbft) @1,750–2,500rpm

It puts you in charge with its six-speed manual transmission and has a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.3 seconds.

Alongside, the vehicle also has an impressive combined fuel average of 5.1 liters per 100 km. This means that the BMW 420d 6MT gives you the best of both worlds.

However, if you aren’t a big fan of the stick shift, you can choose the 420d 8AT model as well that carries comparable performance but comes with automatic transmission.

Gasoline Variants

435i xDrive 6MT

If you are a fan of gasoline cars and are looking for an F36 that lets you sit in extreme comfort and delivers outclass performance, the 435i xDrive 6MT is the vehicle to get.

435i 2013–2016 N55B30M0 (twin scroll turbo)
3.0 L turbocharged I6
225kw (302hp) @5,800–6,500rpm 400 Nm (295lbft) @1,200–5,000rpm

This 306 hp monster, from the 2014 to 2018 era, has 295 lb-ft torque and thus reaches from standstill to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds thanks to its L6 engine carrying a displacement of 2979 cm3.

The six-speed manual transmission gives you complete control of the car. However, if you want to get the automatic version, that too is available with an eight-speed transmission option.

420i xDrive 6MT

In case you are looking for a car that delivers great performance but is also relatively fuel-efficient, we recommend getting the 420i xDrive 6MT petrol variant with an L4 engine having a displacement of 1998 cm3.

It has a combined fuel average of 6.6 liters per 100 km which means that the vehicle is relatively fuel-efficient and doesn’t show any sign of being slow.

2015– B47D20
2.0 L turbocharged i4
140kw (188hp) @4,000rpm 400 Nm (295lbft) @1,750–2,500rpm

The car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds and the manual transmission also offers more command over the vehicle.

However, as the tradition with BMW vehicles, this was also offered in the automatic variant and if you have problems with the manual one, you can get the 8-speed automatic transmission 420i xDrive which also delivers similar performance.

Tuning and upgrading the F36

The models we have chosen have good upgrade paths, and with the right mods you can fairly easily add substantially more power and improve the handling characteristics.

To find out more about mods for your F36 please check our F36 Tuning guide.

Common Problems Of The F36

Like any other vehicle in the market, there are some commonly known problems with the BMW F36 as well. One of which is the steering rack issue.

The problem can be observed mostly when the wheels are turned while the engine is off. The knocking sound is very irritating and instantly raises eyebrows that something is just not right.

Another indicator of this problem is the knocking sound emerging from the front suspension.

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