Used BMW 4 Series Convertible 2021-present review

Sometimes you have to look back to move forward and the BMW 4 Series Convertible knows this well. While the previous model employed a folding metal roof design, this latest car is a more traditional, soft-top convertible.

Why the change? Well, weight and space: a fabric roof is much lighter than a metal one – aiding performance, handling, fuel economy – plus it takes up less room when stowed. That's right, unlike the 2014-2020 BMW 4 Series Convertible, you always have a decent boot at hand (by class standards).

Engines & Performance: The 420i variant is your starting point. It has a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 181bhp and delivers 0-62mph in an acceptable 8.2sec. The diesel 420d is similarly powerful, but it's actually a bit quicker in a straight line – it feels punchier as well. The 430d is even quicker and gets a 3.0-litre diesel engine.

Then there's the 430i: a 2.0-litre petrol, but this time with 241bhp, so you'll see 0-62mph in a brisk 6.4sec. For the best performance, there’s the 335bhp M440d diesel and the 369bhp M440i petrol: both have 3.0-litre engines and send their power to all four wheels for serious acceleration – 0-62mph takes just 5.0sec in the diesel and 4.9sec in the petrol.

It's worth noting that the BMW 4 Series Coupé is available with all of the engines above, but, being lighter, it's a comprehensively quicker car.

Handling & Ride: Chopping the roof off of a car often makes its structure rather floppy, but the 4 Series Convertible is better than direct rivals in this respect. You’ll see the rear-view mirror wobbling sometimes, but it takes a big bump for any shake to come up through the steering column. That stiffness is good news for handling, because it means the steering remains terrifically precise, allowing you to place the nose of the car exactly where you want it.

If you go for model that has the M Sport Pro Package or one of the M440 engines, BMW gives you M Adaptive Suspension. It lets you stiffen or soften things by selecting different modes, and even Comfort mode does an excellent job of propping up the body during hard cornering. In fact, on pockmarked and uneven B-roads, Comfort is a better bet than the more focused Sport setting because its extra suppleness stops you from being bounced off course.

Whichever mode you select, the car has an agility that's surprising given its extra weight compared with the coupé, and a comfortable ride, even with big 19in wheels fitted. It rounds off all but the nastiest bumps and potholes, and deals with undulating tarmac with a great balance of comfort and control, making this a car you’d happily cruise around in all day. The standard suspension lacks this level of compliancy, always retaining a distinct firmness – the ride is far from unbearable, though.

Interior & Practicality: Interior quality is first rate, with only the odd bit of hard plastic and some silver-painted buttons on the dashboard letting the side down a little.

The infotainment system is truly brilliant, though. All versions get a 10.3in display that you can either use as a touchscreen or operate by twisting and pressing a rotary controller between the front seats. We think it's much less distracting while you’re driving than a touchscreen-only infotainment system. All trims come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring, along with a DAB radio and built-in sat-nav.

The 4 Series is as spacious as a BMW 3 Series in the front, so you’re unlikely to have any problems with head or leg room. Getting into the rear seats involves squeezing through a relatively narrow gap, but the same is true of all four-seat convertibles. Once you’re in, you’ll find acceptable leg room. Head room is tight, but a couple of six-footers will be comfortable enough in the back (as long as the journey isn’t too long).

The boot is slightly smaller than in the 4 Series Coupé and – as with most convertibles – offers more space with the roof up than with it down. The boot is a little longer, taller and wide than the one in the A5 Convertible, but they have space for the same number of carry-on suitcases – six.

Trims & Equipment: The range kicks off with M Sport trim, which came with plenty of standard kit from the factory, including 18in alloy wheels, leather seats (heated in the front), cruise control and three-zone climate control. We’d recommend seeking out an example with the optional-from-new adjustable lumbar support and the M Sport Pro Package, which adds adaptive suspension.

You could be tempted to upgrade to the M Sport Pro Edition model, because all of them get the adaptive suspension, along with 19in alloys and a choice of three exclusive colours. The range-topping M440i is similarly equipped to the M Sport Pro Edition, but, as we touched upon, gets a mighty six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine under the bonnet.

Interested in buying a used BMW 4 Series Convertible? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

Early 420i and 420d models in good condition start at around £28,000. The 430i rises to around £30,000, but the M440i and M440d jump much further – to £36,000 and £40,000 respectively.

If you want a 2023 4 Series Convertible, have at least £37,000 to spend.

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MPG: The 420i officially averages 41.5mpg, the diesel 57.6mpg. Despite its extra grunt, the 430i comes close to the 420i's figure, at 40.4mpg. The M440i's average is 35.3mpg, the M440d 45.6mpg.

Road tax: All used cars registered after April 2017 will be subject to the £180 yearly flat fee in road tax.

Insurance and servicing: Insurance groups range from the low 30s to low 40s (out of 50), depending on your chosen specification.

Expect servicing to be pricier than with mainstream rivals, as well as Audi. For a 2021 420i, we were quoted £936 for two services via BMW.

Reliability

Owner reviews from our annual What Car? Reliability Survey have highlighted the 4 Series Coupé’s solid mechanical performance, yet some have flagged recurring electrical issues, mainly with sensors and dashboard displays that frequently necessitate dealership involvement.

Most respondents commend their dealerships for prompt and professional service, with most repairs being efficiently managed under warranty. Nevertheless, a minority have reported frustrating delays due to long wait times for parts.

Discover more about used BMW 4 Series Coupé reliability and common problems on our dedicated reliability page.

The 420i offers performance that, by class standards, are merely acceptable. Regardless, it's a good engine and it makes the most sense as a used buy: it's among the cheapest and most available variants to buy. We'd urge you to upgrade to the more powerful 430i, if there were more of them to choose from.

The M440i is excellent, being not only the quickest variant (bar the M4 performance car), but the best one to drive. Considerably higher costs hold it back from being our go-to option, though.

The diesel variants are worth a look, as they're generally punchier than their petrol counterparts – particularly at low revs. Whether a diesel engine suits this kind of car is down to you.

And finally, stick with the M Sport trim, but remember to try and seek out one with adjustable lumbar support and the M Sport Pro pack – for its adaptive suspension.

Our favourite BMW 4 Series Convertible: 420i M Sport

The Audi A5 Cabriolet is a premium product with classy looks to match its rival. Choose your variant carefully and you'll be getting a comfortable convertible with a very classy interior. True, the A5 could be a little more exciting to drive, but it's still a very well-rounded car – especially if you look for the 40 TFSI petrol in entry-level Sport trim.

The Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet is similarly good to drive and a well-equipped alternative to the A5. However, it isn't as comfortable as the A5, nor quite as practical, and it isn't anywhere near as good to drive as the 4 Series.

It's worth remembering that the current generations of the Cabriolets listed above have been on the market for longer than the current 4 Series Convertible has. As such, they're often cheaper to buy.

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Interested in buying a used BMW 4 Series Convertible? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.