Introduced in 2013 as the replacement for the BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible, the BMW 4 Series is a successor to the line of two-door 3 Series models that stretches back to the first-generation model introduced in 1977. As part of a drive to unify its naming and product strategy, however, BMW decided to rename the sleeker 3 Series spin-offs as "4 Series" models from the sixth generation onwards. There’s some logic to it, with odd numbers for sedans and hatchbacks and even numbers for coupes and convertibles, although there are some anomalies—as we’ll see.
As with its predecessors, the first-generation 4 Series shares most of its mechanical parts with the concurrent 3 Series sedan (which was launched in 2012) but has a lower, sleeker body. One big change was the introduction of a new body style, in the shape of the 4 Series Gran Coupe. This is essentially a five-door version of the two-door coupe, gaining two rear doors plus a "fastback"-style hatchback tailgate. The BMW M4 arrived in 2014 as the high-performance version of the 4 Series with the same range of upgrades over the standard car as the M3 gets over the 3 Series; there are coupe and convertible versions but no M4 Gran Coupe. Here, we’re focusing on the core 4 Series models.
The second-generation 4 Series, introduced in 2020, marked a change in philosophy. While it, too, shares many of its mechanical and interior parts with the equivalent 3 Series, there’s a far greater differentiation in the way they look, with the BMW 4 Series Coupe having a much more muscular appearance, a less sedan-like profile and no "Hoffmeister kink" to the window line. Then there’s the front grille—a towering new interpretation of BMW’s ‘twin kidney grille’. This generation also saw the introduction of the BMW i4—an electric, zero-emissions version of the 4 Series that’s marketed as a separate model entirely.
The 4 Series offers a range of engine, transmission and drivetrain combinations. Over the course of the two generations there have been turbocharged four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines available, with the choice of rear-wheel drive or "XDrive" all-wheel drive, all with an automatic transmission as standard. Every version is very well-equipped and all manner of high-tech features are available, either as standard, as individual options, or as part of option packs. Trim levels include M Sport, which gives a sportier look and feel.
Here’s our guide to the BMW 4 Series, with advice on which models you can buy, the best and worst versions, and how much you can expect to pay.
BMW 4 Series Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- BMW 4 Series Pros and Cons
- BMW 4 Series Generations
- Second Generation (2020-present)
- First Generation (2013-2020)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which BMW 4 Series years are the best?
Every BMW 4 Series is powerful, good to drive and well-equipped, but for the most luxurious experience and the most up-to-date tech, the second-generation model is your best bet. Just make sure you can live with the divisive looks.
What are the worst BMW 4 Series years?
The BMW 4 Series is a premium model that hasn’t been around that long and all versions are powerful and good to drive. Reliability surveys suggest there are no bad years as such, although, as with any model, earlier versions tend to have teething troubles that get sorted out later in the production run.
Is a used BMW 4 Series a good deal?
You pay a premium for the BMW 4 Series but, for many buyers, it’s worth it for the high-end image and excellent handling. All versions have a punchy turbocharged engine and lots of equipment, so it’s a good deal as long as you can find one at a price that suits.
BMW 4 Series Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Enjoyable to drive, with powerful turbocharged engines
- High-quality interior with lots of tech
- Very well-equipped, especially post-2020 models
Cons:
- Some versions are expensive
- Styling of second-generation model not to all tastes
- Limited boot space in first-generation convertible
BMW 4 Series Generations
Second Generation (2020-present)
The new BMW 4 Series provoked lots of debate when it was launched in 2020. The main topic of conversation was its grille—a new, vertical and extremely large interpretation of the brand’s familiar kidney grille. The exterior design was also markedly different from the 3 Series sedan on which it was based, with muscle-car vibes and little in the way of traditional BMW styling cues. It’s safe to say that not everyone is a fan, but the new design and an extra five inches in length over the first-generation model give the 4 Series a more distinct character than before. Design apart, the current 4 Series is largely business as usual, because it shares most of its mechanical and interior parts with the concurrent BMW 3 Series–in this case, the seventh-generation model that was introduced in 2019. As with the first-generation car, there are two-door coupe and convertible body styles, and the five-door 4 Series Gran Coupe. This time round, the 4 Series Convertible has a folding cloth roof, unlike its metal-lidded predecessor.
There’s a bit more of everything when comparing the second-generation BMW 4 Series to the first, and that starts with more power. At launch, the range comprised the 430i, which has an inline 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, and the M440i xDrive, which has a 3.0-litre inline six with mild-hybrid technology. Both are turbocharged, with outputs of 255 horsepower for the 430i and 382 horsepower for the M440i. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard and, while the 430i was initially available with both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) system, the M440i was initially AWD-only, with an RWD version arriving for the 2023 model year.
Updates have been minor over the years. In 2023, "BMW Curved Display" replaced the previous separate display and touchscreen on the dashboard, and the new setup combines a 12.3-inch driver display with a 14.9-inch center screen to form a single display that curves gently towards the driver. A facelift in early 2024 for the 2025 model year brought mild design tweaks. The controversial grille remains, albeit with slightly different materials, while there were new interior trims, new exterior color options, new designs for steering wheel and revised LED headlights and taillights. The mild-hybrid system was also updated and added to the 430i.
This 4 Series model has always been incredibly well-equipped. Standard features for BMW 430i and BMW 430i xDrive models include LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, SensaTec (artificial leather) upholstery, power front sport seats, a rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control and satellite navigation. BMW M440i models add a range of BMW M Sport extras including M Sport suspension and brakes, run-flat tires, an "M" steering wheel, bespoke alloy wheels, Sensatec dashboard trim, a rear spoiler and keyless entry. The optional M Sport package for 430i models adds a similar range of extras. A huge range of individual options to personalize the look of the car and add extra luxury and tech features are available. There are also packs that group various options together, including the Dynamic Handling Package, Cooling and High Performance Tire Package, Driving Assistance Professional Package and Executive Package.
BMW 4 Series models of this era haven’t been on sale long enough for an accurate assessment of their long-term reliability, but early signs are encouraging. Just a handful of owners have raised issues on carcomplaints.com, and it’s a similar story for the latest BMW 3 Series it shares many parts with. BMW was among the top 10 carmakers in the 2024 edition of Consumer Reports’ predicted reliability survey and the brand’s reputation for dependability has been solid in recent years.
Prices for a used example of the latest BMW 4 Series start from about $27,000—a little over half the MSRP of a brand-new entry-level 430i coupe. That suggests it’s a car that will hold its value well in the long run so, although it’s far from cheap, the 4 Series could represent a decent long-term investment.
First Generation (2013-2020)
The first-generation BMW 4 Series was introduced in 2013 and some observers questioned why BMW didn’t simply retain the 3 Series badging that it had used for the previous coupe and convertible spin-offs from its midsize sedan. At the time, BMW argued that the 4 Series "represents something more than its 3 Series cousins—3+1, if you will." It also pointed out that the switch to an even number brings it into line with the larger 6 Series and 8 Series coupe and convertible models. Whatever, the first-generation 4 Series still shares much with the sixth-generation 3 Series, although the only shared external metal panel is the hood. The front fenders are actually the same shape, but the 4 Series has an additional arrow-shaped air vent behind its front wheels. Length and width are almost identical but the 4 Series is lower and looks sleeker.
The BMW 4 Series Convertible of this era closely follows the lines of the coupe and, as with many convertibles of the time, has a folding metal roof–rather than a fabric one. It provides extra security and refinement but does add weight and complexity and it takes up some boot space when folded. The other innovation in terms of body styles is the addition of an entirely new one in the shape of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe–a five-door hatchback version of the coupe, similar in concept to the Audi A5 Sportback that had been on sale in most markets since 2009.
There are plenty of different versions to choose from but the 4 Series has a smaller model range than the 3 Series, omitting some of the more cost-oriented variants. That means that all versions come with ample power and equipment. Initially, the lineup consisted of 428i and 435i models, both of which have a turbo, with the 428i having an inline four-cylinder engine and the 435i an inline 6. Each came with rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard or BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) system as an option. Transmission choices were a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, apart from the 428i xDrive, which was auto-only. With 240 horsepower for the 428i and 300 horsepower for the 435i, both are quick, with a 0-60mph time of between 4.7 and 5.7 seconds for coupe models (convertible models add an extra half a second or so). For the 2016 model year the engines were upgraded, becoming the 430i (248 horsepower) and 440i (320 horsepower).
Trim levels for this generation of 4 Series include standard, Sport Line, Luxury Line and, of course, M Sport. Even base models fare well for equipment, with standard specs including 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, automatic climate control, power front seats and BMW’s easy-to-use iDrive operating system. An update in early 2017 brought a range of cosmetic and tech upgrades, including LED headlights for all models and stiffer suspension for a sharper drive.
While it hasn’t topped any independent reliability surveys, the first-generation 4 Series seems to be a generally dependable car. It pays to find one with a good service history, of course, and be aware that BMW repairs have a reputation for being on the costly side if anything goes wrong.
You can pick up an early, high-mileage BMW 4 Series for $9,000 or less, but we’d suggest it’s worth setting aside the extra $3,000 or so you’ll need to find one that has less than 80,000 miles on the odometer. A well-looked-after BMW 4 Series Convertible could make a great second car–budget for at least $18,000 for a good one with sub-50,000 mileage.
