Used BMW 4 Series cars

Launched in 2013 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the BMW 4 Series has become a frontrunner in the compact executive car segment and is the third best-selling car for the marque, behind its SUV lineup. Since the second-generation launch in 2020, the BMW 4 Series has received plenty of praise, picking up the award for Best Coupé and Best Convertible at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2023. It’s also available as a popular four-door Gran Coupé model.

BMW 4 Series updates and facelifts

As a rival for the Audi A5 Coupé, Mercedes C-Class Coupé and Lexus RC, the BMW 4 Series is a sporty powerhouse with punchy acceleration and light handling. It holds its own within a competitive market and has been purposefully tweaked for optimum style and performance. Trims have been cut and streamlined, with the SE and Luxury models dropped after the 2017 facelift. The Sport was then discontinued leaving behind the striking M Sport. There is also the option to upgrade to the M Sport Pro Edition with adaptive M suspension and M Sport differentials.

Combining strong engines with a superb eight-speed automatic transmission, the BMW 4 Series never fails to deliver out on the road. With racing DNA and the sporty trademarks of such a prestigious marque, the 4 Series comes with multiple petrol options as well as diesel power, which is still available on the used car market despite being discontinued.

Practicality and style of the car

Stylish, fun to drive and practical, the BMW 4 Series is a great choice for the daily commute. Whether you’re driving to meetings, taking colleagues to the airport or using the car for more casual use, it offers comfort and flexibility in abundance. The four-seater options are the Coupé and the Convertible. These model variants offer plenty of room up front and have space for two children or smaller adults in the rear. The Coupé offers 440 litres of boot space, trumping the Mercedes-Benz Coupé by a good 40 litres. And while the 4 Series Convertible has a smaller boot than the regular Coupé, with a 385-litre capacity, it’s roomy enough for a couple of carry-on suitcases or the weekly grocery shop.

The Gran Coupé model offers even more practicality, with room to seat five people in comfort. It also has a boot space of 470 litres, making it 30 litres bigger than the regular 4 Series Coupé and a little bigger than rivals such as the Audi A5 Sportback and the Mercedes-Benz CLA. ISOFIX anchor points are available in the rear, so you can travel safely with children.

The 4 Series might not seem like an obvious tow car, but it can comfortably haul between 1,600 and 1,800kg of braked weight, depending on the engine you choose. The best option for those towing regularly is probably the 420d diesel xDrive.

Running costs

The 4 Series Coupé starts from insurance group 30 out of 50 for the entry-level 420i and rises to group 40 for the 369bhp M440i xDrive performance version. This still compares favourably to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé which starts in group 35 and rises to the top group, 50. Annual road tax for most models sits at a standard rate of £180.

How a used BMW 4 Series drives

The Mk1 BMW 4 Series (2013-2020) comes with a choice of three petrol and three diesel engines, enabling you to select the level of power and efficiency that suits your needs. The entry-level 420i petrol is a 2.0-litre unit which produces 181bhp and 300Nm of torque, and achieves 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds. It comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, but is most efficient when paired with the optional automatic transmission, returning up to 48.7mpg on the combined cycle.

Step up to the 248bhp 430i for a swifter 0-62mph acceleration time of 5.9 seconds, or opt for the most powerful 440i, which is a 3.0-litre engine producing 317bhp. This goes from 0-62mph in just 5.2 seconds and is available with manual or automatic transmission. Opting for this unit does mean a small compromise on fuel economy, which sits at 36.7mpg.

If you regularly cover long distances, a diesel will suit you better. The 4 Series offers a choice of the 420d, 430d or 435d, with the entry-level 2.0-litre 420d providing an output of 187bhp and 400Nm of torque. This is mated to six-speed manual transmission as standard, but used buyers may also find options with eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive four-wheel drive. The 430d produces 254bhp and returns up to 55.4mpg while reaching 62mph from a standstill in just 5.5 seconds. Opt for the 309bhp 435d engine for true sports-car acceleration of 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds and impressive efficiency of up to 52mpg.

If you’re looking for a Mk2 model (2020 onwards), you’ll find the entry-level 420i petrol engine still available with the same performance, while the 430i has had a power boost, boasting 254bhp. The top-of-the-range M440i has increased power too, producing 369bhp and reducing its 0-62mph time to just 4.5 seconds. All engines come with eight-speed automatic transmission, and fuel economy ranges from 36.7-44.1mpg on the combined cycle.

Although diesel engines have now been discontinued, you may still find a 420d with either front or four-wheel drive on the used market. Efficiency for this model reaches 61.4mpg, and it can reach 62mph from a standstill in 7.1 seconds.

Engines and Official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures.

2013 - 2020

2020 - onwards

Features you can expect in a BMW 4 Series

Whichever body style you choose, the BMW 4 Series offers everything you’d expect from a premium car. Mk1 models are comfortable and practical, seating between four and five occupants depending on the variant you choose, and boasting quality materials and fine finishes. Standard equipment includes a 6.5-inch iDrive infotainment system with DAB radio, which is controlled with a rotary dial on the centre console. Higher spec models come with extras such as a Harmon-Kardon sound system, head-up display and parking cameras.

Technology

Choose the Mk2 4 Series, and the cabin has a much slicker, minimalist feel. Driving data is displayed on a 12.3-inch digital screen, while the infotainment system features a 10.25-inch screen and can be controlled via the iDrive rotary dial, touch, or by the voice assistant system. Simply say “Hey BMW” and give the required command. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also featured as standard.

Safety

When Euro NCAP tested the model in 2019, the BMW 4 Series received a full five-star rating and a near-perfect adult occupant protection score of 97% – better than both the Audi A5 Coupé and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Child occupant protection sits at a respectable 83% too, so you can be sure that you and your loved ones are safe on every journey.

Standard measures include Automatic Emergency Braking to help you avoid accidents, Lane Departure Warning, and Automatic Speed Limit Assist, which helps to prevent you straying over the limit. Some used 4 Series models may have the Technology Plus Pack installed, which adds Active Cruise Control and a cross-traffic warning to assist with reversing safely.

The BMW 4 Series also benefits from selectable drive modes, which enable you to adjust key parameters according to your needs. Choose Comfort mode for cruising, Eco mode for a more efficient drive and Sport mode for the swiftest acceleration and sharpest responses.

Trims available on the BMW 4 Series

Trims have come and gone on the 4 Series over the years, with earlier models featuring SE and Luxury grades. Now there are two main trim options, while the 4 Series M440i xDrive comes with its own unique spec.

BMW 4 Series M Sport

The M Sport is a popular choice and features plenty of kit to satisfy even the most discerning driver. M sport suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and selectable drive modes deliver exceptional performance, while inside you’ll get three-zone climate control, ambient lighting, cruise control, the iDrive infotainment system and front and rear parking sensors.

BMW 4 Series M Sport Pro

Step up to M Sport Pro and get 19-inch alloy wheels and black exterior accents, as well as M seat belts, exclusive trim, a Sprint driving mode and adaptive M suspension.

BMW 4 Series M440i xDrive

The highest powered variant in the 4 Series range comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, metallic paint and Cerium Grey exterior accents. Performance enhancement comes in the form of an M Sport braking system, M Sport differential and adaptive M suspension.

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