BMWs have a reputation as luxury cars that aim for high performance but are not as reliable as other brands. If you are looking for the performance and style of a BMW, but also want to avoid the costly repairs that come hand in hand with the brand, the BMW 4 Series post-2014 are the go-to models for you.
BMW 4 Series gives you the most for your money
If you want to get a lot of value out of what you spend, a BMW 4 Series from after 2014 is a good choice. The average price for a brand new 2018 model is a reasonable $38,000. New 2020 models can go for up to $60,000.
The 4 Series has a much higher U.S. News rating of 8.26 / 10, compared to other models. It also scores 4 out of 5 in terms of reliability, which is far greater than all other post-2006 BMW models.
All of this does not mean the potential repairs it might need are not costly, it only means that there should be far fewer repairs in terms of numbers. BMWs are still pretty expensive to maintain and service.
The 4 Series is an excellent vehicle because it comes with a top-notch engine, great performance, a surprising fuel economy and the loved-by-BMW fans rear-wheel-drive handling. It is a mixture of practicality and sport driving.
The 4 Series comes with appealing tech and great safety features, hand in hand with ample luggage space and legroom for the passengers. Of course, it also brings in the traditional athletic handling of other BMWs, as well as their beastly engines for a luxury sedan.
4 Series vs 3 Series
On the outside, the BMW 4 Series is basically a 2-door version of the 3 Series, but when looked at closely, you can see that there are more than enough differences to give it its own series title.
The 3 Series is different from the BMW 4 Series because it has a much lower center of gravity, as well as a stiffened chassis and a retuned suspension, all of which make it quite more agile. And as a bonus to comfort, it is slightly elongated at the back and offers more luggage space.
Engine variations of the BMW 4 Series
Regarding the type of engine you choose, the 4 Series comes up at 420i, 430i, 440i in terms of gasoline-powered engines, and in diesel: 420d, 430d, and 435d.
Regardless of which of these you choose, the coupe would be the same and will not be any larger depending on the engine. All of these models are front-engine, and all except the 420i and 420d have an 8-speed auto gearbox. The two exceptions come with a six-speed manual shift stick.
In terms of speed, for example, the M440i, which is the sportier version, brings in 369 horsepower and can hit 62 mph in just 4.5 seconds, much quicker than the rivaling S5 of Audi and C43 AMG of Mercedes-Benz.
If you are not in for the sporty ride, but seek comfort and speed at the same time, there are entry-level versions such as the 181 horsepower, 420i gasoline engine. No wonder, this is the best-seller of the series. It feels like a sporty coupe and is quick, but comes at a big discount compared to the other models and is quite comfortable as well.
Another thing to consider is why are you buying the vehicle. If you are looking to rack up some miles, you should definitely consider the 420d. Although it is a bit lower in horsepower, it brings a very reliable engine and makes a swifter 0 – 62 mph of only 7.1 seconds. Not only that, but the xDrive versions are available, which should be considered if you are in a snowy region. Otherwise, they would be a waste during the summer.
Interior of the BMW 4 Series
Despite the BMW 4 Series being a two-door coupe, the rear seats are comfortable and usable. Aside from that, if you are not a fan of two-door coupes, the 4 series offers a Gran Coupe model that comes with four doors. In the front, the 4 Series is extremely comfortable and roomy and has a lot of head and leg space.
Talking about the two-door models, to get into the backseat you might need to squeeze through a narrow gap which won’t be perfect for all passengers, but is manageable. And actually, this is the only issue with the back – getting in. Once you’re in the car’s backseat, you will be surprised to find plenty of legroom and comfort. Everyone who is shorter than 6 feet won’t even need to lower their heads.
The 4 series also comes with an astonishing infotainment system, which has a 10.3-inch display for all Series 4 models. It can be operated with a touchscreen or by twisting a rotary controller, which serves a great purpose of eliminating distractions for the driver.
Of course, it comes with an Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless phone charging systems and smart gesture control functions for the infotainment can also be purchased for your car as an add-on.
FAQs about the BMW 4 Series
Is the BMW 4 Series bigger than the BMW 3 Series?
The BMW 4 Series is a bit bigger than the 3 Series. It comes with a bit more cargo space – 57 cubic feet, compared to the 53 cubic feet of the BMW 3 Series. The 4 Series coupe comes with a comfortable 16 cubic feet of space in the trunk. Other major differences in the Series are the 2-door coupe and the better handling and a lower center of gravity of the 4 Series.
What are the exact size and weight measurements of the BMW 4 Series?
The BMW 4 Series is slightly longer than the BMW 3 Series, with a length of 15.22 feet or 4.64 meters and a width of 6 feet or 1.83 meters. The 4 Series weighs 3420 pounds or 1550 kilograms. Of course, that slightly varies between a 5 door and 3 door coupe model.
Which BMW 4 Series is the fastest?
Unarguably the diesel engines are substantially faster than the gasoline ones in the 4 Series of BMW. The 430d takes only 5.5 seconds to reach 0 – 62 mph. Of course, the M4 is entirely something else, as it is the standalone sport model in the series.
