The debut of the 4-Series Coupé was followed by the spawn of the convertible version, one that continues the folding hard-top approach set by the predecessor BMW 3-Series Cabrio. The 4-Series Convertible is targeting those who love the fixed-roof coupé look, but also the sky-above-your head feeling.
PROS & CONS
Pros
Strong Points
- Powerful Yet Efficient Engines
- Automatic ‘Box Is A Gem
- Good Cruiser
Recommended Versions
- 420D/Xdrive
Cons
Weak Points
- Hard Top Means Minuscule Boot Space
Stay Away From
- Unnecessary Optional Features
Attention
Known Problems & Recalls
- My 2014-2105 Recalled In The Us Over Potentially Bad Fuel Pumps (For Both 428I And 435I Versions)
CAR DETAILS
Drive
Powertrain
While in the United States the engine line-up remains the same as for the coupé versions – only the 241 hp 428i and the 302 hp 435i are available here – in Europe, it got rid of the entry-level 418d in the process. Europe also receives the entry-level 181 hp 420i version.
Still, the diesel offers are broad, from the 188 hp 420d best-seller to the 308 hp 435d twin-turbo power unit. In-between, you’ll find a 214 hp 425d, along the 255 hp inline-six 430d.
Both the US-only 428i and 435i come with an all-wheel-drive xDrive system, along with the 435d.
Handling
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive (and being a BMW) mix is a winning one, so you’d be enjoying the ride no matter where your roof sits. Of course, the hard top means it is not as light as it could have been – but also means it is more rigid therefore composed in the corners.
The steering wheel sends enough feedback in your hands, and for tail-happy cornering, you’ll have to work hard. It’s not as the coupé when it comes to agility, but it doesn’t fall way behind either.
Safety
Airbags all around, automatic wipers and headlights (with washer system, being Xenon), rear parking sensors, run flat tires, cruise control with braking function – the standard safety package is comprehensive, naturally.
You even have a list of optional safety/comfort equipment if you want your life easier behind the 4-Series Convertible steering wheel. The head-up display helps you keep your eyes on the road; the lane departure warning is keeping you between the lines, and the blind spot detection is letting you know if the overtake isn’t safe to perform, for example.
Interior
Comfort
One of the hardtop convertible’s advantages is the good cabin insulation, thanks to the metal-folding roof. The 4-Series Convertible doesn’t make an exception. Roof down, and you’ll experience wind noise – not an uncommon phenomenon in the cabrios, though. Opt for the Convertible Comfort Package and you get a wind deflector that’s going to prove itself very useful.
Even without the adaptive suspension, the ride is comfortable, and there’s enough space for four adult passengers, regardless the roof’s position. It’s good to know, though, that the wind deflector compromises the back seats, so if you travel in fours, the rear seat passengers will have a … turbulent experience.
Quality
The BMW 4-Series Convertible cabin features – as any brand’s model – durable materials and neat assemblies, with a lot of room for improvement, if you want more.
The fabric seats can upgrade to leather-upholstered ones (or even synthetic), and for the dash ornaments, you can opt for aluminum and even wood.
Practicality
Even though the boot space is compromised by the more voluminous hardtop, the 4-Series Convertible manages to open up this 220-liter boot thanks to an ingenious mechanism – that elevates the folded top at the push of a button. With the roof up, the boot measures 370 liters of loading space.
The three-piece hart-top hides in the boot in only 20 seconds, at as simple button push – you can even do it while moving, at speeds of up to 15 km/h.
Infotainment
BMW Teleservices, USB and Bluetooth connectivity and Radio BMW Professional come as standard on every version, Professional sat-nav (with the iDrive touch) is available as standard only on the M4 Cabrio.
The basic infotainment display is the 6.5-inch and can be upgraded to the 10.2 one, with split-screen function. The audio system is formed of six speakers (with a total of 100 W), but can also be upgraded to a Harman/Kardon super-audio.
Budget
Efficiency
With the 418d out of the 4-Series Convertible engine line-up, the entry-level is represented by the most wanted 420d unit: 187 hp and 49 mpg in combined cycle, figures of best compromise.
If you’re looking for a more refined alternative, the 420i four-pot boasts 181 hp and 35.6 mpg, with 154 g/CO2 emissions.
If you live in the US, there is not plenty of fuel-efficient offers for you – the 428i shows 34.5 mpg in combined cycle (and impossibly ideal conditions), while the 435i… well, the 435i has 302 hp. No further explanation needed, right?
Equipment
If you’re aiming for the least expensive price tag, you start with a 2.0-liter four-pot engine, with 17” alloy rims, interior with fabric seats, automatic air conditioning and the possibility to open the sky above your head whenever you want – along with the aforementioned safety and infotainment features.
From here, you can upgrade by ticking one of the equipment Lines or by selecting individual features that suit your needs, in the optional equipment list.
Acquisition
The 4-Series elitist nature (and price tag) doesn’t make it a priority choice for the frequent user, so the chances to find one at discount prices are minimal. As in the case of most of the cars in this segment, the depreciation is quite steep (after three years it loses more than half of its initial price).
If you’re considering of selling it in a three-year period, opt for a diesel M Sport version, as this is expected to be the best-seller.