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BMW 4-Series FAQs


PUBLISHED THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

Learn more about this sleek coupe or convertible.

When you're craving plenty of power behind the wheel but don't want to sacrifice interior comforts, the BMW 4-Series has you covered. This luxury model is available in both coupe and convertible body styles to suit your needs and is generously equipped with standard features like simulated leather upholstery, a built-in navigation system, and much more. Plus, regardless of which trim you choose, you'll enjoy power from a turbocharged engine.

Want to find out more about this luxury model? Explore our comprehensive FAQs to inform your vehicle search.

BMW 4-Series FAQs

Q: What are the different models of BMW 4-Series?

A: The BMW 4-Series is available in both two-door coupe and convertible body styles. This luxury car is available in an array of trim configurations depending on the year: the 428i, the 430i, the 435i, the 440i, the M440i, and the M4.

Q: Do BMW 4-Series have four doors?

A: No, the BMW 4-Series coupe and convertible both have two doors. However, for some model years, a four-door version of the BMW 4-Series is available in the form of the Gran Coupe. This version of the 4-Series gets a set of rear doors for easier access to the back seat.

Q: Which BMW 4-Series should I buy?

A: The BMW 4-Series model that's right for you will depend on what you're looking for in a luxury car. First, you'll need to decide between the standard coupe or soft-top convertible—both of which are offered in a range of different trim configurations.

Your engine preference may also influence your decision here. While the 2021 BMW 4-Series coupe comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine at 255 horsepower, only the convertible is available in the M440i trim, which is equipped with a more powerful turbocharged 3.0L V6 at 382 hp.

Every 2021 4-Series comes with such standard equipment as simulated leather upholstery, a robust 10-speaker sound system, smartphone integration, and a built-in navigation system. However, xDrive models are equipped with all-wheel drive instead of rear-wheel drive, so this is another thing to consider while shopping for a BMW 4-Series.

Q: Is the BMW 430i a turbo?

A: Yes, the standard engine on the 2021 BMW 4-Series 430i trim is a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder at 255 hp. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with rear-wheel drive, though an all-wheel drive version is available in the 430i xDrive trim.

Q: Is the BMW 4-Series a sports car?

A: Technically, the BMW 4-Series is classified as a luxury coupe. However, compared to the BMW 3-Series sedan, it does offer some sportier components that include a refined suspension, a lower overall center of gravity, and an aerodynamic design.

Likewise, the 2021 BMW 4-Series was available with an M Sport package when sold as new. Models equipped with this package will have additional sporty features that include 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and steering wheel, and variable steering.

Q: How many seats does a BMW 4-Series have?

A: The BMW 4-Series coupe and convertible models offer seating for up to four people. Meanwhile, the four-door 2022 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe offers seating for up to five passengers with its slightly larger and more spacious cabin design.

Q: How much should I pay for a BMW 4-Series?

A: The price of a BMW 4-Series will depend on many factors, ranging from specific model year and mileage to trim level, features, and add-on packages. For reference, however, a used 2020 4-Series 430i trim sells for an average of $36,577 on CarMax.1

Meanwhile, an earlier model year (such as the 2016 4-Series 428i trim) sells an average of $26,184 based on CarMax sales data.1

Q: What is the BMW 4-Series luxury package?

A: The luxury package is one of several package add-ons that was available on some BMW 4-Series models when sold as new. On the 2019 4-Series, for example, this package added such features as chrome trim accents, upgraded air intake, and a dual grille design.

Q: Is the BMW 430i reliable?

A: As of January 2022, a reliability rating for the BMW 430i on RepairPal® does not exist due to insufficient data.

However, according to RepairPal data, BMW as a car brand ranks 3/5 ("Average") in reliability across all car brands.2

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2006-2020 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Q: How big is a BMW 4-Series?

A: The 2021 BMW 4-Series coupe and convertible both measure 187.9 inches long and 72.9 inches wide (not counting side mirrors). With all seats in place, the 2021 4-Series also offers 12 cubic feet of dedicated cargo storage space in the trunk.

Q: What cars are similar to the BMW 4-Series?

A: The BMW 4-Series, which is classified as a luxury coupe, has several competitors in its class. Some examples of this vehicle's top competitors include the Audi A5, the Infiniti Q60, the Audi RS5, and the Mercedes C-Class Coupe.

Q: Does the BMW 4-Series have folding rear seats?

A: Yes; while the seats on the 2021 BMW 4-Series cannot fold completely flat, they are able to fold in a 40/20/40 configuration. This allows for additional cargo storage space for longer or bulkier items that may not otherwise fit in the trunk.

Q: What is the difference between the BMW 428i and the 430i?

A: The BMW 428i and 430i have both been base trim models for the BMW 4-Series. The difference is that the 428i was the base trim through the 2016 model year, whereas the 430i became the new name for the base trim beginning with the 2017 model.

Q: What engine does a BMW 4-Series have?

A: The specific engine you'll find on a BMW 4-Series will depend on body style and trim configuration. Every 2021 4-Series comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder (255 hp), though convertible models with 430i or 430i xDrive trims come instead with a turbocharged V6 (382 hp).

Q: Can you fit golf clubs in a BMW 4-Series?

A: Whether golf clubs will fit in a 4-Series will depend on the size of your clubs and bag. However, many drivers have reported that they are able to fit golf clubs in their 2021 4-Series coupe and Gran Coupe by folding the rear seats down.

Q: What is the difference between a 430i and a 440i?

A: The 430i and 440i are both trim options available on the 2021 BMW 4-Series. The 430i is the base trim and comes with features such as a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, built-in navigation, simulated leather upholstery, and a 10-speaker sound system.

The 440i trim (which is only available on convertible models) comes with additional equipment that includes a sport differential, adaptive suspension dampers, ambient interior lighting, a sport-tuned suspension, and an aerodynamic body kit.

Q: How do you open a BMW 4-Series roof with a key?

A: The 2021 BMW 4-Series comes with a key fob that makes it easy to open and close the soft-top remotely. To close the top, simply hold the "lock" button on the key fob while you are within close range of the vehicle. Hold the "unlock" button to close it.

Keep in mind that you will need to hold the button on the key fob with steady pressure while the top is opening or closing. If you lift your finger off the button for any period of time, the top will stop moving until you press the button again.

Shop Used BMW 4-Series at CarMax

Ready to shop for your own used BMW 4-Series? Browse our current inventory at CarMax to get started.

1Average estimates are based on prices on carmax.com from March 1, 2020, through August 1, 2021. Actual prices may vary based on your selected model year, features, and trim packages. Prices do not include taxes, tags, titles, and any applicable fees.
2RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of 9/1/2021. Learn more at repairpal.com/reliability.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.
* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.