Which is the most popular engine in the BMW 4 Series?

The diesel engines have been the most popular because they offer a good amount of power and are efficient, so they are cheaper to run, but the petrols are more fun to drive. The 420d is the best choice in terms of efficiency because it has a fuel economy rating of 60mpg.

Which are the most popular model variants?

Most models were offered as a Sport or M Sport variant. The most popular of these two has been the M Sport with its upgraded suspension, unique steering wheel, M-type body styling and available metallic paint.

What optional extras should I look out for?

BMW has offered an available Live Cockpit Pro system with a head-up display that reduces distractions while driving. There are also some models with the Parking Assistant Plus technology, which is super helpful when trying to get into tight spaces.

Is the BMW 4 Series a good family car?

Yes, even with the two-door coupé, the back seat offers enough room for children. Those who need additional space could consider the 4 Series Gran Coupé bodystyle instead.

Is there a hybrid version of the BMW 4 Series?

BMW has only used mild hybrid technology with the 4 Series engines, and these don't ever need be plugged in. However, there are electric versions based on the 4 Series, such as the i4 and i4 M50.

Is the BMW 4 Series available as an automatic?

The 4 Series has been available as both an automatic and a manual. The majority of used models come with an automatic transmission, so they are easy to find, but there's a good amount of manual examples as well.

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

BMW has offered the 4 Series with standard rear-wheel drive, but there were some variants built with four-wheel drive, so either can be found among used cars - look out for ones badged as xDrive. With rear-wheel drive, drivers can expect sports-car-like handling, while four-wheel drive increases the traction and grip on the road.

818 Used BMW 4 Series cars for sale

BMW 4 Series2020 (69) - 2.0 420d M Sport Coupe 2dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£19,150

Finance available £373 pm

2L
49.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Beechwood Autos Ltd

01623709945 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 4 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 420d M Sport Convertible 2dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,499

Finance available £346 pm

2L
51.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 4 Series2024 (74) - 420i M Sport Coupe 2-Door

£39,000

2L
10.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 4 Series2022 (72) - 420i M Sport 2dr Step Auto Petrol Coupe

£27,388

2L
24.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 4 Series2019 - 420i M Sport 5dr Auto [Professional Media]

£13,495

2L
70.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

BMW 4 Series2016 (16) - 2.0 420D M SPORT GRAN COUPE 4DR Manual

Low Mileage

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Parkmere.co.uk

01518322220 *

BMW 4 Series2018 - 420d [190] M Sport 5dr Auto [Professional Media]

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Devine Cars

02890023226 *

BMW 4 Series2017 - 430d xDrive M Sport 2dr Auto [Professional Media]

Low Mileage

£17,950

Finance available £348 pm

3L
45.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Ballinderry Car Sales Limited

02892441046 *

BMW 4 Series2015 (S) - 420d M Sport Convertible 2.0 Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps) 2-Door

Reduced

£10,500

Finance available £212 pm

2L
52.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Convertible

Alpino Cars Ltd

01616696759 *

BMW 4 Series2019 - 3.0 M Sport Coupe 2dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

£18,950

Finance available £369 pm

3L
50.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Westside Cars

01217288669 *

BMW 4 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 420i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£21,440

Finance available £420 pm

2L
8.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

Smart Wheel Motors

02039467705 *

BMW 4 Series2017 (66) - 2.0 420d M Sport Coupe 2dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,999

Finance available £268 pm

2L
61.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 4 Series2022 - 420i M Sport 2dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

£27,995

Finance available £555 pm

2L
28.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

David Hayton Ltd (Autostore Carlisle)

01228522423 *

BMW 4 Series2016 (16) - 420d [190] SE 2dr [Business Media]

Reduced

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
84.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Hamstead Autos

01213872419 *

BMW 4 Series2014 - 420d M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£8,489

Finance available £167 pm

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Key Kars

01405800965 *

BMW 4 Series2020 - 420I M SPORT 5DR [PROFESSIONAL MEDIA]

Low Mileage

£16,199

Finance available £340 pm

2L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Brayley Thurrock Car Centre

01375808571 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 4 Series2014 (63) - 420I COUPE M SPORT AUTO 3dr

Low Mileage

£12,000

Finance available £246 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

KLAW MOTORS

02039537452 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 4 Series2015 - 2.0 420d M Sport Convertible 2dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Reduced

£13,490

Finance available £279 pm

2L
53.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Convertible

HR Cars

01494927722 *

BMW 4 Series2018 (18) - 430i M Sport 5dr Auto [Professional Media]

£14,444

Finance available £300 pm

2L
81.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

ALIZ WORLD LIMITED

01582342206 *

BMW 4 Series2022 (22) - 420i M Sport 2dr Step Auto Petrol Coupe

£24,781

2L
45.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

Vertu BMW Durham

01918146639 *

0/5 Stars

Why buy a used BMW 4 Series?

If you're in the market for a car that's refined, upmarket and exciting to drive, then a used BMW 4 Series is a great choice. With a stylish appearance and several bodystyles to choose from, the 4 Series is known to turn heads. BMW supplies many engine options, high-tech equipment and a comprehensive safety kit to make the 4 Series an excellent luxury coupé.

Used BMW 4 Series snapshot review

Pros

Fun to drive
Lots of quality equipment
Great looking exterior

Cons

M Sport ride can be very firm
Practicality does suffer
Diesels lack refinement

Read our BMW 4 Series review

BMW 4 Series video review

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Used BMW 4 Series buying guide

Engines and transmissions

There have been many options with the BMW 4 Series, including diesel or petrol engines, an automatic or manual transmission, and rear- or four-wheel drive.

Petrol

420i 2.0-litre engine creates 181bhp for a 7.3-second 0-60mph time and an efficiency rating of up to 44.8mpg.
430i 2.0-litre engine uses the same four-cylinder engine, but creates 254bhp with a similar efficiency.
M440i 3.0-litre engine increases the output to 368bhp, reducing the 0-60mph time to 4.4 seconds and changing the efficiency to 36.2mpg.

Diesel

420d uses mild hybrid technology to make 187bhp for a 0-60mph time of 6.9 seconds, with an efficiency rating of around 60mpg.
430d is rated for 281bhp, reducing the 0-60mph time to 4.9 seconds with a lower efficiency rating of 52.3mpg.
M440d is the most powerful diesel, with a rating of 335bhp, creating a 4.5-second 0-60mph time.

Practicality

The 4 Series may only have two doors, but it's a relatively practical sports coupé with a decent amount of room inside and a large boot.

Interior space

Driver sits low, but there are plenty of adjustments to get the right positioning.
Front seats slide forward to let rear passengers in and out easier.
ISOFIX points for child seats are found under covers for protection.
Newer models have rear climate control for added comfort.

Boot space

440-litre boot is similar to the Audi A5 and more than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.
Rear seat can be lowered with levers in the boot, creating a large load space with a flat floor.
Boot includes a 12V socket and shopping hooks.

Bodystyles

Coupé is the original sports car design with two doors.
Convertible adds to the two-door coupé with a drop top.
4 Series Gran Coupé (reviewed separately) offers more interior room with the four-door style.

Safety

2019 Euro NCAP rating was a perfect five stars.
Adult occupant rating is 97%, while vulnerable road users is 93%.
Standard kit includes autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane assist and an active bonnet.

Technology

10.25-inch touchscreen display can be activated with voice control.
12.3-inch instrument display replaces older-style gauges.
Connectivity available through Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Different generations of used BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series is based on the 3 Series saloon and hit the market in 2013. With its sleek styling, dual kidney grille and front inlet design, it was sportier than the 3 Series, even though the size was roughly the same. A second generation was released with several updates, keeping the 4 Series relevant and ahead of the competition. BMW continues to refine the engine options and add new equipment to the lineup, offering great value for buyers looking for a premium car.

Second Generation (2020 to Present)

The second-generation 4 Series had a different design from the original version. The kidney grille was made larger and the air vents installed to cool the brakes increased in size. From the silhouette alone, the 4 Series closely resembled the 8 Series, and it was finished with a dual exhaust in the rear.

BMW released a facelift in 2024 to make some upgrades. Horizontal slats were added to soften the image and new headlights were installed. Even though the shape of the car didn't change, it looked almost entirely new.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Petrol
Engine Size:: 2 - 3
MPG:: 26 - 61
Acceleration:: 3.5 - 8.2 seconds
Boot space:: 385 - 470 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
420i M Sport 2dr Step Auto
Cheapest
420i M Sport 2dr Step Auto
Fastest
B4 GT 3.0 Bi Turbo 5dr Switch-Tronic AWD

First Generation (2013 to 2021)

Based on the same platform as the 3 Series, BMW took the coupé version and made it into the 4 Series. Initially, it had many of the same styling features, with a narrow, wide grille and swept-back headlights, but it sat lower to the ground and had a wider stance than its counterpart.

A 2018 update was released, but the styling wasn't changed significantly. Instead, BMW focused on adding more equipment from a technology and comfort standpoint.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Petrol
Engine Size:: 2 - 3
MPG:: 32 - 70
Acceleration:: 4.7 - 9.2 seconds
Boot space:: 220 - 480 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
420i SE 2dr Auto [Business Media]
Cheapest
420i SE 2dr
Fastest
435d xDrive Luxury 2dr Auto

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

View guides

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Used BMW 4 Series snapshot review

Pros