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.

796 Used BMW 4 Series cars for sale

BMW 4 Series2021 - 2.0 420I M Sport Auto 2dr

£23,877

Finance available £470 pm

2L
40.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

Your Best Car Ltd

01580232496 *

BMW 4 Series2016 - 420d [190] xDrive M Sport 5dr Auto [Prof Media]

Reduced

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

JGM Group

02890023173 *

BMW 4 Series2019 (69) - 435d xDrive M Sport 2dr Auto (Professional Media)

£20,000

3L
61.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW 4 Series2019 (69) - 3.0 435d M Sport Convertible 2dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (313 ps)

£18,699

3L
64.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Convertible

Pinetree Car Superstore Tonypandy

01443806091 *

BMW 4 Series2014 (63) - 2.0 420d Luxury Coupe 2dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)-Factory

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

BMW 4 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 420d M Sport Coupe 2dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£11,999

Finance available £246 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Prestige Motoring Group

01215160648 *

BMW 4 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 420d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr

£9,990

2L
93.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

MP Car Sales

01633328773 *

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
52.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Convertible

Alpino Cars Ltd

01616696759 *

BMW 4 Series2017 (M) - 435d xDrive M Sport 5dr Auto [Professional Media]

Low Mileage

£17,490

Finance available £339 pm

3L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Amouri Automotive

01143218397 *

BMW 4 Series2019 (19) - 3.0 430d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr

Reduced

£21,500

Finance available £421 pm

3L
37.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Browns Car Company

01621733495 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 4 Series2024 - 420i M Sport 2dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£45,950

2L
7.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 4 Series2016 - 3.0 435d xDrive M Sport Coupe 2-Door

£15,109

Finance available £315 pm

3L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Peak Motors Limited

01663790344 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 4 Series2020 (20) - 2.0 420d M Sport Convertible 2dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£20,595

2L
35.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Convertible

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

BMW 4 Series2014 (64) - 420d M Sport 2dr Auto

£5,899

Finance available £109 pm

2L
152.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Kain Motors

01612417057 *

BMW 4 Series2018 (67) - 3.0 440i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr

£17,200

Finance available £362 pm

3L
86.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 4 Series2021 - 2.0 420i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr

£23,491

Finance available £462 pm

2L
49.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Coupe

Riverside Volvo Hull

01482249187 *

BMW 4 Series2016 - 2.0 420d M Sport Convertible 2dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,997

2L
70.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Convertible

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 4 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 420i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
69.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

ARJ MOTORS

01932507141 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 4 Series2020 - 420d [190] M Sport 5dr Auto [Professional Media]

Low Mileage

£21,049

Finance available £439 pm

2L
15.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

BMW 4 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 430i M Sport Coupe 2dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (252 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,990

2L
56.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

Cuckfield Motor Company

01444221468 *

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 2021)

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:: 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