4 series convertible luggage space
Discussion
One reason why I opted for the M235i Convertible (now would be an M240i). I was surprised how little boot space was left in the 4 once the roof was down. In the 235i we've had the roof down and the wind deflector on with 3 cases, three boxes, walking gear, 5L petrol can, 'fridge, picnic hamper, boots and shoe bags on an Alpine touring holiday. The fabric roof uses a lot less boot space.
If the 2 Series isn't for you, then our experience with the wind deflector was that it worked very well as a cover for smaller cases and boxes on the back seat. We had the rear seat back down as there's an opening into the boot, so it makes it easier to pack. The deflector hides the rear contents quite well and when the vertical part is folded down onto the flat part, it's hard to see what's underneath. We just left it in place with the upright section folded back when the roof was up when we had to leave the car anywhere public.
Getting the car coincided with needing some new luggage. The original 1 Series had shaped luggage for the rear seats, available from BMW but they didn't continue with this. I researched having bespoke luggage made but in the end, after some searching, a particular combination of 2x M&S medium and 1x M&S small case worked really well in the boot, with the small case fitting well onto the seat as an alternative. So I'd say that you should be able to get new luggage that roughly fits the spaces, at a reasonable price.
I think that there's definitely a market for solid tonneau covers, like those on the Rolls-Royce Dawn:
and I researched these. In the US, quite a few 'verts have these available from 3rd parties but nothing for the BMW 2 or 4 as far as I could see. The RR tonneau cover is cleverly-designed to be lockable and looks pretty robust and secure.
If the 2 Series isn't for you, then our experience with the wind deflector was that it worked very well as a cover for smaller cases and boxes on the back seat. We had the rear seat back down as there's an opening into the boot, so it makes it easier to pack. The deflector hides the rear contents quite well and when the vertical part is folded down onto the flat part, it's hard to see what's underneath. We just left it in place with the upright section folded back when the roof was up when we had to leave the car anywhere public.
Getting the car coincided with needing some new luggage. The original 1 Series had shaped luggage for the rear seats, available from BMW but they didn't continue with this. I researched having bespoke luggage made but in the end, after some searching, a particular combination of 2x M&S medium and 1x M&S small case worked really well in the boot, with the small case fitting well onto the seat as an alternative. So I'd say that you should be able to get new luggage that roughly fits the spaces, at a reasonable price.
I think that there's definitely a market for solid tonneau covers, like those on the Rolls-Royce Dawn:
and I researched these. In the US, quite a few 'verts have these available from 3rd parties but nothing for the BMW 2 or 4 as far as I could see. The RR tonneau cover is cleverly-designed to be lockable and looks pretty robust and secure.
Edited by msej449 on Tuesday 17th April 20:02
Been lurking long enough - might as well join now I can answer a question :-)
We had a 320d convertible, so pretty much the same. You can get 2 carry on size cases easily in the boot with the roof down. Caveat is you can't get them out while it's down, but that was never a problem.
A full size suitcase easily fits on the back seat with the wind deflector in place, although you put that up after the case has gone in. I didn't really have a proper look when I bought it, and just asked the salesman "Does the back seat fold down?" Well, it does, but just the seat itself - there was no entry into the boot with it down. It gives you a flat surface to put a case on, but you obviously lose that bit of space flexibility whether the roof is up or down. I don't know if this was an option or it's changed now though - mine was a 12 plate.
Loved the car - missing it now with the sun out!
We had a 320d convertible, so pretty much the same. You can get 2 carry on size cases easily in the boot with the roof down. Caveat is you can't get them out while it's down, but that was never a problem.
A full size suitcase easily fits on the back seat with the wind deflector in place, although you put that up after the case has gone in. I didn't really have a proper look when I bought it, and just asked the salesman "Does the back seat fold down?" Well, it does, but just the seat itself - there was no entry into the boot with it down. It gives you a flat surface to put a case on, but you obviously lose that bit of space flexibility whether the roof is up or down. I don't know if this was an option or it's changed now though - mine was a 12 plate.
Loved the car - missing it now with the sun out!
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