4 Series Convertible, which model to get?

[98elise]

We're in the market for a 4 or 5 year old 4 seat convertible, and the wife insists on a metal roof, so the 4 series is pretty much our only choice.

I understand some BMW engines suffer from timing chain issues, so what are the engines to avoid? It will be our daily driver so is there a preferred engine/gearbox combination that give good all-round reliability, economy and power.

We're happy with auto or manual. If anything auto might be preferred as most of our driving is local.

Anything else we be looking for as must have options?

[wax lyrical]

I'd recommend getting a sub-60k mile example of a 335i/340i with full BMW service history and put a BMW warranty on it straightaway. With the top down, that engine makes a lovely noise and you have peace of mind in the event of any big bills.

Get as high spec as possible within your budget.

[98elise]

wax lyrical said:

I'd recommend getting a sub-60k mile example of a 335i/340i with full BMW service history and put a BMW warranty on it straightaway. With the top down, that engine makes a lovely noise and you have peace of mind in the event of any big bills.

Get as high spec as possible within your budget.

£700 a year for a warranty seems steep. I'd rather buy a more reliable car!

[RUSSELLM]

Or buy an AUC with a year’s warranty. Then your renewals will come in cheaper.

[wax lyrical]

But that engine is worth it!

98elise said:

wax lyrical said:

I'd recommend getting a sub-60k mile example of a 335i/340i with full BMW service history and put a BMW warranty on it straightaway. With the top down, that engine makes a lovely noise and you have peace of mind in the event of any big bills.

Get as high spec as possible within your budget.

£700 a year for a warranty seems steep. I'd rather buy a more reliable car!

[curvature]

The problem with the internet is that you will always hear of the ones that went wrong or the ones that were outstanding. You never hear about the thousands of cars that just do what they are meant to do.

For me it would depend on mileage but ether way the 6 cylinder engines, petrol or diesel, are the ones to go for - 330d, 335d or 335i or 340i.

I have personally had the following engines without any issues 18d, 20d, 30d and 40d and they have all been faultless.

My own experience was of the previous 3 series convertible and having had a roof mechanism fail at 68k miles I would ensure you have a good warranty and good service history. Ours was out of warranty but because of its history BWM paid for the parts. We still had a £1k labour bill though.

[98elise]

curvature said:

The problem with the internet is that you will always hear of the ones that went wrong or the ones that were outstanding. You never hear about the thousands of cars that just do what they are meant to do.

For me it would depend on mileage but ether way the 6 cylinder engines, petrol or diesel, are the ones to go for - 330d, 335d or 335i or 340i.

I have personally had the following engines without any issues 18d, 20d, 30d and 40d and they have all been faultless.

My own experience was of the previous 3 series convertible and having had a roof mechanism fail at 68k miles I would ensure you have a good warranty and good service history. Ours was out of warranty but because of its history BWM paid for the parts. We still had a £1k labour bill though.

Its the 4 series we're after.

It looks like the N20 and B47 engines have timing chain issues so I'll avoid those. The B48 engines (2016 on) seem fine though.

[curvature]

So the 4 cylinder engines then. Personally on a weighty car like this I think you would be better off with one of the 6 cylinder models.

The reason I mentioned our 3 series was because the roof mechanisms are very similar (both metal and folding) and although there are no reports of them being an issue it was a big shock and a big bill when it went wrong.

We tested a 320d Convertible at the time and it felt underpowered. I don't believe the engine characteristics have changed much since so suggest you drive them all first.

I am sure whatever you get though you will enjoy it.

[un1eash]

If your after petrol from 2016+ it's either going to be the B48 420i/430i or B58 440i. There's a big difference in purchase price so depending on your budget you'll get more spec in B48 form.

[98elise]

curvature said:

So the 4 cylinder engines then. Personally on a weighty car like this I think you would be better off with one of the 6 cylinder models.

The reason I mentioned our 3 series was because the roof mechanisms are very similar (both metal and folding) and although there are no reports of them being an issue it was a big shock and a big bill when it went wrong.

We tested a 320d Convertible at the time and it felt underpowered. I don't believe the engine characteristics have changed much since so suggest you drive them all first.

I am sure whatever you get though you will enjoy it.

I'm not fussed about the number of cylinders Its just a daily driver so it doesn't need to be that powerful, and it's 95% going to be used for short journeys. The wife's current convertible is a Focus CC which is only 150bhp.

Will definitely test drive first though.

[Earthdweller]

98elise said:

I'm not fussed about the number of cylinders Its just a daily driver so it doesn't need to be that powerful, and it's 95% going to be used for short journeys. The wife's current convertible is a Focus CC which is only 150bhp.

Will definitely test drive first though.

Sounds like you need a 420i rather than a 440i

Warranty costs will be way less on that as well as insurance/tax

If she’s going from a focus the 184bhp of the 20i will be enough

[340600]

Earthdweller said:

98elise said:

I'm not fussed about the number of cylinders Its just a daily driver so it doesn't need to be that powerful, and it's 95% going to be used for short journeys. The wife's current convertible is a Focus CC which is only 150bhp.

Will definitely test drive first though.

Sounds like you need a 420i rather than a 440i

Warranty costs will be way less on that as well as insurance/tax

If she’s going from a focus the 184bhp of the 20i will be enough

Exactly this. But avoid the 20d - as good an engine as it is, a 4 cylinder diesel in a convertible, just no.

[curvature]

There are 8 x 440i convertibles for sale as BMW AUC cars so they are available.

[98elise]

340600 said:

Earthdweller said:

98elise said:

I'm not fussed about the number of cylinders Its just a daily driver so it doesn't need to be that powerful, and it's 95% going to be used for short journeys. The wife's current convertible is a Focus CC which is only 150bhp.

Will definitely test drive first though.

Sounds like you need a 420i rather than a 440i

Warranty costs will be way less on that as well as insurance/tax

If she’s going from a focus the 184bhp of the 20i will be enough

Exactly this. But avoid the 20d - as good an engine as it is, a 4 cylinder diesel in a convertible, just no.

Agreed, diesel is fine if you do long journeys and have decent sound deadening. In a convertible doing short journeys it makes no sense.

[DJMC]

When my son was looking for a 4 series convertible we drove a few 2.0d models but they really were awful for power to weight.

Try one and you may well agree. He went off the idea altogether as the handling seemed compromised too, but this may have been to do with the engine. 428i is the pick of the bunch I seem to recall.

One other thing... One used car had a scuffed alloy. BMW Northampton said it couldn't be repaired as it was machine polished, only replaced. Their policy. Consider this when choosing.