Help me decide - M4 or 440i
Discussion
Hey all,
Done so much reading about this & I simply cannot make up my mind. I’m in the market for a new car shortly (£30k max budget).
Originally was 100% sure on a 440i coupe, which I can easily get a fairly low mileage example with £5k change.
However, I’ve dived into the M4 world & realise there’s a couple around for under the 30k mark.
What to do?!
Reservations on M4 — Sub £30k cars will be either high mileage (85k+ miles) or Cat S. Issues with an M4 crossing the 100k mile mark? I also worry about vehicle theft. I live in a nice area but it’ll be parked on my driveway only, never garaged. Running costs in general; obviously higher in every way compared to the 440i but by a long way or not so much?
Reservations on 440i — Is spending almost M4 money on a non-M4 silly? I really fancy an LSD, which 440i’s don’t come with, so spending £2k on an LSD further pushes into M4 money. Plus remap etc. A slightly modified 440i is double the insurance cost as a stock M4!
I’m not interested in any other cars honestly; have my heart set on a 4-series in general. Fairy used to high performance stuff in the past, but this will be the most performant I’ve had I suspect.
I work from home full-time, so I’ll never be doing crazy miles. The car is 70% fun, 30% running errands/normal driving. Quite often go 2-3 weeks without driving at all!
Anyway, overall I’m just really after some advice from anyone who’ll listen! Thanks.
Done so much reading about this & I simply cannot make up my mind. I’m in the market for a new car shortly (£30k max budget).
Originally was 100% sure on a 440i coupe, which I can easily get a fairly low mileage example with £5k change.
However, I’ve dived into the M4 world & realise there’s a couple around for under the 30k mark.
What to do?!
Reservations on M4 — Sub £30k cars will be either high mileage (85k+ miles) or Cat S. Issues with an M4 crossing the 100k mile mark? I also worry about vehicle theft. I live in a nice area but it’ll be parked on my driveway only, never garaged. Running costs in general; obviously higher in every way compared to the 440i but by a long way or not so much?
Reservations on 440i — Is spending almost M4 money on a non-M4 silly? I really fancy an LSD, which 440i’s don’t come with, so spending £2k on an LSD further pushes into M4 money. Plus remap etc. A slightly modified 440i is double the insurance cost as a stock M4!
I’m not interested in any other cars honestly; have my heart set on a 4-series in general. Fairy used to high performance stuff in the past, but this will be the most performant I’ve had I suspect.
I work from home full-time, so I’ll never be doing crazy miles. The car is 70% fun, 30% running errands/normal driving. Quite often go 2-3 weeks without driving at all!
Anyway, overall I’m just really after some advice from anyone who’ll listen! Thanks.
Edited by dazecoop on Sunday 14th November 21:53
I have had both, get the m4.
What’s wrong with this. BMW Approved car so manufacturer warranty, head up display. Adaptive lights and Harmon kardon so good spec.
59k miles
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202111029149500...
What’s wrong with this. BMW Approved car so manufacturer warranty, head up display. Adaptive lights and Harmon kardon so good spec.
59k miles
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202111029149500...
TheAngryDog said:
If you like a half decent sounding engine, get the 440i. If you like something that sounds like a broken hoover then get the M4.
I can't argue with that to be fair! 
For me the M4 is the best all round performance car that I've had, but it is also the worst performance car that I've had noise wise though.
You should really try to ignore the difference in power, and the perceived "halo" status of the M4, and simply test drive both.
Maybe the 440i will suit you much better, given its more relaxed nature and setup, maybe the M4 is much more you, but looking at the decision from a game of trumps perspective will maybe not get you the car that is right for you. So, get test driving!
Maybe the 440i will suit you much better, given its more relaxed nature and setup, maybe the M4 is much more you, but looking at the decision from a game of trumps perspective will maybe not get you the car that is right for you. So, get test driving!
Thanks for all the replies so far! It has helped for sure.
I am certainly feeling swayed to the M4, simply because I feel I'll always regret it if I didn't get it and/or will always "try" to make the 440i an M4 in every way which seems a somewhat pointless exercise.
This will be my next move I think.
Going back to my original post somewhat; Could anyone give advice if looking at a higher-miled M4 (if I went down that route). There seems to be none at over 100k, so is there some kind of crazy expense to watch out for there, or is it mostly placebo?
A similar question would also be; How much more worth it is it buying an Approved-used vs an indy trade or private seller?
But I do admit, that is a lovely example, not to be ruled-out.
I am certainly feeling swayed to the M4, simply because I feel I'll always regret it if I didn't get it and/or will always "try" to make the 440i an M4 in every way which seems a somewhat pointless exercise.
rassi said:
Maybe the 440i will suit you much better, given its more relaxed nature and setup, maybe the M4 is much more you, but looking at the decision from a game of trumps perspective will maybe not get you the car that is right for you. So, get test driving!
This is a really good point honestly. I have test driven a 435i and 440i already (both great!), but not stepped into an M4 yet.This will be my next move I think.
Going back to my original post somewhat; Could anyone give advice if looking at a higher-miled M4 (if I went down that route). There seems to be none at over 100k, so is there some kind of crazy expense to watch out for there, or is it mostly placebo?
A similar question would also be; How much more worth it is it buying an Approved-used vs an indy trade or private seller?
interstellar said:
What’s wrong with this. [...] https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202111029149500...
Very nice, but I am picky on colour -- gotta be black But I do admit, that is a lovely example, not to be ruled-out.I've had both, currently got any M4 Comp. For me it's M4 all the way, I work from home so when I do have to go and visit an office it's a treat.
Running cost .... not much in it for me in terms of mpg. If you ignore the first 10 minutes of the M4. If you do go M4 look out for things like recent brake replacement - £1k plus. Tyres etc not much in it. Servicing not much in it. Look for AUC !!!
Gearbox ... 440 auto is brilliant. M4 DCT brilliant but different, sport mode and manual changes are great.
Power .... M4 Comp feels endless way to much for UK lol. 440 sufficient
Sound .... my M4 Comp sounds great IMHO
Running cost .... not much in it for me in terms of mpg. If you ignore the first 10 minutes of the M4. If you do go M4 look out for things like recent brake replacement - £1k plus. Tyres etc not much in it. Servicing not much in it. Look for AUC !!!
Gearbox ... 440 auto is brilliant. M4 DCT brilliant but different, sport mode and manual changes are great.
Power .... M4 Comp feels endless way to much for UK lol. 440 sufficient
Sound .... my M4 Comp sounds great IMHO
cerb4.5lee said:
That. Is. Stunning. Go on then, here’s another
For me, I really liked the ‘40i - brilliant sound, quick, nimble, great interior. As cars go, pretty perfect. Then I tried the M4, which was noisier, harsher ride, came with the ‘M Tax’ and costs…. But, it’s somehow special. It’s an event just looking at it, never mind driving it - it makes me giggle like a 10 year old when full chat. It gurgles and farts it’s way around at low speed like something of an oddity, amongst the Tesla’s it looks decidedly old hat. But, it’s utterly fantastic, it’s a car that will subsume you, unlike I suspect, the ‘40i.
Go for the M Car, you won’t regret it
I think the 440i will be the smoother drive and a much more cultured exhaust note, when I had my M3 a colleague had a 440i and his always sounded so much better when we left work, with my F80 sat there sounding like a bag of spanners on cold start up all rasp and rattle.
But the 440i feels like any other 4 series to drive (as barring the engine there is no difference) whereas the M4 will feel hunkered down and fettled, horses for courses.
Kuroblack350 said:
cerb4.5lee said:
That. Is. Stunning. Go on then, here’s another
For me, I really liked the ‘40i - brilliant sound, quick, nimble, great interior. As cars go, pretty perfect. Then I tried the M4, which was noisier, harsher ride, came with the ‘M Tax’ and costs…. But, it’s somehow special. It’s an event just looking at it, never mind driving it - it makes me giggle like a 10 year old when full chat. It gurgles and farts it’s way around at low speed like something of an oddity, amongst the Tesla’s it looks decidedly old hat. But, it’s utterly fantastic, it’s a car that will subsume you, unlike I suspect, the ‘40i.
Go for the M Car, you won’t regret it
Based on your usage which you describe in the OP, I’d go for an M4 - at least drive a couple before making the ultimate decision.
I was in a similar dilemma, but went for the 440i simply because my car has to be a genuine daily in all weathers and I don’t regret it one bit. My car feels nothing like ‘any other 4 Series’ as a previous post puts it (I drove lots before deciding), but I think that is partly down to the Individual spec of San Marino Blue paint and Opal White Merino leather. It’s a fantastic car all-round IMO.
However, I did drive a couple of M4’s and they were brilliant too - a lot more raw but very, very special.
Do beware that there are a lot of dogs out there, and I do have to say that the silver car for sale quoted above would make me run a mile
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202111029149500...
It’s been dick’d about with and stuff stuck on to it (I’m actually surprised it’s up as an AUC but shows how BMW AUC standards have slipped over recent years). Might be worth upping the budget slightly and spending a lot of time seeking out a well cared for & original car. Also, be prepared to travel for the right one.
Look forward to seeing what you get.
I was in a similar dilemma, but went for the 440i simply because my car has to be a genuine daily in all weathers and I don’t regret it one bit. My car feels nothing like ‘any other 4 Series’ as a previous post puts it (I drove lots before deciding), but I think that is partly down to the Individual spec of San Marino Blue paint and Opal White Merino leather. It’s a fantastic car all-round IMO.
However, I did drive a couple of M4’s and they were brilliant too - a lot more raw but very, very special.
Do beware that there are a lot of dogs out there, and I do have to say that the silver car for sale quoted above would make me run a mile
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202111029149500...
It’s been dick’d about with and stuff stuck on to it (I’m actually surprised it’s up as an AUC but shows how BMW AUC standards have slipped over recent years). Might be worth upping the budget slightly and spending a lot of time seeking out a well cared for & original car. Also, be prepared to travel for the right one.
Look forward to seeing what you get.
MarkJS said:
I was in a similar dilemma, but went for the 440i simply because my car has to be a genuine daily in all weathers and I don’t regret it one bit. My car feels nothing like ‘any other 4 Series’ as a previous post puts it (I drove lots before deciding), but I think that is partly down to the Individual spec of San Marino Blue paint and Opal White Merino leather. It’s a fantastic car all-round IMO.
That is my favourite colour combo. If I wasn't dragging my kids in and out of mine most days, I'd have gone with the lighter leather for sure.
I used to have a F13 640d in Deep Sea Blue with the Ivory White leather, and I thought that it was lovely. Such a nice contrast. It got proper dirty inside though, because all the carpets and floor mats were cream though! It was a great place to sit, especially with it being bright and airy versus a black interior for me.
Kuroblack350 said:
That. Is. Stunning.
Go on then, here’s another
For me, I really liked the ‘40i - brilliant sound, quick, nimble, great interior. As cars go, pretty perfect. Then I tried the M4, which was noisier, harsher ride, came with the ‘M Tax’ and costs…. But, it’s somehow special. It’s an event just looking at it, never mind driving it - it makes me giggle like a 10 year old when full chat. It gurgles and farts it’s way around at low speed like something of an oddity, amongst the Tesla’s it looks decidedly old hat. But, it’s utterly fantastic, it’s a car that will subsume you, unlike I suspect, the ‘40i.
Go for the M Car, you won’t regret it
It's really good when a car gets under your skin like this great post Go on then, here’s another
For me, I really liked the ‘40i - brilliant sound, quick, nimble, great interior. As cars go, pretty perfect. Then I tried the M4, which was noisier, harsher ride, came with the ‘M Tax’ and costs…. But, it’s somehow special. It’s an event just looking at it, never mind driving it - it makes me giggle like a 10 year old when full chat. It gurgles and farts it’s way around at low speed like something of an oddity, amongst the Tesla’s it looks decidedly old hat. But, it’s utterly fantastic, it’s a car that will subsume you, unlike I suspect, the ‘40i.
Go for the M Car, you won’t regret it
if you're at all like this person you have to get the M4 if you're not the 440 will do just fine
As others have said if you aren’t driving for weeks at a time and want it to feel special when you do, then I’d say the M4 is the one to go for.
I went for the 440 due to larger mileage and using it all the time for daily duties. Found one in individual tanzanite blue with some nice options which makes it feel a bit more special to me. Sparkles all sorts of colours in the sun and then turns almost navy/black in the shade.
I doubt you’d regret going for a 440i as the B58 is a superb engine as standard, however having been in an M4 you definitely notice the difference in how much sharper and more aggressive it is.
I went for the 440 due to larger mileage and using it all the time for daily duties. Found one in individual tanzanite blue with some nice options which makes it feel a bit more special to me. Sparkles all sorts of colours in the sun and then turns almost navy/black in the shade.
I doubt you’d regret going for a 440i as the B58 is a superb engine as standard, however having been in an M4 you definitely notice the difference in how much sharper and more aggressive it is.
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