Help choosing a G22 4 Series
Discussion
I'm looking at buying a G22 (2021) 4 Series coupe and was hoping for a bit of guidance from anyone wise in the ways of BMWs.
I'm looking at the 420i. It seems the base spec level is now MSport, which seems to mean stiffer suspension. Much as I enjoy a sharp handling car, at my time of life, and for this car, long-distance comfort is at least as important.
I've only been able to drive a car with the 'pro pack' fitted, which adds adjustable dampers but also has 19" wheels (given the roads where we live I think I'd prefer 18"s). It was very composed and comfortable, especially of course with dampers set to 'comfort'. But, I would rather not have the 'pro pack' because it's expensive, and it includes a whole bunch of M styling tat (stripey seat belts, etc) that I actively dislike.
Is it likely the base car - with 18s and non-adjustable 'sports' suspension - will be similarly comfortable as the car with 19s and adjustable suspension?
I've also been able to drive an xDrive version but that also had the 'pro pack' dampers. I'm not sure whether xDrive is something I want or not (and I know there's multiple threads on that subject) but I gather the xDrive cars are slightly softer-riding too.
So - a) will the standard MSport with 18s and non-adjustable suspension be too firm? and b) do I need xDrive ;-)
Thanks!
I'm looking at the 420i. It seems the base spec level is now MSport, which seems to mean stiffer suspension. Much as I enjoy a sharp handling car, at my time of life, and for this car, long-distance comfort is at least as important.
I've only been able to drive a car with the 'pro pack' fitted, which adds adjustable dampers but also has 19" wheels (given the roads where we live I think I'd prefer 18"s). It was very composed and comfortable, especially of course with dampers set to 'comfort'. But, I would rather not have the 'pro pack' because it's expensive, and it includes a whole bunch of M styling tat (stripey seat belts, etc) that I actively dislike.
Is it likely the base car - with 18s and non-adjustable 'sports' suspension - will be similarly comfortable as the car with 19s and adjustable suspension?
I've also been able to drive an xDrive version but that also had the 'pro pack' dampers. I'm not sure whether xDrive is something I want or not (and I know there's multiple threads on that subject) but I gather the xDrive cars are slightly softer-riding too.
So - a) will the standard MSport with 18s and non-adjustable suspension be too firm? and b) do I need xDrive ;-)
Thanks!
A; No (I've driven a G22 on 19" with non-adaptive dampers and it was fine)
B; No - I have a (F32) 440i rear-wheel drive only and I've never felt the need for anything more than the driven wheels it already has regardless of conditions* when driven sensibly - *snow is another matter, but that's down to tyres more than anything else.
B; No - I have a (F32) 440i rear-wheel drive only and I've never felt the need for anything more than the driven wheels it already has regardless of conditions* when driven sensibly - *snow is another matter, but that's down to tyres more than anything else.
MarkJS said:
A; No (I've driven a G22 on 19" with non-adaptive dampers and it was fine)
B; No - I have a (F32) 440i rear-wheel drive only and I've never felt the need for anything more than the driven wheels it already has regardless of conditions* when driven sensibly - *snow is another matter, but that's down to tyres more than anything else.
That's very helpful, thank you!B; No - I have a (F32) 440i rear-wheel drive only and I've never felt the need for anything more than the driven wheels it already has regardless of conditions* when driven sensibly - *snow is another matter, but that's down to tyres more than anything else.
To add - xDrive shouldn't be a priority. I've driven rear drive cars since I was 17 (more years ago than I want to admit). Tyres make for more impact than driven wheels. xDrive may get you moving in low grip, but it won't help you stop or steer. If you're concerned about bad weather, either get a set of winter wheels and cold weather tyres, or fit all-seasons. I've found Mich CrossClimates to be ideal for UK roads all year round. As you're looking at a 420i, not a 440i, CrossClimates seem like the ideal choice. 440i would be different, as I don't think Mich even make CrossClimates to fit!
Having just taken delivery of a 420i G26, so 4 series GC, with pro-pack... as you say in comfort mode, seems fairly smooth and composed. I've not played with sport mode much, but it certainly stiffened up and felt sharper, holding gears longer etc. I can see it staying in comfort most of the time and being fine for cruising as well as round town.
I would have thought that without the pro pack you'd not have any issues with comfort and composure. With the pro pack you can actually back off the sporty stuff when you go into the adjustment menus.
I take your point on the cost of the pro pack, but I'd honestly not realised about the seat belt stripes until just before I collected it! I was more interested in the shadow line exterior and the adjustable bits, but we all look at things differently.
I test drove a coupe when ordering ours and other than being lower to the ground (I think... might just be in my mind) than the GC, I don't recall it driving particularly differently.
The thing that (so far) most bugs me is the lane assist doesn't stay 'off', so I have to turn it off every time if I want it to not fight me if I get close to the lane lines. Otherwise (bearing in mind less than a week) great so far.
I would have thought that without the pro pack you'd not have any issues with comfort and composure. With the pro pack you can actually back off the sporty stuff when you go into the adjustment menus.
I take your point on the cost of the pro pack, but I'd honestly not realised about the seat belt stripes until just before I collected it! I was more interested in the shadow line exterior and the adjustable bits, but we all look at things differently.
I test drove a coupe when ordering ours and other than being lower to the ground (I think... might just be in my mind) than the GC, I don't recall it driving particularly differently.
The thing that (so far) most bugs me is the lane assist doesn't stay 'off', so I have to turn it off every time if I want it to not fight me if I get close to the lane lines. Otherwise (bearing in mind less than a week) great so far.
Thanks very much for these replies, which have been really helpful - and apologies for rubbishing the pro pack seatbelts etc. - very much just my own taste on that stuff. Enjoy the new GC!
Also looks like all-season tyres like cross climates on a standard rwd car might be a good solution. If the snow's that bad, we'll stay home.
Also looks like all-season tyres like cross climates on a standard rwd car might be a good solution. If the snow's that bad, we'll stay home.
Good to hear, hope you enjoy - at least I know there is someone with something similar if I get lost in the menus and settings as there is a hell of a lot of things to fiddle with!
Biggest change for me is that it has forced me to auto as there isn't a manual option, some day I'll get brave and have a play with the paddles! And then probably decide that I'll leave it to sort it most of the time.
Biggest change for me is that it has forced me to auto as there isn't a manual option, some day I'll get brave and have a play with the paddles! And then probably decide that I'll leave it to sort it most of the time.
gregch said:
quick update to say thanks again for the helpful guidance on here... have now taken delivery of a 420i with rwd and standard dampers and it is excellent so far - it's firn for sure, but confortable enough and feels pretty secure and well plantsd.
Have a play around with the tyre pressures - they can make a huge difference to ride comfort and don’t rely on the supplying dealer to have set them correctly. Congratulations on your new car BTW! Just need some pics…
llewop said:
Good to hear, hope you enjoy - at least I know there is someone with something similar if I get lost in the menus and settings as there is a hell of a lot of things to fiddle with!
Thanks! And you're not kidding with the menus and settings - I've managed (I think) to set up a driver profile tied to my key, and pair my phone via bluetooth. I'll just drive it for now, and try & figure out all the other stuff (and there is a *lot* of other stuff!) in due course...gregch said:
llewop said:
Good to hear, hope you enjoy - at least I know there is someone with something similar if I get lost in the menus and settings as there is a hell of a lot of things to fiddle with!
Thanks! And you're not kidding with the menus and settings - I've managed (I think) to set up a driver profile tied to my key, and pair my phone via bluetooth. I'll just drive it for now, and try & figure out all the other stuff (and there is a *lot* of other stuff!) in due course...Thanks for the advice re tyres - I'll check the pressures. It's on 18s and non-runflats so I was expecting it to be a little less firm than it feels. That said, it's fine over most roads - you certainly feel every bump in the road surface (and around here the roads are in a shocking state) but it's well damped and not uncomfortable. And I'll post a photo or two later!
llewop said:
The handover chap at the dealer helped with the bluetooth stuff, I was already using 'My BMW' as I'd linked it to my previous car, that is worth doing if you haven't already. Sending a destination to the car from your phone before you set off is quite handy, but I think I need to mess with the satnav more: it is clearly a big step on from the previous generation in terms of display options, still getting used to the zooming in as you get to junctions.
Well the bluetooth part went fine, but it also wanted to connect Carplay, which I chickened out of, partly because I wanted to use the BMW's excellent satnav etc and didn't want the phone taking over that stuff, and it also wanted to connect to the car's wifi for some reason involving apps, or something. Something I couldn't figure out is why I can choose Albums, Artists etc from the Music library on my iPhone, but my Playlists don't show up. On the plus side, the Harman Kardon stereo is quite good, and I gather we were lucky to get it.
I realise I'm just replying to my own post, which is probably bad form?
Firstly, the car is definitely a little on the firm side with its standard MSport suspension setup; I'm regretting not going for the adaptive dampers, even if that would have meant stripey seatbelts, because the cars I drove with that setup were definitely more comfortable even with their larger wheels and runflats. That said, it's only really uncomfortable on the roads immediately around my house (which are in a shocking state); on A-roads and motorways it's fine. It's also the case that it's done less than 200 miles so farm so maybe everything's a bit tight? And the previous poster was right about the tyre pressures; they are set a fair bit above the recommended pressure. I've yet to fix that.
On the plus side, the car is otherwise excellent - only the technology is proving a bit of a challenge to figure out because there's so many options and stuff that it can do but I don't really understand... for one example: it wants me to connect my iPhone to the car's Wifi, apparently then I can use "apps" or something... but if I say yes to that, my phone ends up listed twice and the car won't play music from it. Sure I'll figure it out!
Firstly, the car is definitely a little on the firm side with its standard MSport suspension setup; I'm regretting not going for the adaptive dampers, even if that would have meant stripey seatbelts, because the cars I drove with that setup were definitely more comfortable even with their larger wheels and runflats. That said, it's only really uncomfortable on the roads immediately around my house (which are in a shocking state); on A-roads and motorways it's fine. It's also the case that it's done less than 200 miles so farm so maybe everything's a bit tight? And the previous poster was right about the tyre pressures; they are set a fair bit above the recommended pressure. I've yet to fix that.
On the plus side, the car is otherwise excellent - only the technology is proving a bit of a challenge to figure out because there's so many options and stuff that it can do but I don't really understand... for one example: it wants me to connect my iPhone to the car's Wifi, apparently then I can use "apps" or something... but if I say yes to that, my phone ends up listed twice and the car won't play music from it. Sure I'll figure it out!
I forgot to reply to this. Your new car looks excellent in that colour/wheel combo and I’m glad you’re (mostly) enjoying it. Definitely get those pressures corrected. Unfortunately, the current state of some of our roads can make virtually any car feel utterly shi*t in terms of ride quality.
MarkJS said:
I forgot to reply to this. Your new car looks excellent in that colour/wheel combo and I’m glad you’re (mostly) enjoying it. Definitely get those pressures corrected. Unfortunately, the current state of some of our roads can make virtually any car feel utterly shi*t in terms of ride quality.
Thanks! I love the wheels, they remind me of a past BMW but I can't place it. Definitely am enjoying it, to the extent I've been able to drive it so far, and will attend to the tyres as soon as I get a chance. It's certainly true that UK roads are badly maintained and full of potholes!
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