BMW 4 series options

[AW008]

This is my first post so apologies if anything I say is obvious - I’ve tried searching the forums but haven’t quite found what I’m specifically after.

I currently have a 2006 Toyota celica. It’s running pretty well (120k, no massive issues other than the expected wear and tear) and I love it as a fun car. Unfortunately it’s not really practical so I’m looking to get something more practical (read 5 dr) but which still has an element of fun.

I’m looking at the bmw 4 series gran coupe. With my current miles, going petrol makes more sense and ideally I’d like a manual. I’m looking at either a 420i or 440i but have a same concern which most people debating this seem to have which is power. My friend has a pretty much standard A5 which doesn’t really do it for me in terms of power. I haven’t been able to test drive one due to lockdown but I’m guessing the 420i will be similarly underwhelming based on what other people seem to be saying in this forum and others.

So do I
A) get a 420i and get a remap to essentially bring it to 430i power

Or b) suck it up and get a 440 (although I’m struggling to find a manual one)

I should clarify I’m looking at models from 2017-20ish (not a fan of the new range). I also work for a car supermarket so could get the 420 for around 17-18k which would likely be a hefty saving on the 440.

If you’ve made it this far then thanks for reading, any advice would be great

Edited by AW008 on Friday 26th February 12:48

[AW008]

interstellar said:

The 440 engine is excellent. I had the 340i touring and you will be pleased you paid the extra. The gearbox is excellent on these cars and you will struggle to find manual one as they aren't great in the desirability stakes and are hard to sell on. It will cost you much more to own a manual one in the holding cost of owning it.

Any reason why you wont have an auto?

I would go and drive a 340i or 440i auto and then find what you want. Its a great car and the auto box makes it.

Ah yeah, did some Googling since posting this thread and I didn’t realise they went all manual with the 440 a few years back. To be honest it’s purely because I’ve always owned manual (I’m based in the UK) and I just prefer having that added element of control. That being said, if the paddle shift option works well on the automatic then that would be fine if the alternative is a manual 420 based on the responses so far

[AW008]

carparkno1 said:

My 440i is for sale but it's 2 door so probably not for you

Get the bigger engine. Its so good on mpg its supernatural, and you wouldn't want the notchy non existent manual anyways. Zf8 auto with paddles is brilliant.

Yeah sadly the 5dr is going to be the way forward, going to need those back doors to get the dog in.

And cheers for all the responses above, looks like the 440 is the way forward so I’ll start hunting around for some deals