The "Goldilocks" Of Luxury Rag Tops | 2021 BMW 430i Convertible

If I were BMW 4-Series shopping, the 430i convertible is the model that I would buy. Yes, part of it is because I'm too cheap to buy an M440i, but I also think the 430i is a better value, is better balanced, and with the M-Sport parts added is just about as much fun in an entirely different way.
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[@davcuts2897]

I saw one today, and yes it's as ugly in person as all the pictures and videos you've seen.

[@AB-jk7tw]

Great review but the heavy, over-styled 4 series really makes me miss the simpler, more reliable, lighter and much more fun to drive BMW e46 convertibles.

[@HumanStateOfEmergency]

My E60 has an electronic thigh support and its weird to me thst BMW makes in manual in itd newer cars.

[@bobbbobb4663]

Please censor the grill. Nobody deserves to see that amount of ugly.

[@ctk4949]

So freaking disgusting!!!! 🤮🤮🤮🤮

[@alinazang6651]

That interior does not look red to me. More like fuschia.

[@henrywong2100]

I kind of agree with Alex that the 430i is a better buy than the m440i but I think Alex is missing one thing when it comes to convertible: engine sound. You would like to hear your engine whenever the top is down. the 4 cylinder engine just don’t sound any good and for that reason, I would take the inline 6.

[@smk6469]

Drove a 2022 430i convertible yesterday. The 4 pot mill sounded really throaty, and the turbo whine was perfect. It's also a hell of a bit more than '255' hp. Felt closer to 300 than not. It also hit 35mpg on the highway @ 73mph on cruise.

[@cheapercharlieiii]

Fire up the BBQ for BMW grill

[@Origen17]

The grill is a great trend - very retro to early BMW

[@skobola]

I still cannot get used to the large grill, and I think that it is ugly. However, I may turn to see it as better looking once I see more of them on the street. Currently, I prefer 2 or 8 convertibles because their grills are smaller and of a shape to which I have been used.

[@mikecollins1631]

Alex, TRIPLE AWESOME REVIEW! Finally a reviewer that knows how to review. No music for starters. Went thru the whole 430i first and pointed out "all" the knobs, levers, and features. Favorite part was the slow-mo on the convertible top and described it in detail. Next favorite part was the 3 cameras while driving. Then a great wrap up comparing the competition. THANK YOU! I'm going to buy one today and feel great for the purchase I made. Thanks to you and your review! Keep up the informative reviews.

[@brandieqh]

Wondering if you ended up buying and liking this? I'm looking at getting one too

[@RO-cf3lz]

I love the front grill. It grows on you. Looking at it I think of the word ATTITUDE especially with the M440i conv I purchased. As a purist, I love only the rear wheel drive. I've had great luck with 5 different BMW'S (two 3 series, two 5 series, one four series) over the years.

[@davidrpriest]

I have a 430i. Do you find the M440i RWD to be a handful in the rain? I get a lot of rain where I live and might go 440I next time. Not sure if I need Xdrive.

[@RealtyWebDesigners]

I like the front grill too.

[@MrRey84972]

Ohh goodness are all new BMW will have that nasty grill…. I watch a IX review an hour ago and it’s look questionable 🤨

[@damilolaakanni]

It depends on the size of the car. The smaller the car is, the uglier the grille will look on it. At least that's how it is for BMW. Other manufacturers tend to scale down their grilles to fit the cars they are put on.

[@Techjunkiero]

Horrid and overstyled. Can’t believe what BMW has become to.

[@OffroadTV2023]

*grille has grown on me over the time since we first saw it. the new look is refreshing and i don't think it looks bad at all*

[@AYouTubeChannelwithNoName]

It’s still ugly

[@Mamo878]

Even a $20k Corolla comes standard with adaptive cruise control these days.

[@PikX221]

Maybe people who buy this kinds of cars are so out of touch they don’t even know how common ADC is.

[@davidrpriest]

Buy a corolla.

[@johnthomas3863]

David, to respond with, “Buy a Corolla” is so low IQ. The fact is BMW should b throwing in everything & the kitchen sink @ this $$$. BMW is nickl & diming every 1. But that’s the Euro way.! Crap business practices, but jac a$$e$$ will still buy.

[@TheAdventureAuto]

Ooof, that grill has got to go.

[@ElroyMcDuff]

As bad as the grill is, IMO it's not as bad as Mercedes' EPIC star logo in their grills. The second much smaller logo RIGHT ABOVE IT is plenty folks.

[@midengineZ06]

BMW grill is horrible! If they put this on the 7 or the X7 they will regret it. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

[@christianx2k]

this engine with the 48v mild hybrid would be amazing

[@markmiller3279]

Don't like the grille, but I'd get used to it. I still like the car overall a lot more than the Mercedes, which looks like it's melting. However, I'm also cheap, so I'd have to consider the Audi, the cheapest of the trio, and overall the prettiest. The nose heaviness wouldn't bother me that much in a grand touring car. If I wanted a canyon carver I'd buy a Cayman. The only compelling advantage the BMW offers is its top design, which is clever and looks surprisingly good when up. The Mercedes top is undersized, like it's holding an undersized purse umbrella over its head.

[@marlonm396]

Alex, this is great comparison against these three known brands. Ever since BMW started making every model (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4 series) I lost track how each of these models compare to each other. My all time favorite since the '80s has been the 3 series, thus I wonder how these 4 series compares to the 3 series. Handling/performance and pricing. Thank you...

[@Kostas_Dikefalaios]

Its very simple really. The sportier trims are round numbers. For example the 4 series is the equivalent of the old 3 series coupes/cabrios. Only exception being the 6 series.

[@rampant59]

Read end looks like a mazda.

[@THEJPR]

Glad to see the optional trunk seat works well.

[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

Ha ha, good one. 🙂

[@calvinjung44]

Undoubtedly, the ugliest BMW ever!

[@nilan3294]

Don't understand why people don't like the look of these new BMWs, they're honestly on par or even better looking than the F80

[@Jia1337]

I hope the 4 Series does well even with the controversial front grille because BMW might just axe the entire 4 series line-up and blame it on the lack of interest in the 4 Series than anything else.

[@damilolaakanni]

The low sales of the 4 series is attributed to low demand for coupes and convertibles. The controversial grille might be another reason for its low sales. For example, this grille doesn't look good on the 3 and 4 series, but it looks fine on the ix.

[@jhr3uva90]

I have one. But seriously, coupes are fading away in the USA. That's why there are few Japanese coupes and almost no Japanese convertibles in the USA. We have become the land of the SUV.

[@bluezklewz8351]

They should axe it if they’re offering 250hp 4 bangers for that kind of money.

[@pwnyboyog2501]

Not going to happen. The 4 series is the best convertible in their line. I love the grill and people are warming to it. People have a hard time with change.. this car is far better looking than the last model.

[@ozzy220]

@@bluezklewz8351 threw mine on a dyno car is under rated. Almost 300hp to the wheels stock. As soon as my warranty is up tune is on the way if I can get 350-380hp out of it I think that’ll be enough. Idk if u ever driven one there are addicting stock.

[@fredrieley8086]

Loved the review. Ordered a 430, but will be a 2024. Difference will be screens, I think!! Thanks

[@lawrencelike6125]

Great, great car. 2021, they changed the interior and exterior in it's entirety

[@STAK_22]

HIDEOUS!

[@TheKingkingg]

It looks amazing

[@schamp4726]

Great review. Just received my 2022 440ix convertible w/everything. Enjoyable, handles well, powerful 6. More options than the S5, which looks like an arcade bumper car. Expensive and fun to drive....life is short and death is long...and music sounds better when the top is down!

[@go4384]

The repo man cometh

[@JohnJohnson-dv1ds]

The 2 liter is definitely a gem of an engine. My final decision to get the 230i coupe over the 430i was bc I didn’t want to walk into my garage everyday and have to look at that grill. A total no go.

[@stephanieorso1946]

Love the grill love everything

[@Ficon]

Lexus LC500 should have been priced in this segment considering performance and features.

[@inomad]

The LC is based on the LS platform. The RC is at the 4 series level.

[@kristians2704]

@@inomad the LC would compete with the 8 series

[@LawrenceMarkFearon]

LC500 is way past the price range < $60k.

[@cleansweepinc]

How do you compare the LC 500 to the 440i? I know price points are different, but focusing on the quality of vehicle and driving experience, what would you select?

[@HolyQuran129]

يارب ترزقني اياها ادعوا لي😢

[@420hansol]

Only reason I was considering 4 series was because of its hard top, and they got rid of it!!!

[@jhr3uva90]

I was concerned about the soft top, but it is actually quite good.

[@davidrpriest]

I have one on order. I was debating getting a 440i but really did not need the extra power. Get the sport package, order the extended shadowline trim to blackout the large front grille and it hides it. In my state you have to have a front plate so it breaks it up and it is not bad. The rest of the car rocks. Can't wait to pick it up.

[@jhr3uva90]

I have the 430i. The power is plenty, in my opinion.

[@rschenkels]

ordered the same car with brown leather interior, arriving week 45 in, so 3 more weeks, fantastic review !!

[@walterdoyle2551]

Ordered mine February 9th they say some time in June can't wait

[@davidrpriest]

@@walterdoyle2551 You will really enjoy it. I had mine since October and the car is flawless. BMW nailed the suspension ( mine is M sport ) and the top makes it so practical. Some days I wish I had the M440i....next time.

[@RO-cf3lz]

@@jhr3uva90 I agree totally with you. Both the m430i & m440i have plenty of power, so buyers cant go wrong with either model. I consider both are cruising cars. How many times will I racetrack my m440i - NEVER.

[@nycupperes]

The M440 is the far superior engine. You gain 150 HP, torque and only loose 1 MPG.

[@BillLaBrie]

Sort of a cartoon image of a BMW, innit? Oh well, the status climbers will still buy it.

[@alecshao3710]

Worst grill ever,

[@sunglyong2]

I am glad that I have ordered 430i RWD. Only features that I didn't get by going with 430i vs M440i were HK sound and driving assistant professional.

[@LawrenceMarkFearon]

Back seat pass through in a convertible is a total engineering flex. That rigidity can be so tight with a gaping hole in the bulkhead is impressive. Credit for the hard panels in a cloth top and the true fog lights. Disappointed by red turn signals and wireless CarPlay [no Apple Lossless playback that plug in jacks provide].

[@afcgeo882]

Except the Qi charger provides that lossless playback.

[@LawrenceMarkFearon]

@@afcgeo882 I wish you were right. But Qi is for charging only not audio playback. Only a wire can carry the huge amounts of data for Apple's LossLess audio standard [which is higher fidelity than a CD].

[@Wised1000]

If you thought the Edsel had an ugly front end........GROSS

[@thedeeprot]

such a nice car

[@pw258]

Alex’s reviews are the best. So entirely thorough and transparent.

[@labjujube]

It doesn’t have lane keeping assist?

[@sunglyong2]

No. available only in M430i

[@johnmcginney]

I have the bmw 2 series convertible 2018 281i but my roof don't work with key why

[@zachchang6891]

It might be a nice car. But I can never get passed the ugly front. It burns my eyes to watch this video clip.

[@ThePilotbuzz]

Thanks for a great ‘users’ review instead of a marketing replay!

[@filoniz]

Mercedes AMG SL 43 all the way! Or just get the Z4! Lexus LC 500?

[@kirkharrow7575]

I would like to see the two Series convertible BMW

[@guniseran]

The top breaks down you are out $10k

[@kristians2704]

that could be said about any power roof convertible, right?

[@guniseran]

@@kristians2704 my Z4 has canvas roof and the only thing goes wrong it the motor which can be replaced $100(ebay)

[@rusack7174]

Whenever I see German cars I immediately start thinking of the added costs involved in their maintenance, especially if having a dealer perform that maintenance. Not that they aren't reliable but to keep them at the top of their game they do demand more from the owner. Likewise, if one expects to own one for a number of years down the road that maintenance becomes doubly important. Allowing things to go too long and the bill to get all things squared can be crazy expensive. The cost of ownership.

[@jimmyjetski3409]

Problem in the USA is the quality of so called mechanics working on the cars, they have no issues with German cars in Europe where the technicians are properly trained.

[@plm8830]

An accord 2.0T has similar straight line performance 5.8 sec to 60 mph

[@naveenthemachine]

That and the v6 Camry are identical in performance according to Alex

[@plm8830]

@@naveenthemachine unless you need bmw tech and you can't live without it or the convertible, this version is a bit overpriced.

[@rusack7174]

True enough, the Accord 2.0 is a real sleeper. But in regards to the 430i above, the two most likely aren't cross-shopped. I personally don't dwell on 0-60 times between cars unless there's a vast difference between them. A tenth of a second here, a tenth there means very little out in the real world. In fact, I think it can be argued that most maximum performance criteria means little out on the street, the track being a totally different place. Buying a car is such a personal, often irrational decision, that practical sense often has little to do with it.

[@plm8830]

@@rusack7174 so true that's why people would still buy the TLX Type S knowing it's not much faster in a straight line than a 2.0T accord.

[@naveenthemachine]

@@rusack7174 agreed. The accord is practical but I really wanted a v6 and sadly the accord didn’t deliver. That’s why I got a Camry. We live in a world where 5.5-5.7 seconds 0-60 is acceptable in a Honda but 5.6-5.8 seconds is not acceptable in a Toyota

[@nazzan2804]

I would like to finance this car but is it reliable long term?

[@the_jarmel]

Great job Alex

[@kdm313]

My Beaver Tooth Friend LOL

[@siddharthsaha2328]

Bmw should bring this car in india…it is better than bmw z4

[@ibkl2u]

I stuck between this , the 440i model or a Z4 M40i ?

[@ibrahimkromah7160]

if i am being completely honest, sedans are a weird buy

[@gene978]

The Answer is Always MIATA

[@alinazang6651]

If you're much under average in height, it's the answer.

[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

Another great review. So....yes the front is controversial. Personally, I think it is awful. It is a gimmick. We know it is a BMW, but must it look like Bucky Beaver? The rest is very attractive and the interior and fancy pants top is nifty. BUT, here's the deal: I have a 2019 Ecoboost Mustang 6 speed manual convertible that is as much or more to drive, has a very usable trunk (top up or down), is quite, and a heck of a better value than this Bimmer. So if you gotta have a BMW, OK fine, but I would rather have a Mustang convertible, Turbo 4 or V8 with a manual transmission.

[@damilolaakanni]

We're going to talk about the "elephant" in the room, that massive grille. It doesn't look very bad, it's just that we miss the smaller grilles on the E46 and E92 models. The large grille doesn't fit this car, it's too big. Same for the 3 series.

[@jmakhlouf422]

I seem to remember the same reactions when Audi introduced their "floor to ceiling" grille on the 2006 A4. It is now a trademark.

[@johnthomas3863]

Get over the Grill.!! It’s the future of BMW and if u don’t like it go by something else, u Whiny 😫 stuck in the past bimmer buyers… Time to move on…

[@cardo1111]

On the bright side the large grille offers more cooling.

[@abhirama]

Great review. Thanks.

[@Tinrs80]

you and those trunk scenes❤️👍🏾

[@liyanxu]

I really want this thing, looking gorgeous

[@knightowl3778]

Love the BMW grill also

[@gatgolf]

give you a thumbs up just for getting in the trunk!

[@psychlabross243]

Great video. Thank you! The different position of the engine between the Audi and BMW makes more difference than I realized. That, along with BMW's underrating of their output, means that the A5 and the BMW4 didn't even feel like a fair comparison to me. Was trying to decide between an Audi cabriolet (A5 initially) and a BMW 4-series convertible. I drove the A5 first and was not impressed. It felt like a cheaper car than I would have expected, and I was disappointed by the acceleration. I was pleased with the S5. Going over to the BMW dealer I planned to drive the 430, fully expecting the same thing to happen: disappointment with the 4 cylinder and preference for the 440's inline 6. I was wrong! The BMW 430i felt *nothing* like the Audi A5. As you said, Alex, I think the BMW 430 convertible is the way to go.

[@go4384]

I think of the Audi A5 vs the S5 as comparable to the 430i to the 440i. The A5 is quite boring to drive but the S5 is way elevated from it. Maybe not better than the BMW and the most fun on 4 wheels, but I can’t imagine the 430i beating the sound and acceleration of the 440i. Middle ground is usually where you want to be. The M4 is too much.

[@michaelshih8163]

Is the fabric top high maintenance? I mean, would I need to spend a lot of money and time to keep it in a good condition, so that it will not leak on a rainy day? Or is it sorta maintenance free?

[@niteman105]

Had mine for 2+ years. Never even considered having to do anything to maintain it. The soft top is an incredible design.

[@yaglehoole5662]

Man, what a front grille, looking like a kidney transplant gone bad! It might look ok, on a pick-up truck or the back of a bulldozer meant for proletariats. It serves the Bavarian designers to look back upon E39 and E46 for cues.

[@ThomasHalways]

A fantastic review, thank you for that! We just returned from Hawaii, where we had the 430i as a rental on both islands, and I was thrilled by the handling. Best convertible experience of my life. If it comes to the front grille (0:15 ff): The worse thing is that the license place has no place, and it is kind of 'slapped atop' of the grille, looking ridiculous. The German word for it is "abscheulich," English is "heinous." But, we sit in the car and are not forced to look at it, when we are in drivers heaven, right?

[@lespaul85]

No mention of a Z4? I love mine but not sure on the future or status.... It's a WAY lighter car with more horsepower (I got the 3.5 version).... I used to have a 335i convertible which was awesome but went the other way with sizing "down" to a Z4.... Unless I didn't hear it, I don't believe there was a mention and I think it's still a valuable car, just with much worse styling lately.

[@naz.tanzeem5982]

Comon they could have got more power out of this engine,toyota yaris gr1.6cc engine pushing around 270 bhp.

[@kabinetkasihsayang9550]

How much is the price in Indonesia ?

[@LearnAboutFlow]

BMW killed the 2 series convertible for America, although maybe that will change with new model. Still can't believe the 3/4 series is now the same length as my 2000 528i. I mean, next the 3 series will be as long as an old 7 series.

[@littlsuprstr]

The grille is really close to what BMW designed in the 1930s.

[@TheBreakfastLover]

and that style of grille looks terrible on a 21st century vehicle

[@Doomraiderz]

Really informative. Appreciate all the information! I’m renting one this weekend based off this video to be honest, can’t wait!

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

Convertibles should work like windows, one touch up and down. Isn’t this thing supposed to be a luxury car?

[@gregfoles5480]

Isn't it funny that a dozen years ago, the Audi grille was controversial? Now it's considered mainstream, even boring by some.

[@stevegreenfield6631]

Always a great review. I hope that you have also reviewed the Audi & Mercedes competition. Also, I wish someone would include whether golf clubs fit in the trunks!

[@cokecamilo]

I was like #1000, in case anyone wanted to know

[@Onetazien]

z4 for the same price and have it all

[@misterd-lyangeleno3574]

it's like bmw says that they don't really care if you don't like those 2 gigantic nostrils on its face, they add the schmuck smile of a vent below them. disaster!

[@unhandleme]

No comment on the grill, but how refreshing to see an entirely embellishment-free flank. No vents or grills (real or fake) or obnoxious directional repeaters. And from BMW, no less. Though I could also do without that slightly off-vertical swage line aft of the front wheel.

[@tylera5010]

Thanks for the great review . We bought 2023 BMW 430i xdrive convertible.

[@ToeTag1968]

The M is schmexy but I'd have to go with 430i as well. Might sound silly to some, as if you're buying a BMW you can afford the gas bill, but the 430i get significantly better gas mileage. I'm not ready to give up my combustion engines so at least I can sleep better at night by not having to visit a gas station as often. :)

[@kennytinker24]

Alex, about to get one of these, question, noticed your driver window is really shaking, is it that harsh a ride? Signed Urgent.

[@faradaycool4058]

Dude, you need to maintain your weight to keep your trunk index reliable...kidding. Great reviews :)

[@oi32df]

After viewing your trunk comfort index an engineer will require that a yellow warning sticker be placed inside the trunk meaning not to put fingers in the mechanism. The most curious are sometimes the most dangerous.

[@BMW-pk6nh]

Beautiful and very handsome sophisticated gentleman in a suit and the grill is an aggressive nicely tailored sculpture Mouth stash and goatee

[@luizarthurbrito]

I am now convinced the BMW exterior designer is secretly hired by Mercedes with the objective to make BMWs as unappealing as possible.

[@zhikunzhao2513]

I actually like this sleek and "non-generic" design. The only problem is if you hang the plate in the middle that looks really bad .....

[@Doggo_Norse]

To be honest, I actually kinda the grill, it looks fast and makes the car look more aggressive

[@martinvillaramirez5639]

WOW!!! awesome video description...the best in KZbin, for sure!!!

[@cnfusd]

Love the look of the new 4-Series, i just think the rest of the car looks bland compared to that front grill.

[@bigal2417]

I like your style and the information u give. Thank you.😊

[@naveenthemachine]

I’m sorry but that grille is just HIDEOUS😖…🐽

[@davidbaker7246]

It grows on you

[@mostafamobli2868]

Great review! I loved how you struggled with keeping the top open and kept your cool!