2018 BMW 430i Review | Edmunds

Edmunds Senior Writer Mark Takahashi finds himself at odds with his fellow editors when it comes to the entry-level 2018 BMW 430i. They contend that the four-cylinder engine shouldn't be offered in the 4 Series because its performance won't live up to its appearance or heritage. Mark disagrees and sets out to prove why the 430i is a car worth considering.
Q: What kind of engine does the 2018 BMW 430i have?
A: The 430i is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
Q: What other 4 Series engines are available?
A: The BMW 440i gets a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder with 322 horsepower. The M4 ups output to 425 hp.
Q: What's new about the 4 Series for 2018?
A: The 4 Series gets a mild refresh, with slightly modified front and rear fascias. There's also a revised suspension tuning, a new virtual gauge panel, and interior trim updates.
Q: What does the 4 Series compete against?
A: The BMW 4 Series' rivals include the Audi A5 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Q: Is Mark right?
A: Yes. Mark is ALWAYS right. Except when he's not.
Read our review here: www.edmunds.com/bmw/4-series/...
Edmunds - we help you find your perfect car with unbiased and useful reviews, advice, pricing and tools. Visit us at www.edmunds.com/.

[@daytonasayswhat9333]

People who say certain cars don’t have enough power in this day and age simply just don’t know how to drive. They just like how the numbers look on paper

[@guyhemming9156]

430i convertible flies nicely in sport + mode. No complaints. Love it.

[@clairekennedy8767]

Love this model and am really happy to see a manual offered especially from BMW (the ultimate driving machine).

[@Jordi7174]

Why does everything have to drive like a race car nowadays?

[@Lions_Gate]

I don’t get it either. Those are the cars, the ones owners ragged out, one hopes NOT to find used. Those are the BMWs people complain about fixing. They bought one someone drove hard. Those are the problem cars, any brand really. Little children will play though, as if they just got their drivers license and just go crazy while screaming…Whoopi

[@indyrock8148]

​@gdpitbull and don't keep up the maintenance

[@loducawarrior]

Great car. Love mine. Thanks for the video.

[@JonnyBeoulve]

Same. I have one in Estoril Blue.

[@FixItRyan]

It's not okay. Not for the price. BMW changed the name to 4-Series and created the 2-Series to create a gap. Now they're narrowing the gap just to force the buyer to pay for options like they do with the sunroof or other basic tech that comes standard on a Hyundai.

[@AkioWasRight]

That turquoise on brown is a really odd combination.

[@ruemonbhattacharyya7730]

I actually love it

[@fitzgoblin81]

"I'm sorry but...that's plenty fast" @1:14 & "that's not to say it's a slug either....she gets up speed just fine !?!" @1:30 Still giggling :) It was an awesome video overall - thank you!

[@TeddyCrochet]

I own this car in automatic and its plenty fast for me. I carry a lot of equipment in the back & they did a great job with the styling. I traded my 3 series for it and whoever pays full price for a new car, yikes. I got mine for 30k with 12k miles on it. To each their own but my personal days of needing M2 power are over.

[@DIVA7RARIMP]

Amanda M. I agree I love my 430i she is stylish and smooth. I bought it used with 21k miles and it is in great shape. The previous owner took great care, plus it only had one owner. I don’t get why people need so much power when the police, especially were I live will ticket your a** quick, lol.

[@Jdoug305]

you got a 430i for 30k with 12k miles?? this could t have been a dealer nice snatch bro!

[@guyhemming9156]

You got a coupe most likely. You won’t find a convertible for that low a price. I paid $29k for my 2018 with 38,000 miles but is fully loaded.

[@Tcflohr]

For your money you'd choose the m2? A car in a different class?

[@1venemousnake1]

Lol I got a dope deal on this car 10k miles and bought it for 35k. Certified pre owned.

[@lordmaziofficial2438]

My G35 280 hp Will be Waiting

[@huyta4899]

how does it drive?

[@JonnyBeoulve]

2017 430i M Sport with 19" wheels and 18k miles for $28,000. I love mine!

[@JonnyBeoulve]

@@lordmaziofficial2438 Apologies if this seems rude but nobody respects an Infinity or Nissan. They don't make good looking cars and have no brand equity. So you throwing shade is untenable.

[@onoff314]

BMW has had the same interior for nearly 15 years. Time for an update i think, sales figures show that consumers think it as well

[@BassRacerx]

you add like any options to the 430i and you have a BMW m2 and the BMW 440i i can see kinda make sense from a luxury coupe standpoint but just get a m2!

[@mikehamm45]

In this class, if driving is your priority, the ATS 2.0 with a manual is going for pretty cheap now that GM is phasing it out.

[@BeesonsCars]

This car is much faster with the auto, (0-60 in around 5.5 seconds) but I still think I’d get the manual. A manual 440i looks like it’d be really fun.

[@ryanpham3308]

Really is, Tyler. My friend hooked me up with one a few days ago; it's a delight, the manual.

[@samuelchow3425]

Anyone know what color paint that is?

[@JonnyBeoulve]

Snapper Rocks Blue.

[@rickjames5998]

this guy is like my friends dad

[@XMG3]

car guys going bonkers seeing him smack the shifter every 2 seconds.

[@jo05dk]

BMWs used to make cars i lusted after. This car sounds like my neighbour's hatchback. I agree the performance is okay for entry level, but i have a strong hate for the sound of that engine.

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

JohnnyNr5 I think the engine sounds fine. It’s the exhaust that’s horribly muted.

[@derek400004]

i got worse news for you two lol: even half of the engine sound you heard here are just fake.. it's a computer controlled soundtrack piped through the speakers. BMW Active Sound Design.

[@MegaSeba79]

5,8 sek its just fine, ok what about my diesel 2.0tdi?

[@princeD1100]

Edmunds - Why did you choose to drive the manual version, when the faster & more superior transmission on the BMW is the automatic??

[@ivanlowjones]

My wife has a 2016 435i and that twin scroll 6 cylinder really has great acceleration and performance. It's a great road trip highway cruiser.

[@itsmekenlai]

I’d pay the $6k extra to get the 6 cylinders and some of the upgrades I’d want anyway with this class of cars. I’d consider 430 if it’s discounted more.

[@stephencain3467]

Idk why people complain about having to rev match downshifts it’s not that hard tbh that’s the only way I down shift it easily becomes a habit

[@ak2112]

Stephen Cain plus, it’s fun

[@Noposwowskis]

i would only buy this car (GranCoupe) for the styling and ride

[@FrankySilverFace]

For $53K a person has a LOT of more attractive choices.

[@JonnyBeoulve]

Such as?

[@redmac78]

I agree with your M2 comment

[@rickjames5998]

but the hardtop convertible tho

[@BSGSV]

I don't disagree with his assessment of the car, however, as the original owner of a 1976 2002 and a 2006 325i, I find it sad that this 430i is "all" you get for $53,000 from BMW today.

[@ben573481]

Definitely go for m2 for the money.

[@confinez555]

Ben Liu does the price equals to m2? In your country? Just asking i rly dont know

[@DK-mq9zf]

Didn't know PSY reviewed cars now

[@vinckokeccee1352]

whopa gangnam style.....

[@thaalrasha]

It’s funny, from Eu perspective the x30 engines are sold as “second best” (under the 40i) rather than entry. FYI most of the Bmw sold in Europe are 420d or i...the 30 engines are not entry level here. Heck the 3 series even have 316 318 and 320 before...

[@davidchavez4464]

Cause of how bad gas prices and regulations are. Here premium 93 gas is like $2.20 and its 2020

[@jamesgjt]

1:09 yes it is faster than a fiat 500, it is pretty fast!!!

[@BigHeadClan]

The car shouldn't exist because if you want a fun and sporty car you can get the 240 with the bigger motor for the same money... Or if you want power/interior quality Q60 Red sport all day. On a side note any chance Edmunds can get a 330-430i with an automatic and do a MPG test? C&D got some insane MPG numbers in their 75-mile loop. (Watches End of the video) Disregard the 2-series bit. lol

[@supertiger2898]

The 428i 2 litre is 248bhp this should be more

[@randomcontent369]

I have the 2018 430i and it has 252 hp M sport

[@snazari1994]

2.0 Accord is faster too

[@jackyzhang4915]

430i is 5.5 sec look at bmw site.

[@swervo2.037]

I agreeeee😂

[@JonnyBeoulve]

@@jackyzhang4915 Yeah wtf was with the 6.2 in the video? Way off.

[@teemeaux3830]

Not on road course

[@BSGSV]

There was a time when BMW REFUSED to stoop to putting a turbo in their cars.

[@seancain7305]

240 HP from a modern 2.0 T I4 is pretty lame for a company that used to make some of the best production engines out there. 300 HP would closer to norm, AMG are getting 400 HP.... Using a famous badge of *30i to disguise a 2.0 I4 is a shame, it used to stand for one of the sweetest 3.0 I6's around. BMW used to be about depth of engineering, nows its just marketeering.

[@Spartan168]

but this isnt an m model, so expecting big power isnt realistic

[@chrisc3668]

They still do make some of the best production engines out there, what the hell are you talking about?! Check the international engine of the year award(s). I'm convinced many of the people making these statements haven't driven modern 4 and 6 cylinders from BMW.

[@teemeaux3830]

Yal act like you don’t live in this time period. Performance and mpgs

[@bearium91]

My company is currently renting one for me, but I personally would never put a dime into one. Idk about non-rental ones, but the navigation wouldn't work, the Bluetooth wouldn't actually connect to my phone or function in any capacity, the USB connection failed to do anything as well even though I tried 4 different kinds of USB cords I have, and the radio/audio controls are lackluster and confusing at best. And seriously, are auxiliary cord ports too peasant for BMW? Also, do NOT buy this is you are over 6 foot tall or anything more than rain appears where you live... Now I will say, when the roads have been in good shape, this thing has been a hoot to really stretch the legs on, at least to someone used to shitboxes. The acceleration is fun as hell especially when you can just zip past most people in a couple seconds, and the handling has impressed me, save for highway stability in some places.

[@tonkatoytruck]

Anyone with BMW money is not looking at any of the 4 series for performance. This is the kind of car you get your wife to fetch groceries. Why they put a manual in this model is beyond me.

[@Foxie635]

Stop with the hand. Makes me nervous.

[@danibiker8379]

In europe base model has 100bhp less xD

[@felix8289]

I love seeing people complain about BMW's pricing, as if most BMWs are purchased or that they all plan on purchasing one themselves. In reality, they know not what they're talking about. BMW leases most of their cars, and they have some of the most aggressive leasing programs in the business. It doesn't really matter much what the window stickers say.

[@davidsmurf8559]

This guy makes me fall asleep. That car should never have a 2.0 turbo engine. Doesn't belong in a car like that . Its not a honda

[@doccyber]

He needs a shot of adrenaline

[@donE37100]

BMW will sell more 4 cylinder 4 series cars than 6 cylinders, but not with a stick. Most will be autos. So, the car he is driving is an oddball and will be for the very few. A person that opts for the stick will probably want the six cylinder.

[@arelaththewhitewolf230]

Did he say BMW is a very luxury car? ... compared to mercedes or even Audi, it lacks behind.

[@fjskfjdkdksofk]

you looks like skinny cool version of psy

[@motormusique]

Why is BMW making their cars sound so artificial?

[@haki3353]

EU regulations i think

[@CLMDADE]

Give me a Hyundai g70, get more car for the money...

[@aarvin1]

4Cylinder in a 430i ?? Yuck

[@soiceyboy33]

BMW interiors are such rubbish! No wonder Mercedes handily outsells them. They need an interior redesign ASAP. Most Toyota these days beat it in interior styling. This looks like it belongs in 2008.

[@essel23fly]

I agree it’s just really upscale version of a Kia interior.

[@soiceyboy33]

essel23fly I would argue both a Kia K900 and Kia Stinger have better interiors than this. At this point, BMWs are selling solely on badge recognition.

[@adampap5822]

The interiors are perfect. Just because its a minimalistic layout on a video, it feels super luxurious and solid in person, even more than mercades IMO. I would not call for any sort of redesign. No way.

[@SoccerBoi500]

Adam Pap I’m a Mercedes fanboy and I’d agree tbh. The new BMW interiors are solidly built in person

[@jaysmith6466]

new benz wrap around flat panel screens are pretty cheeze IMO audi is almost as bad they lack depth like driving a computer sim. i guess im old school lol at least m5 has bezels to give depth and accent the digital... but ill take a full digi display over no display like in the model 3 wtf is that ?!?! and kia/hyundi just take bits from bmw.merc.audi and copy paste so not sure that really counts as design

[@sidewayseu9076]

‌ t

[@mansees]

BMW had kept fooling their clients with under powered cars and overpriced options. At some point people will say enough. Any person who drives this is a badge chasing low information client.

[@chrisc3668]

Mercedes and Audi put 4 cylinder engines in cars that cost 60K as well.

[@ryanpham3308]

Look at Volvo.

[@JonnyBeoulve]

The world is moving to efficiency and soon electric cars will take over. I drive a 430i and if has nothing to do with badge chasing. I like the car.

[@gigi9467]

53k???? lol hellll noooo if ur looking for performance and a real.engine their some many options! can u say mustang,camaro?

[@swanblake]

All BMWs sound so bad now. It's a shame. Stopped desiring a BMW after the 1M ceased production. BMW became soft, lease specials.

[@BobsGT235]

Blake Swan The best sounding BMW for this year is the X3 M40i. Don't laugh till you hear the exhaust. It will change your mind.

[@spericas]

Couldn’t agree more. For some reason they are going after Lexus buyers it appears.

[@motormusique]

It sounds strange...is there an artificial sound enhancer? If so I don't see why they would need that, it's an I6 for god's sake

[@coffeezombiegreat9553]

so you must be an old man living in 1980s

[@motormusique]

Coffee, you say it like it's a diss. I would defend anyone who knew what BMWs were like in the 80s. I sure don't but I think they were pretty cool

[@TheUrbanEpicure]

Errrr, the next-generation 3-SAeries will be presented this year at the Paris Motor Show and brought to market early in 2019 - there have been NO changes to the old car this year! American motoring journalists really are the biggest idiots in the world. No wonder the PR department of the leading global premium OEM that I work for regards your opinion the least.

[@bcrogsnc]

Interior dash is crap.

[@TvbLOVER1]

garbage

[@jackyzhang4915]

5.5 sec official time u guys r so drunk

[@ryanbromley3641]

The 430i sounds so bad

[@NaijaBoiTellEm]

Ryan Bromley That's a V4 for ya...

[@nickster102559]

Inline 4 cylinder, no V4

[@Spartan168]

v4... lol

[@MrNemo721]

B Meh W 430i Get the inline 6 or nothing.

[@hoderharris]

Looks like an older Honda Civic.

[@Spartan168]

have to disable stability to rev match. NO THANKS. bmw is a fucking joke for this decision.