Should You Buy a BMW 4 SERIES CONVERTIBLE?

[@tennisplayer421]

You are hands down the best car reviewer. I've been a subscriber to most of the popular magazines for a very long time, but it seems like they only crave the track-ready models with the biggest and fastest engines and forego things that most of us normal people care about, like comfort, styling, and running costs. You really hit the nail on the head with your reviews. Keep it up!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thank you! I appreciate it

[@tennisplayer421]

@@HighPeakAutos Side note, is this your favorite convertible in this category? I'm in the market for something similar, like an E class, A5, or Jaguar XK

[@makoshark69x96]

THIS GUY SUX ! HE'S DOING A CONVERTIBLE CAR VIDEO... WITH THE TOP UP ! HOW IS THAT ACCEPTABLE TO YOU CLOWNS ? YOUR STANDARDS ARE CLEARLY, VERY, VERY LOW ! @AndytheWhite @DavidEmeryVirtechs @conorkavanagh8437 @davocc2405 @kevinbryan2660 @gottuso @malcolmparis

[@WhyZed]

You gotta love the 4 Series Gran Coupe, a 4 door saloon based on a 2 door coupe based on a 4 door saloon.....

[@rolonow12]

After 3 Porsches, we considered a Boxster too small so bought a 2019 F33 440i new, not realising how much we would enjoy it and now consider it as a keeper. For two retired petrol heads it’s perfect. The boot takes two good size cases, 4 small ones on the folded down back seat. Have done several 2 week + Euro drives. Love the tin roof, comfort, power & style; what on earth could replace it?

[@essexoffroader3773]

Easy way to improve the life of your turbo whether it's a petrol or diesel. When you get where you are going leave your engine running for a minute or so. That let's your turbo spool down and prevent it getting too hot which in turn preserves the life of bearings and seals.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Good point

[@louisjames1062]

Most modern cars, like my Audi, keeps an auxiliary pump running after it’s turned off to cool down the turbo

[@HighPeakAutos]

@@louisjames1062 I thought that would be the case

[@essexoffroader3773]

@@louisjames1062 so how come bmw turbos keep failing on modern vehicles?

[@matthewgibbons4525]

@@louisjames1062 I've heard that too. I expect my late-model VW group car has it, but I hear nothing after it shuts off. Wouldn't the pump make a noise?

[@davidmoynahan9585]

Thanks for adding the MPG to litre/100km conversion, perhaps also overlay the mpg at the same time, will help educate divers to understand whats great and whats not.

[@glenhaha]

Hahaha the delivery of the “mid-day, in August… in Saudi Arabia” was perfect. I recently picked up a 430d M Sport, favourite car I’ve ever owned. Great review as always 👍

[@grayone321]

Got the exact 4 series you tried and agree with most. A couple of points, boot space, top down adequate for a cosy weekend away, as long as you golf is not wanted. Second, only mild criticism, because it is a tin top the hood goes down or up slower than most and you cannot drive at more than 10mph. Good review.

[@davek7256]

Best thing I love about BMW’s is the fact you can have cold fresh air blowing on your face and warm air everywhere else. Sounds picky but it makes such a difference

[@HighPeakAutos]

I agree

[@Rinanathar]

I used to have that in my Mazda 323. Really is a nice thing.

[@AndytheWhite]

Good Review! Love my 4 vert! Quick note on engines, it’s the 420i and 428i that have the same engine, 428 has around 60 more HP. 430i is a different engine with slightly more power again. Oh and with the roof down, there’s a button on the boot lid to lift the roof and get access to the full available boot space :)

[@marcguiomar5878]

420 and 430i is identical engine - B48

[@Krezo200]

Not in germany 420i,428i same engine 430i new engine

[@rogerteague7048]

Great review but I think the model you had was an M Sport plus which includes upgraded breaks (blue callipers) bigger discs etc. Better Stereo, 19” wheels and wind deflector behind the back seat. Oh, when the roof is down there is a button in the boots lid which raises up the whole roof (folded in the boot) so you get full access to the boot itself!

[@schmoosmith]

I cannot agree with you more on the 440i. I had a 440i Gran Coupe and a M240i for a weekend and boy what an engine, the way it delivers the power is sensational.

[@kevinbutters5964]

Superb review. I live in Spain and have a white 420d. Without a doubt it is a superb car. One of the best I have ever owned. Downside? Just that I have to look back at it when walking away. A truly beautiful, practical, powerful car that’s so easy to enjoy and live with. Best wishes.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Very nice

[@themanwhoseesallthings2621]

You missed a trick with the boot - there's a switch at the back that allows you raise and lower the boot when the roof is down. Significantly improves access to the space.

[@redz-321]

I’ve subscribed to your channel!! I love the fact that you don’t just review the highest trim levels and that’s a plus. You do a mixture of everything and I like that. Very honest with your take on each car. Continue!! 👏👏

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@SuperAndrewrhodes]

I was given one of these as a courtesy car when my car was being repaired and I loved it. It was the first BMW I had ever driven. The roof was down at every opportunity including the drive home from work on a night. Great cars!

[@xmanfacex]

Got an 18 plate, 420d M-Sport coupe in Red. 28000 miles on the clock. I love it.

[@DavidEmeryVirtechs]

Vey good review. Your findings are the same as mind, especially the surprisingly good ride comfort. I bought a 435D X-drive last year and even on 19"wheels the ride is exceptional. The performance with 300+bhp and 465lb.ft of torque is remarkable yet the fuel consumption is 50% better than the Boxster that preceded it. One small point: when the roof is down, use the button on the boot lid to lift the whole roof vertically so that you can get to the luggage.

[@retepyam5858]

Excellent review I recently bought a 435D msport Auto convertible and would totally agree with your review. It's quick, though I may get it remapped to 350-380 BHP and 700nm, its a good size rides well, is surprisingly agile and makes a good daily driver as well as a country road blaster. The only negative I have found and missed it when I bought it, is check to see the electric seats have the lumbar function as a lot of them including mine don't and the back of the seat doesn't have a massive amount of support as standard. You can mitigate this if you rotate the front adjuster which changes the plane of the seat to more flat than angled and adjust the backrest, allegedly you can fit a hand pumped air bladder into the seat as a retrofit if you really need lumbar or heaven forbid a cushion.

[@MyBuddyValium]

I kept skipping back and forth to watch the opening/closing roof operation. I used to have an SLK and happily drive it on country roads in Kent. Roof down and 10.mims later up when the rain hits. This looks the more adult version of it. The love the details such as the hot ait coming to the back of the neck.

[@georgebaconjr.6203]

Excellent review I just purchased a 430i in the U.S.Thanks

[@HighPeakAutos]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@TChighbury]

There's actually a boot lift button to make access to the storage easy if you have the roof down. It lifts up the roof and boot lid.

[@paulbell80]

Got a 428i 2013 coupe love it the 8 speed auto is so slick and when in sport mode it's super quick

[@brettrussell3721]

Seriously, my next car will be from Matt. I ain’t sodding about with the usual ‘dealers’ I’ll be taking the drive to have peace of mind. What a top fella

[@foxtrotwhiskey874]

Seeing these UK/EU car videos makes me feel so blessed to be in the USA, my 6.2 V8 E63AMG and Lexus GX460 4.6 V8, both i pay only $71/ year . DASSSSS IT!

[@zlatanmorrison8182]

I have to agree with James May, the 4 series is the most attractive recent BMW for quite a while (although I do have a soft spot for the E89 Z4). The one in your video is very handsome and nice wheels too, looks good in the black (sapphire black metallic?)

[@lewis72]

Even back in the '70s & '80s some BMWs had a badge that didn't reflect the engine size. The non-UK 745i was a turbocharged 735i. The 633i & 732i had the same engine. The 525e was a 2.7. The 316 was a 1.8. The later E39 523i was a 2.5.

[@davocc2405]

Well done, really great review... I do have the feeling that at some point people will lament the loss of the hard-top convertibles, AFAIK Mercedes are moving the SL's to a slop-top again in the next iteration which is techno-laziness to me. This could mean growing valuation for workable hard-top convertibles that aren't completely hideous; this one I like quite a lot too.

[@BoredToDeath182]

Convertibles in general are a dying species.

[@macmad6959]

I have a 420d and it's a brilliant practical car, although most of it has been modded, only concern is water getting into rear quarter window compartment, a drainage plug gets blocked, and you have yourself a mobile washing machine, easy fix though. Nice video.

[@deejayrobin73]

The whole roof lift up when it folds in the boot acess is good and Big

[@SlawcioD]

9:11 there is a button to lift a roof when it is in the boot to easy access a storage space ;)

[@hamster639]

Nice cars, timing chains are an issue on N47 diesels and egr coolers/valves common on all diesels but that's subject to recall. Only other thing to look for is when opening and closing the rear window, if there is water all over glass then the window drain bags are blocked up...10mm hole needs to be drilled in the sill under the drain plug and plug to be removed to fix this. BMW have a 'puma measure' about this.

[@LukePC]

The description of the 1st level setting for the air scarf and the slick promotion of your merch had me howling... 😂😂😂. You slyly could do stand up I swear lool. 🤝🏽

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@barbarusbloodshed6347]

The story goes that BMW only introduced the 4 series because Audi proved them wrong. BMW executives apparently did not believe that people would be so stupid to pay extra for the same car with just another name that implied more exclusivity. But Audi did it. They had the A4 and A4 cabriolet before and then they introduced the coupe/cabriolet as A5 when the new generation A4 came around. And people actually paid more for the A5. So when the next 3 series was up to be designed BMW said "let's try this shit ourselves" and introduced the coupe/cabriolet as 4 series.

[@nickduncan-brown3904]

Another very informative video providing all the good bits and bad bits to bear in mind. Nice to see also that it was not pouring down with rain!

[@gottuso]

Thanks English Man. Another very calm, thorough, competent review. Very useful. Much appreciated. Be well.

[@MultiKhalled]

Love that old model of MBW ! 🔥👌🏻 that was my car years a go and I still missed a lot .

[@5ebra1]

Great review again Matt. I agree with you about touch screens. They should be banished.

[@steadfastandyx4947]

I've spent quite a bit of time in one of these, 335, brilliant. Wonderful.

[@santana9537]

Still remember when I got into a fight in year 9 in drama class when the 4 series was released: a friend of mine asked my thoughts on the 4 series and I was the most confused person on earth - ended up being aggressive and shouting at him which led to pushing him onto the floor in the drama class all because I thought he lost his marbles and called a 3 series coupe a 4 series 😂 Such an amazing car and review!

[@santana9537]

@@porschefanatic1049 something like that 😂

[@SuperMauricem]

Just to let you know that there is a button in the boot lid when the roof is down that lifts the folded roof in order to give you better access to the boot with roof down. I do love the BMW 4 series and is a car I have kept for a long time for me ( 2 years) mine being a 428i and earlier 2015 model. I would also go for 440i if shopping for one again as they sit better with the double exhausts M trim is a must as the alternative is horrid especially the standard steering wheel avoid cars that aren’t specced with air scarves and ensure they have the wind deflector that is stored behind the rear seat. with the deflector up you can go at motorway speeds roof down and little or no buffering and less wind noise. The run flat tyres are a bit of pain but are fine and do not deflect from the ride quality as such feels as if you had put 20” wheels on the car. All in all I find the car a practical car that I would recommend

[@scroggins100]

We are in total agreement on the subject of touch screens.

[@steveegginton535]

Whilst I'm not a BMW fan I will admit that your review makes a persuasive argument for a 4 series. If I wanted a convertible with reasonable running costs I might consider one!

[@5amH45lam]

I'm a crisis-laden, 41-yr old (midlife) male, who just bought a (2 seat) MX-5 RC. And so therefore, you're spot on with your summation! 😳😉😎

[@nigelb4318]

Superb review, covered all the bases and then some detail on day to day life with said beastie. I bought a 435D Xdrive individual and am absolutely loving it. Can't agree with TC Auiobooks, my ONLY gripe is the tyre noise from runflats and here in France for AWD you need to change all tyres at the same time. In contrast with my 530d estate Msport there's a clear winner in comfort, and fun. The Touring is just so practical, swallows loads and has air suspension, so just chuck it all in. Have subscribed and liked, this is a great reviewer :)

[@Whiponized]

I used to have an orange BMW Z4 convertible it was epic!

[@yarrik8580]

Absolutely agree with everything said and I am currently in the market for 420d convertible after owning 2 320d over a number of years. They are the best value for money cars I can think of, the end.

[@johnstower2449]

I think your review of the BMW 4 series convertible was very good and I agreed with most but not all of what you say about this model. Back in April, I was lucky enough to acquire 2020 420i M-sport with just 725 mile on the clock, it being an ex BMW staff car. In “Snapper Rocks” blue with Ivory leather it look stunning either with the roof up or down. I actually think the convertible looks a lot better than the coupe. I am not sure if they have increase the power since you drove a 420i but I find it totally adequate. It does the nought to sixty in just over 8 seconds; not stunning but fine for everyday practical motoring. It is certainly not a “wet lettuce” and no slower than the one with the tractor engine that you were driving. Another point is that although the boot space is quite restricted with the roof down, there is much more room than for two picture frames. Two or three squashy bag will fit easily under the folded roof panels and there is a button which can pressed to lift the panels out of the way to get unrestricted access to the space. Overall, it is the best car I have ever owned. I love the fact that is has conventional controls and instruments with excellent ergonomics avoiding all that touch screen stupidity. It is far more practical and less of a maintenance/ running cost worry that the Merc 350SL in trade for it. And, yes, the ride is much much better than the BMW 325 coupe I had a while back.

[@marcguiomar5878]

Agree, owner of 420i, the engine certainly provides a nice kick when turbo kicks in. It will however show its power limits in the higher revs and in the 8th gear once above 120km/h.

[@EnglishPoolandSnooker]

Only a few hard top convertibles look ok in my opinion. 4 Series, EOS and of course the Mercedes SL. The likes of Renault, Peugeot and the focus have massive boots and odd shaped rear windows to allow the roof to fit inside. Hideous. Great review again 👍🏼

[@HighPeakAutos]

I agree

[@antking8847]

couldn't agree more about touch screens in a car. I tried to set the sat nav in the wife's new car today trying to go to Warwick (WR11) - with pot holes and a slight attention tremor it's a miracle we didn't end up on the Wirral! On a separate note - I owe you a pint - the wife's new car is a 2009 1.4tsi Scirooco - I got her to watch your video and it was a done deal!

[@johnstower2449]

Whats wrong with e Wirral? - er yes I agree about tooooooocuh screeeeeens

[@antking8847]

@@johnstower2449 nowt wrong but it wasn't where we needed to be lol

[@johnmccolgan2177]

Interior like a crime scene, a feeling I know all to well. Great video 👍

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

My exclusive jumper??? Looked like a sweat shirt on my iPhone. Slick brand advertising. Nice car.

[@richardadams3142]

Nice vid but would've loved to see the roof mechanism in action! :)

[@geoffnorton9279]

Clear, concise and honest as always.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@garygriffiths2911]

It's a easy thing to advise people to always buy the best - and hence most expensive - version of any car they might be interested in. Very easy if the customer has deep pockets of course and naturally this advice also helps to boost the profits of new and second hand car dealers everywhere! But some are of us alas have to live in the real world where there are many calls on our not unlimited finances and if the driver can somehow force themselves to forgo modern motoring 'necessities' such as heated steering wheels, stupidity oversized alloys and power closing tailgates etc then methinks that lower spec models often offer 90% of the experience for 50% of the money the top of the range stuff does.

[@malcolmparis]

Nice review. I just bought a 430i convertible. Loving the car. One of my friends says the metal folding roofs have serious leaking issues. Have you heard of this? Thanks. Malcolm.

[@conorkavanagh8437]

Great video as always! Keep em coming! Love my 2016 BMW 420D M-Sport GC, All the car you'd really need for a daily and if you like your cars.

[@Rabbiddog333]

The bug at 4:47 on the infotainment dial must’ve had a proper story to tell his mates when he got back.

[@borisyurinov4822]

Such a nice car for Spain. 4 bags from the supermarket fit in the boot. All you need.

[@davidr5250]

Very nice car - I did look at buying one 3 years ago but stuck with my petrol 2012 Golf convertible

[@ThisPolishDude]

I feel like this video should tell all potential buyers about the drain plugs being badly built which results in water gathering up in the rear quarter and can cause the speakers in the back to break. BMW should of done a re call on this but instead most have drilled holes by the service. Definitely first thing to check when you get one.

[@teem5642]

Disagree with your choice there about the rag top. Rag tops look ugly, more road noise, no option for it to be a coupe when roof is up. Iv got an mk2 c70 & it feels like a complete 2 door coupe when the roof is up. I don't need to worry about someone with a pair of scizzors coming up 😂

[@daveneedham459]

Great review Matt! I have the M4 convertible here in California. It's good at just about everything.. I can fit the kids in the back (they love it), and take it to the beach or up the coast but you can also take it to the track. I took it to the Auto Club in Fontana a few weeks ago and hit 143mph on the banked straight and wiggled through the inside track with the 911's. It's an awesome car! Love to hear you review one someday.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Perfect car for California! Enjoy 😎

[@NMRH258]

0:28 Be honest, BMW can't even stick to their own marketing. Which is why they made that 4 Series Gran Coupé, AKA more expensive sporty 5-door liftback thing.

[@g9icy]

As an owner of a 4GC... I'm glad they did! It's a bloody brilliant car.

[@blazwaw6349]

4gc combine great look with practicality for not much £££

[@g9icy]

@@blazwaw6349 Agreed. It's just BMW's answer to the Audi A5.

[@stevensumner3146]

Great vid really appreciate the info. Good start to 2024 👍

[@barryhughes1612]

Good review, I am going to move on my Boxster 986 only because age has started to effect my ability to get in and out as I no longer move with the speed and grace of a gazelle lol, and this BMW is on the list of possible replacements.

[@davidfolland8513]

Finally!! A car I can aspire to own when I return to UK from Spain. Many thanks--I might even ask you to source one for me when I return in next 6 months. Many thanks, Dave😎

[@rayblade6383]

Hello mate, did you end up buying one?

[@RealPowers]

I love bmw 4 series convertible hardtop.

[@colinward1007]

Ive literally just px'd a 4 series gran coupe for a G30 5 series. The 4 series is a great car with good build quality and handles well - it just feels a little dated inside.

[@ItsDanLatham]

I very nearly ended up with an LCI 420d Gran Coupe, but then decided I needed another hot hatch. I must say I do agree regarding diesel convertibles, but I quite liked my Saab 1.9TiD manual. Something about the induction sound with the top down. I also have to admit, I've gone off touchscreens in cars for the most part too having got to grips with the clickwheel system in my new 2008 C220 CDI. Its just easier and safer to use whilst on the move. The best modern cars are the ones with a touchscreen that can also be controlled elsewhere by a different method.

[@pedazodetorpedo]

I have a Ford Focus CC and I know exactly what you mean about the telltale hardtop shape. It's also very long for so little legroom in the back seats.

[@Orwic1]

Great review, as always. Really appreciate the delivery / presentation and content!

[@garrycurrid3297]

Thank you, I have just bought one of these.

[@kevinbryan2660]

Great review Matt very informative, I had a Gran Coupe, 2015 plate 420d Xdrive lovely car but wanted a bit more power. I now have a 430 Xdrive Coupe 2017 (face-lift). This is the sweet spot great performance & better fuel economy than the 420d, winner. The switch to the merch plug was very slick too😆lol.

[@skuda9]

Nice review ,having owned 2 e92s I can confirm it's a hard ride,handles very well but the smallest bump in the road is felt ! I like the look of this for added comfort .... I would just like to add as the air intakes are low ,please avoid large puddles ,as I found out to my detriment ,wrote off my 325d 😢

[@adriankirk4644]

No demonstration of the roof lowering mechanism, and how long it takes? Otherwise excellent.

[@ps3301]

Petrol engine is only 30 percent efficient. That means 60 percent of energy is wasted as heat. So the heat from engine is perfect to warm up the air in the cabin.

[@stevennewman]

You forgot the 428i Which I think is the peach of the bunch... Great review though.

[@MyCold1]

Agreed, I have one and its the best of all worlds.

[@philk55]

Love these cars and the 435d is rapid, 0-60 4.7 seconds that'll do me nicely

[@kiwirangerover6052]

Not the car of choice for me , but a great video never the less! Thanks for another great video!

[@stevenbennett3922]

Smooth as a smooth thing in a very smooth place

[@camirocz]

Just got a 2014, 428 xi. i am in Canada .I am a dealer and i like it .I ll drive it for a few weeks then sell it

[@NH00531]

Good review, always fancied the 435d but for me, would pick the coupe over the convertible.👍

[@jeff4invest]

Great review chief.

[@tbridgey2619]

"Twin Power Turbo" (written on engine) tells ya it's only singlular turbocharged whereas a 435d (as an example) it says "Twin Turbo Power" instead that's when ya know it's twin turbocharged.

[@howardgregory3888]

At least the grille looks OK. I couldn’t bring myself to own the latest fugly version. I do own an E46 convertible though!

[@jayarmstrong7604]

Loving your videos fella.

[@MatchboxGarage]

I love the idea of a convertible but I feel so vulnerable with the top down and actually feel a bit foolish?

[@HighPeakAutos]

I like them. You feel a little self conscious at first but that fades away then you can enjoy the fresh air. Although, I do feel a bit of an idiot though at red lights with my music playing

[@MatchboxGarage]

@@HighPeakAutos Yep same, even more so in traffic!

[@Macca5]

Another informative review Matt and nicely done with the merchandise link 👍🏼😁

[@1234567robbie]

You are very smooth ! No honestly super review great car affordable to run M4 fantastic but in the real life expensive to run ( and a worry ever time you park up ) Take care my friend Yull go far R

[@lomoto1076]

Would you prefer the 4 series convertible over the Mercedes C class convertible ? I am finding it a hard choice to make ...!

[@36Danman]

Great video can you do a mercedes E class cabriolet. 17 and newer??

[@Matt-go7ss]

I see what your saying about the msport but the luxury trim of these cars looks more sleek and because there's not as many out there more exclusive. Imo

[@andyjamieson9576]

Great video (again) Matt! Keen to see reviews on the 1 series coupe or 7 series you have in stock if you’ve not already done them in the past!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks. I’ve done the 7 series already

[@bh4560]

@@HighPeakAutos mate the trick for loading with the roof off is a must to go back and show.. lol.

[@Janshevik]

I would be glad to see and 1 series (except the latest generation lol)

[@flyme195]

Absolutely, without a doubt it would need to have a 6 cylinder engine. Diesel or petrol, either or, must be a 6 cylinder

[@John-jd3nr]

Disagree, i have the 428i and it really shifts

[@bartektwardowski]

I wanted to let you know that i like how you converted the fuel economy in L/100km. I live in poland so thats usefull for me because we use metric mesurements. Can you do this in every vid. This would be usefull. I think the convertable would suit a petrol 6cyl. Auto for a good sound and for it to push away better altho a sedan 4 siries 3.0 diesel auto would work for a everyday car

[@louisjames1062]

Agree with using premium fuel in any modern German engine. I only ever use premium fuel, genuine oils etc.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Me too. It’s false economy to be a cheapskate

[@rkb654]

Great review mate, please can you do one on Mercedes C-class convertible if you can get your hands on one I’m debating between these two. Thank you.

[@P.Galore]

Much larger than it appears - almost the size of the original 8 Series. Other than the Dame Edna headlights, an excellent fashion accessory for the eligible.

[@HighPeakAutos]

All cars have grown much bigger over the last couple of decades

[@hybridownzDK]

Drove a 428i luxury spec, very smooth and powerful, the chrome accents make it look exotic

[@aziz7156]

the best confertible car that looks just like a coupe is the E93 with something like N54 and a good swapp. damn ! that would be heaven