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.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @aautobuyersguide
Buy Merch! aoamerch.com
Our Other Channel: The Mountain Garden: goo.gl/icFWcd
Follow AoA on Facebook: theautobu...

[@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

[@stankey6034]

Alex, You hit a home run! I too love the front (hot lips?), and found this same car with 864 miles on it about 3 years ago. It has been a life changer. The only difference, is mine has a wood look around the console and door below button panels, rather than the aluminum look which is totally cool (reminds me of airplane inspired work). This car has been a game changer on mountain roads and cruises fine on highways to your favorite beach. Heaters in headrests seems like a luxury extra, but makes sense if you want to drive in convertible mode on a 45 degree day. Two of the best features are the heads up display and the device that fits in the back seat that reduces noise and also keeps ac/heater more focused in the front, and allows my wife’s hair to remain in place. Kudos!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@pw258]

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

[@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.

[@THEJPR]

Glad to see the optional trunk seat works well.

[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

Ha ha, good one. 🙂

[@ThePilotbuzz]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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].

[@fredrieley8086]

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

[@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

[@Doomraiderz]

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

[@mostafamobli2868]

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

[@cheapercharlieiii]

Fire up the BBQ for BMW grill

[@christianx2k]

this engine with the 48v mild hybrid would be amazing

[@brandygrant7585]

I bought this in the 2022 model and I absolutely love it!

[@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

[@lawrencelike6125]

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

[@tylera5010]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@knightowl3778]

Love the BMW grill also

[@RaufAbasquliyev]

The front fascia is not a problem. The real problem appears when you put a license plate on it. It doesn't look good.

[@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!

[@martinvillaramirez5639]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@stephanieorso1946]

Love the grill love everything

[@liyanxu]

I really want this thing, looking gorgeous

[@Tinrs80]

you and those trunk scenes❤️👍🏾

[@Origen17]

Great job on this - I am in love with this car (at least until I drive it). I would have liked to *hear* some of your drive with the top up, though.

[@TheKingkingg]

It looks amazing

[@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.

[@bigal2417]

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

[@the_jarmel]

Great job Alex

[@winc06]

I probably agree with everything you said about the BMW. Love the grill as it points back to the large grills of pre-WWII BMWs and finally BMW does not look boring any more. However that AUDI is really lovely looking.

[@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.

[@HumanStateOfEmergency]

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

[@thedeeprot]

such a nice car

[@kirkharrow7575]

I would like to see the two Series convertible BMW

[@abhirama]

Great review. Thanks.

[@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?

[@bird718]

audi with the tranmissoin/engine cost savings layout, if i was buying one of these i would probly take a hard look into the new C class W206 thats out or comming out any day now. for the 2022 model year.

[@sunglyong2]

My understanding is that C-class and E-class convertible will be retired soon and merged to CLE

[@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.

[@doomsday9973]

I love the new grille!

[@carletonwood6558]

I love it too. Once you appreciate it, then if you look at BMW’s other models, you find them DATED!

[@joeb4294]

I dislike when there is a front license plate across the grille. Without a front plate, I think it looks good from afar.

[@doomsday9973]

@@joeb4294 agreed

[@kennytinker24]

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

[@ibkl2u]

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

[@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.

[@drbunk03]

Thought the 2 series was not going to be offered in a convertible? You mention an option for a 2-series ‘vert a couple of times. Fantastic review as usual.

[@joeb4294]

I had the same thought. The US BMW website does not show a 2 series convertible. I was expecting him to say that people who want a smaller convertible from BMW would have t look at the Z4.

[@nazzan2804]

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

[@johnmcginney]

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

[@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. :)

[@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.

[@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.

[@BMW-pk6nh]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 .....

[@stuntmonkey00]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. The gigantic shnoze is like the foot-tall Polo logos you find on the Ralph Lauren shirts they sell in outlet malls: they made the logo bigger for the nouveau-riche who don't have a refined sense of taste. This goes well with a Richard Mille watch, but if you understand what I'm saying, then you know why Patek Phillipe watches don't have gigantic emblems and splashy lettering.

[@LATINEGRAS]

I have a 2020 4 series convertible and was thinking of upgrading to a 2022 but no 😳 the practical space is significantly smaller. My trunk is huge and the cabin inside was big enough for 4adults to be comfortable. The new one feels much more cramped everywhere. I don’t see the improvement.

[@nancylin7622]

I’m thinking of buying a 430i,do you drive it in winter,I am in toronto

[@LATINEGRAS]

@@nancylin7622 I drive mine in the winter but I live in Miami lol. It has a neck scarf that blows heat it's not so bad ... but Canada is a different beast

[@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.

[@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

[@bobbbobb4663]

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

[@kabinetkasihsayang9550]

How much is the price in Indonesia ?

[@kcham6843]

Great review thank you so much..

[@technoalah]

Perfect review cheers

[@Mr99Burns]

Best! They are marking these up $10k at the dealer.

[@kiwan5425]

Great review 👏

[@labjujube]

It doesn’t have lane keeping assist?

[@sunglyong2]

No. available only in M430i

[@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.

[@Doggo_Norse]

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

[@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.

[@lukasbrown1834]

Good video

[@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.

[@davcuts2897]

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

[@gatgolf]

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

[@rampant59]

Read end looks like a mazda.

[@kdm313]

My Beaver Tooth Friend LOL

[@cabaneencac5168]

And about theft, is this roof easily tearable ?

[@DavidDDope]

those kidney grills just kills it

[@MikolajDhillon]

You spelt "sometimes" wrong in the thumbnail

[@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.

[@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.

[@blueryxfalls7949]

that trunk in the convertible is a deal breaker, I rather have the new 2 series with the i4

[@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

[@wheel95]

Can the same arguments be applied to Mustang/Camaro convertibles? Slightly different market, but same turbo 4 vs. v6/v8

[@wheel95]

Critics will realize I posted this comment before the 19min mark!

[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

I have a 2019 Ecoboost Mustang convertible and a 2011 V6 Mustang convertible. All the power I need. Plus they have the 6 speed manual transmission. More power (over 300 hp) and much better mpg than the older V8 Mustangs. I could afford a V8, but for the actual sensible use and fun of owning a sporty convertible....what's the point of more than enough power other than the "need for speed" or reckless driving? 🙂

[@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.

[@ENTJ47]

Question; why don't brands like SUBARY, TOYOTA, HONDA make similar size convertibles? Only Mazda makes MX-5 (tiny car)

[@sammyg4806]

Because SUVs and CSUVs are all the rage these days.

[@gregfoles5480]

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

[@Gk2003m]

What’s up, doc? Bugs Bunny approves of the grille. I don’t. That aside, nice car

[@mystery8820]

That car should replace Daffy Duck’s parade float from Looney Tunes Show. I mean, it looks abnormal like Daffy is.

[@HolyQuran129]

يارب ترزقني اياها ادعوا لي😢

[@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.

[@faradaycool4058]

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

[@filoniz]

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

[@ElroyMcDuff]

Whoever started that whole top to bottom grill trend needs to find a new line of work.

[@JV-nj1sb]

Well, you're going to have to go back to the earlier half of the last century because that is a very old and classic grille design for BMW and many others. I think the newer horizontal grille is hideous.

[@nycupperes]

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