2018 BMW 4 Series Review

Name: 2018 BMW 4 Series Review
Brand: BMW

Price Range: $20,590 - $29,990

BMW 4 Series 430i Convertible Exterior. European Model with Executive Package Shown.

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$20,920 avg. price

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Appraise My 2018 BMW 4 Series

BMW 4 Series model years

BMW 4 Series for Sale

BMW 4 Series types

Convertible
Coupe

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Mark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

Pros

Strong performance, even with the base 430i
Quiet and comfortable ride quality

Cons

Newer competitors are more technologically advanced
Cargo capacity is smaller than top rivals

What’s new

For 2018, the BMW 4 Series receives a variety of minor updates. They include subtly freshened front and rear styling, revised suspension tuning, a newly optional virtual instrument panel, and some minor changes to the steering wheel and interior trim materials.

Vehicle overview

BMW is strongly associated with luxury sport coupes and convertibles. The company practically invented the modern interpretation of this class with its 3 Series. Four years ago, the 4 Series replaced the 3 Series coupe and convertible in name, but not in spirit. The 4 Series has been delivering all the performance, refinement and strength of its predecessor.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Claremore, OK

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2018 BMW 4 Series
430i Coupe
$14,100
great price
- 81,686 miles
- 4 accidents, 4 owners, personal use
- 4cyl automatic
- Auto Boutique Texas (475 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Alvin, TX
Auto Boutique is proud to offer excellent, pre-owned vehicles. With our no haggle pricing policy you can be sure you are getting the best deal possibl...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (24 City/34 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBA4W3C52JAB87391
Stock: T22855
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-29-2024
2018 BMW 4 Series
430i Convertible
$18,998
fair price
$1,489 below market
- 80,714 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, rental vehicle
- 4cyl automatic
- Walser Auto Campus (131 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Wichita, KS
2018 BMW 4 Series 430i, located at BMW of Wichita. Original MSRP $54,495. Alpine White with Black Leather interior. This local 4 Series is equipped wi...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (24 City/34 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBA4Z1C53JEC70087
Stock: 53A0060T
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-29-2024

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Recently, however, the competition has stepped up its game. You've also got redesigned versions of the Audi A5 and S5 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe to consider. In our opinion, these rivals have unseated the 4 Series from the top spot in the class, but not by a significant margin. This could be partially attributed to the 2018 BMW 4 Series' age, even though it's updated this year. The changes just aren't significant enough to push it to the top. Overall, though, the 4 Series remains a solid choice for a luxury sport coupe or convertible.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.9 / 10

BMW has enjoyed a favorable position in the luxury sport coupe class for decades. The 4 Series has defined this class since its introduction four years ago (as has the 3 Series coupe long before that). 2018 brings us some subtle updates, but fully redesigned rivals have taken the top spots.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our First Drive of the 2018 BMW 440i Coupe (turbo 3.0L inline-6 | 8-speed automatic | RWD).

Scorecard

Overall	7.9 / 10
Driving	8.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	8.0
Utility	7.5
Technology	8.0

Driving

8.0

The BMW 440i used to be the top dog in the luxury sport coupe class, but recent redesigns from Mercedes and Audi have it playing second fiddle. That said, the 4 Series remains an excellent sport touring car that will exceed most drivers' expectations.

Acceleration

7.5

The 440i produces an overabundance of power. Acceleration is effortless, with smooth and quick gear changes. To a slightly lesser degree, the 430i also confidently gathers speed and will certainly satisfy most drivers.

Braking

8.5

The brake pedal has a reassuring weight and is very intuitive, whether you're driving hard on a twisty road or just cruising to a smooth stop on the boulevard.

Steering

8.5

Steering effort is light in parking lots and gets appropriately weightier as your speed builds. There's not much feedback to the driver, though it is hard to come by in any car nowadays. On the highway, the 4 Series tracks true and needs very little driver input to stay in the lane.

Handling

8.0

On a curvy mountain road, the 4 Series instills a lot of confidence and should satisfy more enthusiastic drivers. Adding the sport and adaptive suspension options further enhance this feeling. Non-sporty drivers will find this reassuring in evasive maneuvers.

Drivability

8.0

The 4 Series is easy to drive in any condition or situation. The selectable drive modes aren't as drastically different as rivals, but drivers of any persuasion will easily find their preferred setting. It's a highly capable and accessible vehicle.

Comfort

8.0

The 4 Series does an admirable job of providing driving engagement without sacrificing comfort. You'll always feel like you're in a sporty car but won't be reminded of it every time you hit a bump in the road.

Seat comfort

7.5

The standard sport seats provide ample lateral support to keep you firmly planted when cornering. At the same time, there's adequate padding, and the well-shaped surfaces will keep you comfortable for hours on end.

Ride comfort

8.0

Most moderate road imperfections are smoothed as well as the competition. Even in the Sport modes, the ride never gets choppy or rough. It's a good blend of feeling connected to the road and not feeling every little rut.

Noise & vibration

8.0

Wind and road noise is reduced to near silence, even with the convertible, on rougher pavement and at highway speeds. It's so quiet that BMW thought it necessary to add engine noises through the interior speakers.

Climate control

8.0

The automatic climate control does an excellent job of either heating or cooling the cabin quickly. In typical BMW fashion, there's a separate temperature selector for the top vents as well.

Interior

8.0

The BMW 4 Series remains a pleasant middle ground to the more traditional Mercedes and starkly modern Audi interiors. The quality of materials and construction meet expectations for luxury coupes, even in the face of newer rivals.

Ease of use

8.0

There are a lot of buttons and knobs in the 4 Series, but they're grouped together and placed logically. If you've been in any BMW vehicle in the last decade, it should operate much the same.

Getting in/getting out

6.5

The long doors limit access in tight parking spots, as we expect from any coupe. The seat-belt presenters eliminate the awkward reach back once you're seated, though. Rear passengers will need to squeeze past a narrow opening, which is also typical for the class.

Driving position

8.5

The range of movement and numerous adjustments ensure that drivers of any size will be able to find their optimal position. Extendable thigh cushions are particularly nice for taller passengers.

Roominess

8.0

The 4 Series coupe is best described as snug but not confining. There's just enough room to be comfortable while still having a sporty wraparound feel. Average-size adults will barely fit in the backseats.

Visibility

8.0

Overall outward visibility is decent for the class. Narrow roof pillars make it easy to see through sharp turns, and the standard rearview camera takes any guesswork out of backing into a tight spot.

Quality

8.0

The quality materials used throughout the interior justify the 4 Series' price. The simulated leather in the standard 430i is very convincing and breathes just as well as the genuine article. The cabin feels durable and well assembled for a luxury coupe.

Utility

7.5

There's enough space for luggage and personal items to rate the 4 Series as average for the class.

Small-item storage

6.5

There aren't a lot of bins or pockets for your personal effects, and they aren't particularly big. But the typical items like smartphones, water bottles and coffee cups all have appropriate holders.

Cargo space

8.0

Trunk space in the coupe isn't as generous as in some competitors, but it will likely fit everything you need. The convertible's trunk is even smaller, but we were surprised that two carry-on bags will still fit (with the top up).

Technology

8.0

This 2018 refresh updates the already strong iDrive infotainment system, but it's far from being a major step forward. The available virtual instruments have a certain wow factor, but Audi's is more functionally useful.

Audio & navigation

8.0

BMW's iDrive system has a wealth of features, which means it can take some time to get familiar with all the controls and menus. After that it is intuitive, though some rivals are easier to acclimate to.

Smartphone integration

7.5

With Apple CarPlay available as an option, smartphone control is as good as any other system (as long as you have an iPhone). Otherwise, you will have quite a bit more scrolling and commands to operate many functions.

Driver aids

7.5

The advanced safety features are well tuned to catch your attention when needed without being so sensitive that it sends out false or premature alarms. You get the impression that they're there when you need them, and only then.

Compare 2018 BMW 4 Series trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2018 BMW 4 Series models

The 2018 BMW 4 Series is available in three body styles: a coupe, convertible and four-door Gran Coupe. Within these models, you can choose between the 430i or 440i trims that differ mostly by engine type. The 430i is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque), and the 440i receives a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (322 hp and 332 lb-ft). All of these 4 Series models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels, though you can get a six-speed manual on the coupe as an option. BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is also offered as an option.

Standard features for the 430i include 18-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights and foglights, a sunroof (coupe), power-folding and heated mirrors, auto-dimming mirrors, automatic wipers, selectable drive modes, cruise control, a rearview camera, BMW's Assist eCall emergency telematics and smartphone app control over some car functions.

On the inside, you get dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable front sport seats, 40/20/40-split folding rear seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a universal garage door opener, BMW's iDrive infotainment system, a 6.5-inch display, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, and a nine-speaker audio system with a CD player, HD radio and a USB input.

The 440i adds keyless entry and ignition and a premium 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system with satellite radio. These features are options on the 430i. Convertible models have a power-operated retractable hardtop with a removable wind deflector.

Notable options include various sporty exterior touches, adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, an M Sport or adaptive suspension, an automated parking system, a head-up display, a navigation system, premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power rear sunshade, a surround-view camera system, Apple CarPlay and a wireless charging pad. On the safety front, you can also add front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning and mitigation, a lane departure warning system and adaptive cruise control.

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

2.5/5Average

#53 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the BMW 4 Series from 2008-2022.}

$824/yr

vs. $607/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.56x/yr

vs. 1.36x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

18.8%

vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

BMW 4 Series Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.6

48 reviews

5(71%)

4(23%)

3(4%)

2(2%)

1(0%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Possibly the best convertible "sporty" car today!

Lee Moss, 01/19/2016

2016 BMW 4 Series 435i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

Overall, this is the best convertible I have ever owned, and I have owned 7 convertibles prior to this purchase, one of which was an outstanding 2005 BMW 330ci convertible! I traded in a 2013 Audi A6 and 2008 Porsche Boxster for this car, trying to get a combination that best reflected those 2 cars combined. The BMW is not a sports car, nor is it intended to be, but it has the feel of …

Love BMWS - First Hardtop Convertible

Glen D, 05/17/2016

2016 BMW 4 Series 428i SULEV 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

My fifth newly purchased BMW and this time I was looking for a convertible. I narrowed my results to the Porsche Boxster or a BMW (4 Series or up...bigger guy). I choose the BMW based on consumer and expert reviews, the hardtop opposed to soft top, and I love the four year no hassle warranty/service with these cars. I may have went for the 6 cylinder (435i) because I prefer the power …

BMW has its mojo back

richard, 05/13/2017

2017 BMW 4 Series 440i xDrive 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

In Jan 2017 I replaced my bmw435i xdrive with the 440ixdrive with track package and manual trans; while the cars are very similar, the440 is big improvement; for a slight increase in price, more items are standard; seats better, interior nicer; entertainment system better ;although the is no longer hardwire controller for the i pod;but the main improvement is in PERFORMANCE;the new six …

Great car - with some odd quirks

EWR, 10/25/2018

2018 BMW 4 Series 440i xDrive 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

This is some insight into little tidbits that are irritating, if you're not aware of them. First off, I have a 2018 440i, xDrive, 4-door grand coupe, with the M-sport package. It is a gorgeous carbon black, looks totally bad a$$ with front spoilers all black, no chrome. The exterior styling is the best, by far, in the BMW 7 thru 3 series. The performance is even better. Kick this … puppy into M-mode and watch it fly, hugging the road comfortably and with confidence, you will feel like royalty (or Mario Andretti) behind the world. But there are weird things. First off, upon purchase and pick up, I moved my dry cleaning from my other car to this one. There is a garment hook that MIGHT be able to support 1 wire hanger. Does no one drive these cars for business, or on trips? It is ridiculous not to have an option to hang dry cleaning. Second, the horn sounds like it comes from a bulb-horn on a bicycle. It didn't occur to me to honk the horn in a test drive, but if you come rolling up looking sexy in your 4-series and need to send an encouraging toot to someone texting instead of watching the light turn green, and let out a feeble little, warbling, honk... well it's downright humbling. The navigation in the electronics between audio selections is frustrating; go backwards 3 levels to change sources, 2 to change channels, 3 for categories... it's a PITA. There is significant improvement to be done in navigating the display. On the bright side, the voice controls are SUPERB. My friend has a 2019 x2 SUV and gets a British accented voice companion; I wish I had one. Last nit-item is that the headlights on a normal setting are not symmetrical, in the sense that the leading edge of light is not consistent. It's sort of choppy. In summary, I am completely in love with this car. It is hands-down the best vehicle I've ever owned. These relatively minor items are irritating, but the car is outstanding. And great MPG too... I get 27.7 with mine. I am hooked, but do hope BMW improves these little bits. A few years and 50k miles later... this car is a marvel. Zero mechanical issues. I had thought about the 2021 m440i to trade into, but this car still performs exceptionally well and simply looks amazing. I have seen only 1 car exactly like it in the 3+ yrs I have had it. Has made me a bimmer fan for life. Fyi.. mine is a 440i 4 door coupe.. plenty of rear seat space.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 BMW 4 Series, so we've included reviews for other years of the 4 Series since its last redesign.

See all 48 reviews of the BMW 4 Series

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2018 BMW 4 Series videos

2018 BMW 430i Track Test

Edmunds Senior Writer Carlos Lago runs a 2018 BMW 430i equipped with a six-speed manual transmission down the strip. The 4 Series' classical front-engine and rear-drive layout return a driving experience that has made BMWs so desirable to driving enthusiasts. This one has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder under its hood that makes 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of…

2018 4 Series Highlights

Type:

Convertible

Trim:

430i

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$51,650
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$149/month
Seating	4 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the 4 Series models:

BMW Assist eCall: Automatically calls for help in the event of a collision and also allows passengers to call for roadside assistance with a single button.
Active Blind Spot Detection: Warns if there is a vehicle in or approaching your blind spot with visual alerts or vibration through the steering wheel.
Forward Collision Warning: Alerts you if the system detects a possible front collision and automatically applies the brakes if you don't react in time.

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