Used BMW 4 Series for sale: everything you need to know

If you're looking to make a statement the BMW 4 Series proves to be a great place to start as it's a wonderful choice of used car. It's a step up from the 3 Series in the looks department, although if you're after wider practicality that might be a better option to consider. However, if you value a cosseting interior the BMW 4 Series is unlikely to disappoint as the cabin is a real treat, especially models with the optional Comfort Plus Package.

The BMW 4 Series Coupe might not be as practical as a BMW 3 Series being a strict four-seater at best. Pick a good used example and there's lots of kit too in whichever model variant you choose from the the Coupe, the Convertible or the four-door Gran Coupe.

There are a good range of options on the powertrain front too, with both petrol and diesel variants returning decent fuel economy. Sportier editions also provide plenty of grunt to go with the comfort levels found inside the cabin.

Should you buy a BMW 4 Series?

In terms of affordability, the BMW 4 Series 420i is a great choice and its 2.0-litre engine will be sprightly enough for the majority of buyers. It even sounds pretty characterful (in sport mode) while, as the lightest of the bunch, it’s also the most fun to drive. Save your money and go for this, unless you cover lots of miles, which makes the 420d a more practical solution.

While rivals are perhaps less challenging in their aesthetics, the BMW 4 Series is the choice for anyone who enjoys driving. There’s an engine to suit every requirement - all of which are fun to drive and won’t cost a fortune to run.

There is hot competition for the BMW 4 Series though, including the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe and Audi A5 or, perhaps, the Lexus RC if you fancy something Japanese. You could even compare the BMW 4 Series to sportier alternatives like the Porsche 718 Cayman or Toyota Supra. Take a look at our best coupes for 2022 for more ideas. 

A BMW 4 Series not for you? We've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.

What’s the best used BMW 4 Series model to buy?

We really rate the most affordable BMW 4 Series: the 420i. It’s the sweetest handling and its 2.0-litre engine will be quick enough for the majority of buyers. It even sounds pretty characterful (in sport mode) while, as the lightest of the bunch, it’s also the most fun to drive. Save your money and go for this, unless you cover mega miles in which the 420d might make more sense.

Used BMW 4 Series fuel economy and performance

The majority of buyers will opt for the entry-level 420i. a 2.0-litre petrol with 184PS, meaning it has plenty of get up and go for motorway driving and overtaking slower traffic. Expect to get around 44.1mpg. 

A used 430i with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is perhaps more of an enthusiast's car, but should be good for42.2mpg while the six-cylinder M440i is a great alternative to the Audi S5 or Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe. It packs a hefty 374PS from its 3.0-litre petrol engine and combined with xDrive four-wheel-drive makes it a potent proposition. It should deliver 36.7mpg too.

Meanwhile, diesel-powered coupes like the 420d produce 190PS from its 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit can return up to 61.4mpg. It's usefully punchy, especially at low revs, which makes for effortless driving. It’s available with two- or four-wheel-drive, too. All 4 Series models come with BMW’s eight-speed automatic gearbox. 

What used BMW 4 Series trim levels are available?

The BMW 4 Series is notable for its delicious cabin, which offers everything you need from its chunky steering wheel and button-filled dash through to its excellent seats. Lookout in particular for the Comfort Plus Package if you're after adjustable lumbar support and electric seat adjustment. The 4 Series Coupe's cabin feels just as upmarket as you’d expect from a BMW.

All BMW 4 Series models come well equipped, which helps boost the premium ambience. Leather seats feature as standard across the range, as is a leather-trimmed steering wheel and ambient lighting. Curiously though, the top-end M440i doesn’t feel that different to the 420i aside from few minor upgrades inside - M seat belts, for example. 

A sizeable 10.25-inch display forms the basis of the infotainment in the 4 Series Coupe, there's ‘hey BMW’ voice commands and smartphone integration is standard across the range, so wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is at your disposal. A BMW 4 Series with the Technology Package gets you wireless phone charging, WiFi hotspot preparation and gesture control too as its main party trick. There’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument display as standard across the 4 Series range for good measure.

• BMW 4 Series M Sport: Models includes 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic three-zone climate control, ambient lighting, M Sport suspension, selectable drive modes, cruise control, LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, BMW Live Cockpit Professional (with 10.25-inch display and 12.3-inch digital instrument panel).
• BMW 4 Series M Sport Pro: Adds 19-inch alloy wheels, black exterior highlights, BMW Individual exterior paint, M seat belts, BMW Individual interior trim, Sprint mode and adaptive M suspension.
• BMW M440i xDrive: Includes 19-inch alloy wheels, metallic paintwork, Cerium Grey exterior highlights, M seat belts, sun protection glass, M Sport braking system, M sport differential and adaptive M suspension.

Used BMW 4 Series dimensions and boot size

The BMW 4 Series dimensions are:

• Length: 4768mm
• Width: 1852mm
• Height: 1384mm
• Ground clearance: 140mm

The BMW 4 Series boot size is:

• 385-440-litres

Used BMW 4 Series road tax

Numerous factors affect the amount of VED (car tax) you’ll pay on a BMW 4 Series Coupe. The first year’s VED is based on CO2 emissions and lumped into the on-the-road price.

After that, the DVLA charges a flat rate of £150 a year for most cars. Mild-hybrid models (including the 420d and M440i) are classed as ‘alternatively-fuelled’ so you’ll get a discount of £10 a year, bringing the yearly VED payment down to £140. But then, as all BMW 4 Series models have a list price of more than £40,000, you’ll pay a ‘premium car’ tax of an extra £325 a year for the five years (from the second time the car’s taxed).

Essentially, you’ll pay £465 a year in tax for the first five years for mild-hybrid models, and £475 a year for the rest of the 4 Series range.

How much is it to insure a BMW 4 Series?

The BMW 4 Series Coupe sits between group 30 for the 420i M Sport and group 42 for the M440d xDrive. The M440i sits just below in group 40 and the smaller diesels like the 420d are more affordable in group 32. 

Read our full BMW 4 Series review