Best BMW 4 Series Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best BMW 4 Series Model Years (Ranked)
The BMW 4 Series launched for 2014 as a coupe-and-convertible spin-off of the 3 Series, giving the two-door variants their own model line for the first time. Across two generations it has offered turbocharged four-cylinder and inline-six engines, rear- and all-wheel drive, a slick eight-speed automatic, and three body styles: coupe, convertible, and the four-door Gran Coupe.
The lineup spans the everyday 428i/430i, the strong 435i/440i, and the high-performance M4. Picking the right year means weighing engine choice, the divisive second-generation grille, known issues like the N20 timing chain and S55 crank-hub concerns, and where used values land today.
This ranking covers the standout 4 Series years for buyers shopping the used market in 2027.
Direct Answer
The best overall BMW 4 Series is the 2017-2020 (F32/F33/F36) 440i with the smooth, durable B58 3.0L turbocharged inline-six (320 hp), an engine widely praised for reliability and tuning headroom. It pairs the refined LCI-updated chassis with strong performance and avoids the earlier N20 timing-chain worries.
For shoppers focused on value, the best value is the 2017-2020 430i with the proven B48 2.0L turbo four (248 hp), delivering most of the experience, lower running costs, and the same mid-cycle refinements at a friendly used price. Be cautious with very early 2014-2015 N20-powered cars unless timing-chain and oil-pump service is documented.
1. 2017-2020 440i (F32/F33/F36) — B58 Inline-Six 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The LCI-refreshed first-generation 440i is the sweet spot of the entire 4 Series line. Its B58 3.0L single-turbo inline-six makes 320 hp and 330 lb-ft, hitting 60 mph in roughly 4.7 seconds with the eight-speed automatic. The B58 has earned a reputation as one of BMW's most robust and tunable modern engines, free of the timing-chain anxiety that dogged the earlier N20.
The 2017 LCI update also sharpened the steering, retuned the suspension, and improved interior materials. Available in coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe, with xDrive all-wheel drive optional, the 440i blends genuine grand-touring pace with daily usability. It is the 4 Series to buy if your budget reaches a six-cylinder car.
2. 2017-2020 430i (F32/F33/F36) — B48 Turbo Four 💎 BEST VALUE
The 430i is the value champion. Its B48 2.0L turbocharged four produces 248 hp and 258 lb-ft, good for a 0-60 time near 5.5 seconds, while delivering better fuel economy and lower insurance and maintenance costs than the six. Crucially, the B48 replaced the troublesome N20, resolving the earlier timing-chain and oil-pump concerns.
With the same LCI chassis and interior upgrades as the 440i, a 430i in Sport Line or M Sport trim gives you the refined post-2017 driving experience at a meaningfully lower price. The best value is a 2017-2020 430i M Sport, which adds the aggressive body kit, sport seats, and uprated brakes. For most buyers this is the smart, low-risk pick.
3. 2015-2020 M4 (F82/F83) — S55 Twin-Turbo Six
The first-generation M4 is the performance halo. Its S55 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six makes 425 hp (or 444-454 hp in Competition and CS variants), launching to 60 mph in the low-4-second range with the seven-speed dual-clutch (DCT). It is a serious driver's car with a stiff chassis and adjustable dynamics.
Buyers should know about the S55 crank-hub concern: heavily tuned cars can slip the crank-hub, so favor stock or lightly modified examples with documented history. The 2016+ Competition Package added more power, adaptive suspension, and 20-inch wheels. A well-kept, unmodified M4 is a thrilling, increasingly collectible choice on the used market.
4. 2021-2024 M4 (G82/G83) — S58 Twin-Turbo Six
The second-generation M4 brings the modern S58 3.0L twin-turbo six, making 473 hp in base form and 503 hp in Competition trim, with available xDrive all-wheel drive for the first time in an M4. Performance is ferocious, with Competition xDrive cars hitting 60 mph in about 3.4 seconds.
The S58 is a strong, well-engineered engine without the crank-hub issue of the S55. The catch is the polarizing oversized vertical kidney grille, which divides opinion. Dynamically, though, this is the most capable M4 yet, and the optional six-speed manual on rear-drive cars appeals to purists. Pricey used, but a stunning performer.
5. 2021-2024 430i (G22/G23/G26) — B48
The second-generation 430i modernizes the formula with an updated B48 2.0L turbo four (255 hp) plus a 48-volt mild-hybrid starter-generator for smoother stop-start and a small boost. It rides on the latest CLAR platform, with a more spacious, tech-rich interior and BMW's iDrive 7/8 infotainment.
The trade-off is styling: the large vertical grille is the headline change and not to every buyer's taste. Dynamically it is comfortable and competent rather than sharp. xDrive is widely available. As a newer used buy with remaining warranty and the latest tech, a clean G22 430i is a sensible choice if the grille suits you.
6. 2021-2024 M440i (G22/G23/G26) — B58
The M440i is the six-cylinder performance variant of the second generation, carrying the proven B58 3.0L turbo six now boosted to 382 hp with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, plus standard xDrive in the US. It reaches 60 mph in about 4.3 seconds, splitting the difference between the 430i and the full M4.
The B58 remains a reliability and tuning favorite, making the M440i a compelling everyday-fast option. As with the rest of the G-series, the bold grille is the styling talking point. The interior is roomy and well-built. For buyers who want six-cylinder muscle without M4 pricing, a used M440i is a strong, broadly capable pick.
7. 2016-2020 428i/430i (N20/B48, F36 Gran Coupe)
The F36 Gran Coupe adds a fastback four-door body with a practical hatch and rear seats usable for adults. From 2017 it used the B48 2.0L turbo badged 430i; earlier 2014-2016 cars carried the N20-powered 428i. The Gran Coupe gives the most everyday practicality in the 4 Series family.
Choose a post-2017 430i Gran Coupe to get the reliable B48 and the LCI refinements. It offers the same composed ride and tidy handling as the coupe with far more usable space. xDrive is available. For buyers who want 4 Series style with real-world versatility, the refreshed Gran Coupe is an underrated, sensible pick.
8. 2014-2016 435i (F32/F33) — N55 Inline-Six
The pre-LCI 435i uses the N55 3.0L single-turbo six (300 hp), the predecessor to the B58. The N55 is a strong performer and generally dependable, though it can develop valve-cover and oil-filter-housing gasket leaks and water-pump failures with age.
These early cars lack the 2017 chassis and interior refinements and are now higher-mileage, so a careful inspection and service history matter. The upside is affordable six-cylinder pricing. A well-maintained 435i, ideally with the six-speed manual for enthusiasts, delivers satisfying straight-six pace at a budget price.
Verify cooling-system and gasket service before buying one of these earlier coupes or convertibles.
9. 2014-2016 428i (F32/F33/F36) — N20 (Caution)
The original 428i uses the N20 2.0L turbo four (240 hp), an engine that performs well but carries known concerns. Certain N20 units suffered timing-chain and chain-guide wear and oil-pump bolt/sprocket issues that, if neglected, can cause serious damage.
The engine is enjoyable and economical when healthy, but the risk makes documentation essential. Only buy a 428i with proof that timing-chain components and the oil pump were inspected or serviced. Otherwise, stepping up to a post-2017 430i with the B48, or a six-cylinder 435i, is the safer route.
Treat any N20 car as a careful, eyes-open purchase, not a worry-free one.
10. 2014-2016 428i/435i Convertible (F33)
The first-generation F33 convertible uses a retractable hardtop, giving coupe-like quietness and security when closed plus open-air motoring at the touch of a button. It came as the 428i (N20) and 435i (N55), with the six-cylinder car the more desirable.
The folding hardtop adds weight and complexity, so verify the roof mechanism cycles correctly and inspect for trunk-seal leaks and worn hydraulics. Ride and handling are slightly softer than the coupe. These convertibles are now affordable, making them an appealing way into open-top BMW ownership, provided the roof, cooling system, and engine service history all check out on inspection.
What to Watch For When Buying
- N20 timing chain (2014-2016 428i): Confirm the timing chain, guides, and oil-pump hardware were inspected or serviced. Listen for rattle on cold start and review records before committing.
- N55 cooling and gaskets (2014-2016 435i): Check for valve-cover and oil-filter-housing gasket leaks and water-pump history; budget for these on higher-mileage cars.
- S55 crank-hub (2015-2020 M4): Favor stock or lightly tuned cars with documented history; heavy tunes raise crank-hub slip risk.
- B58/B48 reliability (2017-onward): These engines are the strong picks. Still verify oil changes, and watch for minor oil-filter-housing seepage.
- Convertible roof: Cycle the retractable hardtop fully, check for leaks, and confirm hydraulics operate smoothly.
- Run-flat tires and wheels: Inspect for curb and pothole damage on low-profile setups, common on M Sport cars.
- VIN recall check: Run the VIN through BMW and NHTSA databases and confirm all recalls were completed.
How to Choose
Match the 4 Series to your priorities. For the best blend of performance, refinement, and reliability, the 2017-2020 440i with the B58 six is the answer. For the best value with low risk, a 2017-2020 430i delivers the same refined chassis with the dependable B48 four at a lower price.
Enthusiasts wanting maximum performance should target an M4, choosing a clean, unmodified F82 for value or a G82 for the latest pace and available all-wheel drive. Buyers needing practicality should look at the F36 or G26 Gran Coupe. If you love a straight-six but have a tight budget, a well-serviced 435i works; just avoid an undocumented N20 428i.
FAQ
Which BMW 4 Series years should I avoid?
Be cautious with the 2014-2016 428i using the N20 four-cylinder, which can suffer timing-chain and oil-pump issues if neglected. It is fine with documented service, but a post-2017 430i with the B48 engine, or a six-cylinder car, is the lower-risk choice.
What is the most reliable 4 Series engine?
The B58 3.0L inline-six (440i, M440i) and the B48 2.0L four (430i) introduced from 2016-2017 are widely regarded as BMW's most dependable modern turbo engines, with strong durability and large tuning headroom, and they resolved the earlier N20 timing-chain concerns.
Is the second-generation 4 Series better than the first?
The 2021-onward G-series has more power, the latest tech, and available xDrive on the M4, but its large vertical grille divides buyers. Many enthusiasts prefer the styling and value of the 2017-2020 F-series LCI cars, which share the proven B58 and B48 engines.
What is the crank-hub issue on the M4?
The first-generation M4's S55 engine can slip its crank-hub, usually on heavily tuned cars running high boost. Choosing a stock or lightly modified M4 with documented history greatly reduces the risk; the later G82's S58 engine does not share this concern.
Bottom Line
The BMW 4 Series rewards careful engine and year selection. The 2017-2020 440i with the B58 six is the best overall pick, combining refinement, pace, and proven reliability, while the 2017-2020 430i offers the best value with the dependable B48 four. Performance buyers should target a clean M4, favoring unmodified examples, and practicality seekers the Gran Coupe.
Across the range, post-2017 cars sidestep the earlier N20 timing-chain worries. Verify service history through the VIN, and the 4 Series delivers genuine driver appeal.
Sources
- BMW USA official 4 Series model history and specifications, bmwusa.com
- Wikipedia BMW 4 Series generations (F32/F33/F36, G22/G23/G26) and engines, en.wikipedia.org
- NHTSA recall and complaint database for BMW 4 Series by model year, nhtsa.gov
- Edmunds BMW 4 Series generation reviews and used-car appraisals, edmunds.com
- Kelley Blue Book BMW 4 Series used values by model year, kbb.com
- Car and Driver BMW 440i, M440i, and M4 instrumented test results, caranddriver.com