Best BMW 4 Series Model Years (Ranked) in 2027

1. 2017-2020 BMW 440i

The 2017-2020 440i ranks first because its B58 3.0L turbo inline-six delivers 320 hp and 330 lb-ft, propelling it to 60 mph in roughly 4.7 seconds. This engine is renowned for its closed-deck block and integrated exhaust manifold, making it exceptionally durable and tune-tolerant. The LCI refresh also brought revised steering calibration and retuned dampers, sharpening the chassis.

This is the pick for enthusiasts who want a genuine straight-six experience without the maintenance anxiety of earlier engines. It trades away the fuel economy and lower insurance costs of the 430i, but delivers a dramatically more rewarding driving experience. Compared to the 430i below it, the 440i offers 72 more horsepower and a full second faster sprint to 60. It is the car people keep for years, holding resale value better than any other non-M 4 Series.

2. 2017-2020 BMW 430i

The 2017-2020 430i ranks second as the best-value pick, pairing the dependable B48 2.0L four-cylinder with the same LCI chassis improvements as the 440i. Its 248 hp and 258 lb-ft achieve 60 mph in roughly 5.5 seconds, which is quicker than most drivers need. The B48 has no signature failure mode, unlike the N20 it replaced, making it a low-risk ownership proposition.

This car is for the pragmatic buyer who prioritizes lower running costs, including cheaper fuel, insurance, and tires. It trades away the sound and power of the straight-six, but in return offers a more balanced daily driver. Compared to the 440i above it, the 430i is significantly cheaper to buy and own, while still delivering the same chassis excellence.

3. 2021-2024 BMW M440i

The 2021-2024 M440i ranks third because its B58 engine now produces 382 hp with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, reaching 60 mph in about 4.3 seconds. This second-generation car offers standard xDrive in the US market, providing superior all-weather traction. It features the latest iDrive technology and a more spacious, insulated cabin than its predecessor. The mild-hybrid system smooths start-stop operation and adds a small efficiency benefit.

This is the pick for buyers who want modern tech, remaining warranty coverage, and all-weather capability in one package. It trades away some of the first-generation car's lighter, more direct feel for added comfort and refinement. Compared to the 2017-2020 440i above it, the M440i is heavier and more isolated, though its extra power compensates in a straight line.

4. 2021-2024 BMW 430i

The 2021-2024 430i ranks fourth, offering the B48 four-cylinder with 255 hp thanks to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It is the most efficient and technologically advanced four-cylinder 4 Series, with the latest iDrive and available driver-assistance features. The G-series chassis is more comfortable and insulated than the F32, making it an excellent grand tourer. It shares the same modern interior and spaciousness as the M440i, minus the six-cylinder power.

This car is for buyers who want a new, tech-rich coupe with low running costs and a comfortable ride. It trades away the engaging, lighter feel of the 2017-2020 models for a more isolated and heavier experience. Compared to the M440i above it, the 430i is significantly cheaper and more economical, though it lacks the B58's performance. The styling is the same polarizing factor, so buyers should be comfortable with the large grille before committing.

5. 2015-2020 BMW M4

The 2015-2020 M4 ranks fifth, powered by the S55 twin-turbo 3.0L making 425 hp, or 444-454 hp in Competition and CS forms. It is a sharper, harder, and more demanding car than any 440i, with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and track-focused dynamics. The F82 chassis is lighter and more direct than the G-series M4, offering a purer driving experience.

This car is for the driving purist who prioritizes engagement and is willing to accept a firmer ride. It trades away modern technology and comfort for a more raw, analog feel. Compared to the 2021-2024 M4 below, it carries the well-documented crank-hub concern, especially on tuned examples. Buyers must seek a stock, well-documented example with continuous service history to mitigate this risk.

6. 2021-2024 BMW M4

The 2021-2024 M4 ranks sixth, using the S58 engine that produces 473 hp, or 503 hp in Competition form. It is the fastest and most capable 4 Series ever made, with optional xDrive and a six-speed manual available on rear-drive models. The S58 does not carry the same crank-hub reputation as its predecessor, making it a more reliable performance choice. Competition xDrive models reach 60 mph in roughly 3.4 seconds, rivaling supercars.

This car is for buyers who want maximum performance with modern daily usability and warranty coverage. It trades away the lighter feel of the F82 for a heavier, more insulated, but more powerful package. Compared to the 2015-2020 M4 above it, it is significantly faster and more reliable, but also more polarizing to look at. The enlarged grille and increased weight are the primary compromises for its immense capability.

7. 2014-2016 BMW 435i

The 2014-2016 435i ranks seventh, powered by the N55 single-turbo 3.0L making 300 hp and 300 lb-ft. It is the best pre-LCI choice because its failure modes are predictable gasket and water-pump wear, which can be inspected and budgeted for. The N55 is a good engine with an aging-parts profile, but it avoids the catastrophic timing-chain issues of the N20 four-cylinder.

This car is for budget-conscious buyers who want a six-cylinder BMW and are willing to manage deferred maintenance. It trades away the B58's durability and the LCI's chassis improvements for a lower purchase price. Compared to the 2017-2020 440i above it, the 435i is slower and less reliable, requiring a pre-purchase inspection focused on gaskets and cooling. It is a viable option only with documented service history and priced accordingly.

8. 2014-2016 BMW 428i

The 2014-2016 428i ranks eighth because its N20 2.0L four-cylinder carries a documented timing-chain and chain-guide wear risk. When these components fail, the repair bill can exceed the car's value, making it a gamble. The 240 hp and 255 lb-ft are adequate, but the engine's reliability concerns overshadow its economy. This is the only 4 Series that should be approached with significant caution and paperwork demands.

This car is only for buyers with a very tight budget who can obtain proof that the timing chain, guides, and oil-pump hardware were inspected or replaced. It trades away peace of mind for the lowest entry price into the 4 Series lineup. Compared to the 435i above it, the 428i is more economical but carries a far more severe failure risk. Without documented N20 service, this purchase should be avoided entirely.

9. 2017-2020 BMW 440i Gran Coupe

The 2017-2020 440i Gran Coupe ranks ninth, offering the same B58 engine and LCI improvements as the coupe, but in a four-door fastback body with a hatch opening. It is the only 4 Series that works as a sole household car, with genuinely usable rear seats and versatile cargo access. The Gran Coupe gives up a little rigidity and style purity, but gains significant practicality.

This car is for buyers who need the B58's performance but require four doors and a hatch for daily life. It trades away the purest coupe shape for real-world utility. Compared to the 2017-2020 440i coupe above it, it is slightly heavier and less stylish, but far more practical. It is the sleeper pick of the range for families who refuse to compromise on driving enjoyment.

10. 2017-2020 BMW 430i Gran Coupe

The 2017-2020 430i Gran Coupe ranks tenth, combining the dependable B48 four-cylinder with the versatile four-door fastback body. It delivers 248 hp and 258 lb-ft, achieving 60 mph in roughly 5.5 seconds, which is plenty for real-world driving. The hatch opening and usable rear seats make it the most practical non-M 4 Series available. It shares the same LCI chassis and interior upgrades as its six-cylinder sibling.

This car is for practical buyers who want the 4 Series experience with maximum utility and minimal running costs. It trades away the B58's power for superior fuel economy and lower insurance premiums. Compared to the 440i Gran Coupe above it, it is significantly cheaper to buy and maintain, making it an excellent value. It is the ideal choice for a single-car household that prioritizes efficiency without sacrificing the 4 Series' driving dynamics.

How we ranked these

We ranked 4 Series model years by weighting engine reliability (35%), chassis and steering feel (25%), interior quality and tech (20%), ownership costs (10%), and resale stability (10%). The 2017-2020 LCI cars scored highest because the B48/B58 engines eliminated the N20's timing-chain risk and the N55's aging-gasket profile, while the refreshed suspension and cabin lifted everyday livability.

We deliberately ignored subjective styling preferences, particularly the G-series grille controversy, because taste cannot be quantified fairly across a broad audience. We also excluded track-performance metrics like lap times and skidpad numbers, since they rarely influence real-world buying decisions. Finally, we did not factor in dealer incentives or regional pricing variations, as those fluctuate too quickly to inform a durable year-by-year ranking.

What to look for

What actually matters is the engine generation more than the model year. The 2017-2020 LCI cars with B48/B58 engines are the sweet spot: they avoid the N20 timing-chain and N55 gasket issues, and they benefit from the chassis and interior upgrades. If you want a six-cylinder, the 440i is the clear pick; if you want value, the 430i delivers 90% of the experience for less.

For the M4, prioritize a stock, documented example over the more powerful Competition or CS trims, as the crank-hub risk scales with torque.

The mistake most buyers make is chasing the newest or most powerful model without considering ownership costs and reliability history. They buy a 2021-2024 M440i for the tech and warranty, then find it heavier and more isolated than the older 440i they could have bought for less. Or they grab a cheap 2014-2016 428i without checking the timing chain, and end up with a repair bill exceeding the car's value.

Always get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent BMW specialist and verify service records before committing.

Related questions

Is the 4 Series just a two-door 3 Series?

Mechanically, largely yes—shared platform, engines, and transmissions. The 4 Series gets a wider track, lower roofline, and stiffer default suspension tuning, so it feels slightly more planted. The Gran Coupe blurs the line further by adding four doors and a hatch.

Does the B58 really need less maintenance than the N55?

Not less routine maintenance—the same oil and cooling service applies. The difference is fewer age-related failure points. The N55's gasket and water-pump wear pattern is well documented; the B58 has no comparable signature issue at typical used-market mileage.

Should I worry about the S55 crank hub on a stock M4?

Far less than on a tuned one. The concern scales with torque, so stock and lightly modified cars see it rarely. The practical rule: buy documented history, avoid cars with removed or unexplained aftermarket hardware, and treat a big-power tune as a reason to walk.

Is the Gran Coupe a compromise or an upgrade?

Depends on your use case. It gives up a little rigidity and a little style purity, and gains a hatch opening plus rear seats adults can actually use. For a household running one car, it's an upgrade. For a weekend car, the coupe is the better choice.

How much does the G-series grille affect resale?

It's a real factor in enthusiast demand, though styling preference shifts over time and the G-series cars are still relatively new on the used market. Treat it as a personal-taste decision first; if you dislike it now, you'll dislike it in year four.

What is the best 4 Series for winter driving?

Any 2017-2020 model with xDrive, especially the 440i xDrive. The B58's torque and the ZF eight-speed make it a confident all-season car. The xDrive system adds weight and a small efficiency penalty but transforms cold-climate usability. In dry climates, rear-drive is more rewarding.

Are 4 Series convertibles reliable?

Drivetrains are identical to coupes, so engine reliability is the same. The difference is the roof. The F33's retractable hardtop has hydraulics and seals that can leak or fail with age. Always cycle the roof fully, check trunk seals, and listen for hesitation or noise.

FAQ

Which BMW 4 Series model year is the most reliable?

The 2017-2020 cars, and among them the B58-powered 440i. The 2017 LCI update brought both revised chassis tuning and the modular B-series engines, replacing the N20 four with the B48 and the N55 six with the B58. The B58 in particular has a strong durability record and generous engineering margin.

Which years should I avoid?

Be most cautious with 2014-2015 N20-powered 428i cars, where timing-chain, chain-guide, and oil-pump hardware wear can cause serious engine damage if neglected. They aren't automatically bad buys, but they require documented proof that those components were inspected or serviced. Also approach heavily tuned S55 M4s carefully given the crank-hub concern.

What's the best-value 4 Series?

A 2017-2020 430i, ideally in M Sport trim. It has the same LCI chassis and interior improvements as the 440i, the dependable B48 four, meaningfully lower fuel, insurance, and consumables costs, and a used price well under the six-cylinder cars. Roughly 5.5 seconds to 60 is quick enough for real-world driving.

How does the second generation compare to the first?

The 2021-2024 G-series cars are more spacious, better equipped, and technologically newer, with iDrive 7/8 and available xDrive across most of the range. They're also heavier and more insulated. The first-generation F32/F33/F36 is often preferred by enthusiasts for its more conventional styling and lighter feel.

Are the convertibles less reliable than the coupes?

The drivetrains are identical, so engine and transmission reliability doesn't change. The difference is the roof. The first-generation F33 uses a retractable hardtop with hydraulics and multiple seals—components that can leak or fail with age and that get expensive when they do. Always cycle the roof fully through open and close.

What should I check before buying any used 4 Series?

Complete service records above everything else, especially oil-change intervals and, on N20 cars, timing-chain work. Run the VIN through BMW and NHTSA recall databases. Get an engine-specific pre-purchase inspection from an independent BMW specialist. Check for undisclosed modifications on any six-cylinder car. Test every electronic system including iDrive.

Is the 440i worth the extra cost over the 430i?

For most enthusiasts, yes. The 440i's B58 delivers 72 more horsepower and nearly a second quicker to 60, which is a genuinely different feel, not just a spec-sheet difference. It also holds resale value better. But the 430i is cheaper to insure, fuel, and tire, and is quicker than most drivers need.

What is the S55 crank-hub issue on the M4?

The S55's crank hub is press-fit and can slip under high torque, especially on heavily tuned cars, causing catastrophic timing issues. Stock or lightly modified M4s rarely see it. The practical rule: buy documented history, avoid cars with removed aftermarket hardware, and treat a big-power tune as a reason to walk.

Should I buy a 2021-2024 M440i or a 2017-2020 440i?

The M440i is the smarter all-round purchase if you value tech, warranty, and modern driver assistance. It makes 382 hp, does 0-60 in about 4.3 seconds, and has standard xDrive in the US. The 440i is lighter and more engaging, but older and with more miles for the same money.

Sources

• https://www.bmwusa.com/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_4_Series
• https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
• https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/4-series/
• https://www.kbb.com/bmw/4-series/
• https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/4-series
• https://www.motortrend.com/cars/bmw/4-series/
• https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/bmw/4-series/

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