• All engines are very efficient
• Unlimited mileage warranty
• As dependable as the 3 Series

What are the running costs?

There are too many BMW 4 Series models to detail here what they all cost to run. Instead, you can find the full details for every model on our specs pages. But here’s a broad outline.

The current 4 Series engine range amounts to just two choices: the 420i and M440i. The 420i is capable of average fuel economy of 44.8mpg, according to the official WLTP figures, while the M440i can do 36.2mpg. Our experience shows the 420i can breach 40mpg if you drive relatively carefully, while the M440i will get well into the thirties. The discontinued 430i split the difference at 42.2mpg.

Diesel versions of the 4 Series have been dropped, as well, but they remain by far the efficient option. The 420d can do as much as 60.1mpg on the WLTP cycle, the 430d is capable of 52.3mpg and the M440d can reach 47.9mpg. Again, our experience shows that 50mpg-plus is easily achieved in the 420d and the 430d and M440d can comfortably get into the forties.

CO2 emissions are still relevant for the vehicle excise duty you pay when buying a car new. The 420i emits up to 161g/km, which isn’t too much of a hit to the wallet, but there’s a fairly hefty penalty to pay for the M440i’s 194g/km. Also bear in mind that pretty much any used 4 Series will have cost more than £40,000 new and so be liable for an extra annual VED charge until it’s six years old.

Servicing and warranty

BMW pioneered fixed-price service plans whereby you can pay for maintenance up front to help spread the cost. Which is useful, as BMW service centres aren’t exactly cheap otherwise. BMW tries to make the process as convenient as possible, a basic interim service taking just 90 minutes.

As with all BMWs, the 4 Series’ service intervals are determined by the car’s on-board computers that monitor its health to calculate when one will be needed. And there’s a comprehensive array of warning messages should anything wear out or stop working. You get a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty; extended warranties are available from BMW at extra cost.

Reliability

• 4 Series matches 3 Series’ record
• Though BMW does have some issues
• Two recalls issued

The 4 Series is essentially a 3 Series in sportswear and that’s a good thing for reliability. The 3 Series is very highly rated in that regard, often coming at or near the top of the Fleet News FN50 reliability survey, which is taken by company car fleet managers. That provides some reassurance in the face of the BMW brand’s often fairly poor performance in some customer satisfaction surveys.

We’ve not heard any horror stories from 4 Series owners, nor have we experienced any issues with ones we’ve tested. Two recalls have been issued, but affected cars should have long-since had rectification work carried out. You can find the full details on the government’s vehicle recall check website.

If you’re looking at a used 4 Series, check the service history and/or call a dealer to find out if any recall work has been done. Outstanding recalls are now listed on a car’s MOT certificate.