Which used BMW 4 Series should you buy?

There were a variety of engine options available for the first-generation BMW 4 Series that appeal right across the board.

Economy-conscious drivers will be best catered for by one of the frugal diesel options, although do bear in mind that the 2.0-litre engines aren’t as smooth or as refined as the larger units.

There is also a selection of petrol engines to choose from if you’re up for exchanging fuel economy for a bit more refinement.

If you want an even faster BMW 4 Series, then you also have the high-performance BMW M4 versions to consider. 

Those after wind-in-the-hair thrills are catered for by the BMW 4 Series Convertible, and potential buyers who put versatility high up their priority list will be best catered for by the five-door hatchback BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe version.

Read our full BMW 4 Series review

What used BMW 4 Series trim levels are available?

The BMW 4 Series offers a range of different spec levels. The most widely available tends to be the BMW 4 Series M Sport, so that’s the one to go for if you want the greatest possible choice.

BMW 4 Series SE

The BMW 4 Series SE was the entry-level model until it was phased out in 2017. As a result, it’s perhaps one to avoid if you want a used version with lots of bells and whistles, but that doesn’t mean it’s basic inside, as the standard spec list below illustrates. Bar the brawny petrol engine reserved for the high-performance BMW M4 models, BMW 4 Series SE versions were available with a broad range of engines.

• Cruise control
• Automatic air-conditioning
• Heated front seats
• Sat-nav
• Front and rear parking sensors

BMW 4 Series Sport

BMW 4 Series Sport models are the next step up from BMW 4 Series SE models, and, as the name suggests, it’s a specification that makes the car feel a little bit sportier, with a few additional features detailed below. 

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Sports front seats
• Redesigned instrument cluster

BMW 4 Series Modern

By and large, BMW 4 Series Modern models come with similar kit as was found on BMW 4 Series SE and BMW 4 Series Sport cars, with a handful of cosmetic updates. Engine options are identical across the board, as well. This trim was removed from sale in 2014, so used models are increasingly rare.

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Cruise control
• Heated sports front seats
• Automatic air-conditioning
• Sat-nav
• Turbine-style alloy wheels
• Gloss black interior trim

BMW 4 Series Luxury

As its trim name implies, BMW 4 Series Luxury specification is about as plush as things get on first-generation models. While it retains the same kit you’ll find on the less expensive versions, the BMW 4 Series Luxury does throw in shiny chrome and glossy trim pieces inside and out. This trim was dropped from the range in 2014.

BMW 4 Series M Sport

If the BMW 4 Series Sport trim isn’t quite racy enough for you, then a used BMW 4 Series M Sport may be more up your street. This is because this car’s performance-oriented credentials go beyond cosmetic upgrades, with an M Sport-specific suspension set-up delivering more responsive handling and less body lean when cornering. Finding a used example shouldn’t be too tricky, as this is the model most commonly available.

• Aggressive bodykit
• M Sport suspension

Is a used BMW 4 Series a good buy?

The BMW 4 Series is a classy car that acts as the sportier alternative to the BMW 3 Series.

Under the skin, both cars share a lot of parts, although the BMW 4 Series wraps them up in slinkier bodywork that helps it stand out a bit more on the road than its saloon sibling.

For many, this makes it a desirable second-hand choice.