Contact us for full library access on: 0330 0020 227 or click here

BMW 4 Series Convertible [F33] (2014 - 2020)

The independent BMW 4 Series Convertible (2014-2020) video review

This is a sample, showing 30 seconds of each section.

    OPEN FOR BUSINESS (some text hidden) SECTIONED_bmw4seriesconvertible051114

    By Jonathan Crouch

    Introductionword count: 86

    BMW's first generation 'F33'-series 4 Series Convertible persevered with the neat metal-folding roof that had been used by its direct 3 Series Convertible predecessor. This open-topped '4' aimed to offer a different option to Executive segment cabriolet buyers not already swayed by the competing charms of rival open-topped versions of the Audi A5 and Mercedes E-Class. You won't get the large boot and cutting-edge driving dynamics of the 4 Series Coupe, but compensations come in the form of refinement, security and drop-top desirability. You'd like one.

    Modelsword count: 41

    2dr Convertible (Petrol - 2.0 184hp [420i] & 252hp [430i], 6 cylinder 326hp [440i], 6 cylinder 431hp [M4] / Diesel - 2.0 190hp [420d], 3.0 6 cylinder 258hp [430d] or 313hp [435d] - trim levels SE, Sport, Luxury & M Sport)

    Historyword count: 308

    It's the thing that makes a BMW handle like a BMW should. We're talking of the brand's famous 50:50 weight distribution, something the Munich marque makes possible by the almost unique rear wheel drive configuration it applies to most of its models. But with this car, put at risk - the first generation 'F33'-series 4 Series Convertible. The reason for that is also the main reason why you might buy this car - its metal folding roof. Alone in the executive convertible segment in the 21st century's second decade, BMW continued with this arrangement, rather than the soft-top fabric roof mechanisms rivals Audi and Mercedes used. It's a unique touch that'll tempt people liking the security, refinement and pavement wow factor of a folding metal top. But the system weighs a quarter of a tonne and needed complex, heavy mechanicals that had to be very carefully positioned to get anywhere near to that perfect weight distribution we mentioned at the beginning. Still, the promise with this car was that the German engineers had managed to do just that more effectively than they did when battling with the same configuration in this model's direct predecessor, the fourth generation 'E90' vintage 3 Series Convertible. By 2014, with all Coupe and Convertible BMW models by then identified by even-numbered designations, that '3' had become this longer, lower, wider '4'. Compared to the 'E90' model, this 'F33' design was more efficient yet more powerful, 40% stiffer and offered a 4WD option, along with extra hi-tech connectivity. Rear passengers got a little more space thanks to a wheelbase increase and luggage was a bit easier to get into the restricted boot. The car was lightly facelifted and updated with various new petrol engines and suspension changes in 2017. And in that form, it sold until late-2020, when a second generation fabric-topped design arrived.

    What You Getword count: 1188

    In the 21st century's second decade, BMW alone persisted with the metal-folding roof concept in the mid-sized convertible segment, so if you prefer this 4 Series Convertible to either of its two direct rivals, Cabriolet versions of the Audi A5 and Mercedes E-Class, that's likely to be the major reason why. Sure enough, there's something very impressive about the way the three-piece retractable hard-top goes through its various machinations and the result is undeniably very sleek, even when the roof is up. It's hard though, to get too enthusiastic over a concept that BMW itself seemed uncertain about. These roof mechanicals exact quite a penalty in terms of weight, so while this 4 Series Convertible model was around 20kgs lighter than its direct 3 Series Convertible predecessor, it was still 250kgs heavier than a directly comparable 4 Series Coupe. Which is the main reason why Convertible versions of the brand's smaller 2 Series and larger 6 Series models from this era were both soft tops. We mentioned the old 3 Series Convertible: the styling here is subtly different, this replacement 'F33'-series model being longer, lower and wider - but still every inch a modern BMW. So all the Munich maker's classic cues are present and correct: short overhangs, long bonnet, set-back passenger compartment, shallow frameless side windows and signature Hofmeister kink on each C-pillar. The tick-shaped Air Breather ducts behind the wheel arches in the aluminium-crafted front wings are a nice touch too. The rear end continues the theme, emphasising this model's increased track width through prominent horizontal lines and stretched L-shaped LED taillights at the outer extremities of the car. Yes of course it'll all be more eye-catching if you get a pricier bespoilered M Sport variant here rather than a base SE model but even at the lower end of the line-up, there's enough, if not to actually get the pulse racing, then at least to get it into its overalls and helmet. Having to create a pretty shape that effortlessly swallows all the roof-work's sliding metal panels must have been quite a design challenge but here, that was reasonably well carried off, helped by the fact that like all the most modern folding hardtops, the BMW system - which takes 20 seconds to operate and can function at speeds of up to 8mph - uses three rather than two-pieces. The advantage of this is that you don't need a distended rear end on the car to accommodate the larger sections of a two-piece roof. The downside of stacking three rather than two pieces on top of each other in the boot is that when they're all folded and sandwiched together, there's not a great deal of luggage space left. With the roof up, you'll get 370-litres of cargo capacity. But fold it down and that figure falls to just 220-litres. Roof-down in the same configuration, a Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet would give you around 30% more space: an Audi A5 Cabriolet would give you around 70% more space. In defence, BMW point two things out. First, that these totals are better than they were for the old 3 Series drop-top model (which managed 350 and 210-litres). And second that there's a helpful feature by which you can press buttons on the boot lid to electrically lift or lower the folded roof panel sandwich slightly so that bags can more easily be either loaded or unloaded from the boot. Original customers were also offered an extra cost 'Interior Comfort' package that provided split-folding rear seatbacks and a ski hatch allowing you to poke through longer items into the cabin. The other thing you'll be wanting to use if you're not using the rear seats for people is the improved wind deflector - which unfortunately was also optional from new. It usefully reduces roof-down turbulence on the move and we can't imagine why anyone would buy this car without it. When not needed, it can be stored behind the rear seats to save space. But let's assume you need the two rear seats for people. Getting to them isn't the easiest task in the world and once you're seated, you'll find that the extra 50mm of wheelbase and 26mm of length this car enjoys over its 3 Series Convertible predecessor really tells, freeing up 13mm more stretching room for your lower limbs. Cup holders and a small tray are provided between the chairs. Headroom when the roof is up can be a bit tight for taller folk but otherwise, most adults will be fine in the back on all but the longest trips. And at the wheel? Well, there's a low-set driving position, a grippy three-spoke sports steering wheel and integrated retractable seatbelts handed to you (rather slowly) by a neat 'belt butler' once you get in. And, you get other thoughtful touches too. Take this issue that many convertible owners will identify with: it's a beautiful summer's day, you arrive back in the office after lunch, park the car in your reserved space and pop in for a couple of hours work - before getting into the car to drive home and promptly cremating yourself on upholstery that's hot enough to fry an egg. To avoid such embarrassment and discomfort, BMW provided standard Sun-Reflective Technology for the lovely leather upholstery you get with this car. Specialised pigments that reflect infra-red radiation are embedded into the hide. And this means that areas that are exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period remain up to 20 degrees cooler than similarly coloured but untreated leather would. Just make sure you remember the factor twenty. Beyond all of these touches, there really isn't much to set this cabin apart from that of any other compact BMW. Which is either a missed opportunity or a very good thing, depending on your point of view. Whichever camp you favour, you can't argue that the fundamental ergonomics are virtually flawless and nicely set off by the leather and high gloss black finishes. Whatever your view on that, you won't be able to fault the ergonomics, the main dials in particular a picture of clarity. Optional on this car was the Air Collar, a concept first pioneered by Mercedes, with vents below the head restraints that can massage your neck with comforting warm air on cold mornings. Otherwise, everything is as it would be in a 4 Series Coupe. As with that model, we particularly like the easy access to the climate and stereo controls that doesn't require you having to root around in submenus on an infotainment touch screen. You don't get that kind of touch functionality here - and you don't need it because BMW's iDrive system works so well, even if its screen isn't quite as well integrated into the dash layout as, say, you'll find with the Audi MMI set-up. There's an awful lot on here - from maintenance schedules and visual handbook representations to the many, varied and mainly optional functions that make up the Munich maker's ConnectedDrive system. Yet it's all very easy to find, particularly with the revised rotary controller that's part of the optional BMW Professional set-up.

    To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227

    Pictures (high res disabled)

    Scoring (subset of scores)

    Category: Convertibles

    Performance
    80%
    Handling
    80%
    Comfort
    70%
    Space
    80%
    Styling, Build, Value, Equipment, Depreciation, Handling, Insurance and Total scores are available with our full data feed.

    Client login

    Mobile
    Narrow
    Narrower
    Normal
    Wide