Help! Im looking to buy a second hand 4 series. Is this a good idea or not?

[Phantasma]

What should I look for in specific before b[/b]uying?

 

[MSB135]

What should I look for in specific before b[/b]uying?

Depends on model and price range i guess

 

[Phantasma]

What should I look for in specific before b[/b]uying?

Depends on model and price range i guess

It needs to be anything but the 435i. However I don't know at what mileage these cars start having issues

 

[tman]

What should I look for in specific before b[/b]uying?

We will need a little more info before anyone can give you an educated opinion. You might as well say: "Hi guys, i want to buy a horse with 4 legs, is it a good idea?"

Whats your budget, what model are you looking at? Are you considering to buy one with MP left? How many KM's do you drive per year? Etc etc etc

 

[streetglow]

:ty:

 

[Phantasma]

What should I look for in specific before b[/b]uying?

We will need a little more info before anyone can give you an educated opinion. You might as well say: "Hi guys, i want to buy a horse with 4 legs, is it a good idea?"

Whats your budget, what model are you looking at? Are you considering to buy one with MP left? How many KM's do you drive per year? Etc etc etc

Sorry for that. My budget is 450k preferably the 420d or 428i(2015). I drive around 5-7000km a year. I would like one with MP left as well

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Unless you plan on buying one with very high kms for its age, all of the 4 series vehicles will still have a remainder of MP.

As to why a 4 series might be a "bad" idea:

1. Limited second hand stock/choice. You will find way more F30s compared to F32/33/36 on the second hand floors/classifieds.
2. Less practical (for carrying rear passengers) than the F30, unless you consider the F36 GC (which has less headroom in the rear compared to the F30)
3. Limited market when it comes to resale, especially if you want to sell it privately (not do a trade in), if that's something that concerns you.
4. It's more expensive than the equivalent model (engine) F30, but the 4 series does have some standard features which are optional on the F30, like Xenon lights.

Depending on your requirements, I would also look at the 2 series.

I'm not aware of any mayor issues with the N55 engines, which were used in various other models, not just the 4 series. From what I've read on various forums, it's more reliable than the N54.
Please elaborate on what issues you are referring to.

See I'm not technical with cars but I meant issues that would lead to very expensive repairs in the near future. Do you think the 2 series is a better choice?

 

[TBP88]

2 Series is smaller and if you're largely going to just rock 1 or 2 people in the car it'll be more sensible than the 4 as it's lighter and so on.

435 uses the same engine as the 335, 135, 235 etc. etc. As mentioned above my reading suggests that this engine (N55) is very strong stock and reliable, but offers less upside if you plan on modifications than the previous designation of the same engine (N54)...

 

[Dion-ZN]

What should I look for in specific before b[/b]uying?

for your budget- you will get something. just shop around, check history with BMW, and you good.
good luck:clapper:

 

[Woodies]

If power/speed not your thing I would rather go for 428i over 235i. Like some guys have said above you get a lot more in the 4 series. I personally just find the 4 series has gotten too big, but I think the interior is a lot nicer than the 2 series.
4 series lower model = less speed, more creature comforts etc
2 series higher model = more speed, more fun to drive.

Go drive them both and decide. Your budget will get you in either one and with a good portion of MP.

 

[Phantasma]

As stated, I am not aware of any widely reported horror stories on the N55 engine, like the N63, but browse a couple of international forums for your own research/peace of mind. As stated, the car should still be under MP, so any issues "in the near future" will be covered under MP.

As for the 2 series being a better choice?
Depends on your requirements. It's slightly smaller than the 4 series, which might be an issue if you regularly carry passengers in the back (which should probably eliminate going for a coupe in the first place), but it's lighter and therefore a bit sportier. You can also get more engine for your money - you can get into a M235i for 428i money, for example. There are some options that are available on the 4 that isn't offered on the 2 though, like HUD and Surround View and the 2 has less standard spec - cloth seats instead of leather on the lower models, for example.
If you are looking at a convertible, the 4 is a hard top while the 2 has a cloth roof and neck warmers are available on the 4, but not on the 2.
If none of the above puts you off of the 2, I'd suggest you try and test drive both the 2 and 4.

Thanks raise:

 

[JG_RSA]

The 2 is actually not drastically smaller than the 4.
Here's a comparison between the 230i and 430i.
Keep in mind that second hand, you will be looking at the 228i vs 428i (or M235i vs 435i). Dimensions stay the same though. GVM is dependent on engine and transmission.

 

[Woodies]

The 2 is actually not drastically smaller than the 4.
Here's a comparison between the 230i and 430i.
Keep in mind that second hand, you will be looking at the 228i vs 428i (or M235i vs 435i). Dimensions stay the same though. GVM is dependent on engine and transmission.

Yeah its weird, when you look at the actual numbers they seem irrelevant. But the 2 series just "feels" smaller. Same kind of thing when you compare the e92 m3 to the e46.
Thanks for the great info.
BTW - What are the 230 and 430's now? are they replacing 228 and 428's. BMW's naming conventions suck! So 2litre turbo's that are like 3l NA engines and the 240 is like a 4l NA engine..............

 

[Phantasma]

^
Agreed, the 2 does feel nimbler, IMHO. Even though I have two 4's, I kinda prefer the looks of the F22 coupe too. I prefer the hard top of the 4 though.

The 430i (B48 engine) replaces the 428i (N20) and 440i (B58) replaces the 435i (N55).

What do you think of the colour combo?

 

[Phantasma]

I've always been a fan of Estoril Blue II.
Note that it's exclusive to the M Sport package.

One of my favorite combos is the Superman - EB + Coral Red interior. It can be a bit OTT for some people though.
A friend of mine has a car similar to the one below (RHD of course).

Not loving the all black wheels, but that's a personal preference.

I'm the total opposite. Big fan of the all black rims:rollsmile:

 

[Phantasma]

As stated, it's a personal preference.
I don't mind a darker wheel, but not all black with no contrast.
I like the Ferric Grey style 461's on the F22.
I'm not sure if the wheel on the car in post #16 is all black or if it just looks like that in the photo.

I had some reservations about the 437's, but with the darker colour and CCBs (no brake dust) they hardly ever need cleaning. :joy:
Depending on the light/photo they can also appear to be all black, which they aren't.

How much do the 461''s go for?