BMW 4 Series F33

Style, quality and in demand. If that’s what you’re looking for for yourself, premium manufacturers have a wide range of choices. So, what makes the BMW 4 Series stand out? There are a total of several body types within this number. The BMW 4 Series F32 is a coupe, the F33 is a convertible, and the F36 is a grand coupe. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at the F33. And on our website, you can read a full review about the F32.

Meet the protagonist – the BMW 4 Series cabrio.

Unlike the Audi and Mercedes-Benz alternatives, the 4 Series stands out thanks to its metal folding roof. This means the BMW is safer when parked and quieter on the move. Yes, the BMW is heavier than its competitors, but Bavaria Motors has prepared a few trump cards up its sleeve.

This is a real BMW. It copes perfectly with gaining speed, which is facilitated by the intelligent rear-wheel drive. There are also models with xDrive all-wheel drive, but only in the top-of-the-range trims. What’s impressive is the ride quality. It’s actually better than the 4 Series coupe, making the convertible very comfortable, even if you’re driving the M-Sport model.

Engine

If you’re looking for dynamic performance with very modest consumption, the 420d is the right package for you. This powertrain has impressive performance, which is combined with economy. But the best version can rightly be considered 435d. True, it’s not cheap. The price is more by 30,000 evergreens, but you buy power, torque, sound. And it’s wrapped in the perfect German BMW bodywork.

In Stuttgart are engaged in the production and gasoline engines under the fourth series. The main character that is popular is the 420i. This power unit is installed in the minimum configurations. However, he confidently pulls the car to the first hundred in 8 seconds. And all this with a fuel consumption of 7 liters in city mode. The six-cylinder 440i is the top variant of the gasoline range, although, despite the badge, it is really a 3-liter engine, although the power has increased to more than 320 horsepower.

The new BMW 435i convertible can sprint from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in just 5.6 seconds, the speed limiter prevents the engine from reaching its full potential and is limited to 260 kilometers per hour. Despite this, the average fuel consumption is 8-9 liters per 100 kilometers in mixed mode and CO2 emissions from 190 g / km. The car is even more economical when it is equipped with an optional automatic transmission with 8 speeds, providing a combined fuel consumption of only 6.5 liters per 100 km\h.

The new BMW 428i convertible features direct fuel injection, a signature trick from the company that significantly increases power while reducing fuel consumption. And the torque is impressive. In Sport mode, the automatic transmission is capable of pulling the tachometer arrow to between 5,000 and 6,500 rpm, and a maximum torque of 350 Nm is available between 1,250-4,800 rpm. This means that within 6.4 seconds, the car starts from 0 – 100 kilometers per hour, the maximum speed with electronics limitation is 250 kilometers per hour, and the average fuel consumption is only 7 liters per 100 km and CO2 emissions are only 159 g / km.

The second common model range BMW 420d is equipped with a diesel biturbo engine. Maximum power output of 184 horsepower, at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque reaching 380 Nm between 1,750-2,750 rpm. It is therefore not surprising that the car can sprint from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in just 8.2 seconds and accelerate to 243 kilometers per hour if required. Average fuel consumption is 10-11 liters per 100 kilometers and CO2 emissions are 133 g / km. With the optional eight-speed automatic transmission and ECO mode engaged, consumption drops to 9 liters per 100 kilometers and CO2 emissions to 127 g / km.

The new BMW 4 Series Convertible features a standard six-speed manual transmission. Alternatively, customers can order an automatic transmission.

Interior

The interior of the BMW 4 Series differs significantly from its competitors. If to describe the interior, it is the quality and prestige of the BMW concern. All switches and controls are made at the level of the premium segment. Cladding, multirule and console. Everything is in its places and in free accessibility for the driver. As usual, under the shift selector of the 8-speed automatic transmission, which is optionally installed on this auto, there are buttons for selecting the driving mode. Not only that, you can adjust them manually through the on-board computer. The BMW gives a feeling that other cars cannot provide. Although the price tag for this car is a bit steep when compared to its competitors.

You sit low and there are many adjustments, both the seat and the steering wheel. So even a tall driver will be comfortable sitting in this car. Despite modern innovations, Bavaria Motors left the mechanical handbrake. Contrary to popular tendencies to make it electric or pneumatic. The 4 Series BMW in convertible body is a high-tech car that nicely combines high technology with the nice mechanical little things for which fans appreciate them so much.

The trunk of the car is small, as one would expect from a convertible. However, the manufacturer has provided an opportunity to install a child seat on the navigator’s seat together. German engineers have placed Isofix points for fastening a child seat, but this process will be very laborious.

As is customary for convertibles, the BMW 4 has a number of design improvements to reduce noise levels for a quieter interior atmosphere. In addition, the sound-absorbing headliner also reduces wind noise by up to 2 dB.

The redesigned optional wind deflector is now wider on the sides, and the optional three-stage air dam provides comfortable open-air riding in cold temperatures. The wind deflector is now smaller, lighter, more efficient and easier to use. When not needed, it can be stored behind the rear seats to save space.

Electronics

BMW’s metal folding roof adds significant kilograms to an already heavy car. A fabric hood would definitely be lighter, but on the other hand – it means a high level of safety, especially during car rollovers. Not to mention less noise when the roof is raised. In fact, the 4 Series convertible feels just like a coupe with a roof, giving you the best of both worlds.

The car turns from coupe to convertible in 20-odd seconds. And at a speed of no more than 25 kilometers per hour. This means that if you get hot in dense traffic and the cars ahead of you get going, you won’t have to stand either. We keep the speed at the maximum allowable speed. All the same, rear motorists, especially in the former CIS countries, will be surprised by the mechanism and the very process of folding the roof. They will forget how to honk and will contemplate the magic.

One handy feature is the clever vents built into the seats that blow warm air onto your neck. This means you can lower the roof on a cold day and still stay warm. If you really want to.

Features

A folding roof implies a lack of trunk space. But in the BMW 4 Series, the driver gets 370 liters of usable space, even with the folding roof. That’s more than in the 3 Series convertible. Also on the 4 Series, the Germans have applied technology when the usable space in the trunk can be increased by moving the folded roof by a few centimeters. This is done using electronic and hydraulic actuators. Yes, the 4 Series is expensive. But its equipment exceeds all expectations. Starting from the stock configuration with parktronics, heated front seats, which are equipped with servo drive. Xenon headlights, a great multimedia system that sounds more expensive than the car itself. Not to mention leather upholstery and special warm air ventilation technology.  This car is worth its money.  And the choice of engines offered by the German manufacturer exceeds all expectations.

The BMW 4 Series Convertible also has ample trunk space, even when the retractable hard top is lowered. The new Convertible offers greater access to the luggage compartment, and an electrohydraulic system rotates the shelf and positions the folded hard top to ensure maximum use of the 220 liters of storage space. When the roof is up, the trunk gains a usable volume of 370 liters, 20 liters more than in the BMW 3 Series Convertible. In addition, with the optional through-loading system, a flat and horizontal storage area can be utilized when the rear seat backrest is folded down.

Technical specifications

The 420d is the optimal choice for an affordable convertible, even though it has a four-cylinder diesel engine. Contrary to the fact that the diesel doesn’t seem particularly pleasant because of its noise level, especially with the roof open, the engineers at Bavaria Motors have made it quite quiet on the move. It’s a combination of decent performance, around 400Nm of torque, and good fuel economy. Users of this 420d engine see a fuel consumption of just over 7 liters per 100 kilometers.

Even the stock version of the new BMW FZZ is equipped with a brake energy recuperation system, online traffic information, remote control of the car from the alarm panel, video systems that collect data for the system of information about current speed limits and full-fledged operation of active cruise control with Stop&Go function.

The 420d Bavaria Motors also comes with automatic high beam control, driving assistant, iDrive Touch controller, seatbelt feeder and so on.

But statistics show that the 435d is hugely popular. It costs considerably more than the 420d. But the six-cylinder 3.0-liter diesel is the best option in the 4-Series Convertible, which fully brings out this car’s flair.  It sounds good, pulls effortlessly, and offers a serious, competitive 5.2 seconds from the ground to 100 kilometers per hour.

It also comes with xDrive all-wheel drive technology, which is not available on the 420d Convertible, but is present on the 420d Coupe and Gran Coupe. This is a great option as it has more traction and serious confidence, especially in the wet. In addition, the 435d has a healthy 630 Nm of torque.

If you don’t pay attention to fuel consumption and are used to BMWs having to be gasoline-powered like in the good old nineties, opt for these versions.  The 420i is the entry-level version and the cheapest in the range, although it still tops 70,000 evergreen Franklins. It’s a docile, responsive and enjoyable engine to drive, though sometimes it needs to get some serious revs, in the neighborhood of 4-5k, to get serious performance.

Despite the 428i badge, this model uses the same engine but with an increase in power to 245 horsepower. The engine was later replaced by the 430i model. This is essentially the same, but with power now up to 252 horsepower. However, touchless trunk lid opening, adaptive LED headlights and suspension, Professional navigation system and parking assistant are present here.

The 435i was originally a big six-cylinder diesel, but engineers from Germany took on the task of modifying it. Then the improved powertrain was put on the 440i. It has a total output of 326 horsepower, and the sound pleases the driver and makes people outside the car marvel.

Driving

The driving experience of the BMW 4 Series is superb. Numerous reviews from owners of the 4 Series Convertible speak about this – it’s everything you’d expect from a sporty BMW. What is surprising is that even the small engines in the package provide good performance. All this gives an unforgettable driving experience. BMW cars have a distinctive driving style. You won’t find that in an Audi or Mercedes.

Steering is balanced, minimal body rolls are present, but they are solved by the Sport suspension mode, which gives more control. The steering wheel reacts more confidently and clearly to movements, and the car dives into corners equally well both at high and low speeds. What is commonplace for BMWs is a concern for others. You can calmly rearrange, play “checkers”, diving from row to row, and the car will only support your endeavors. Standard smart rear-wheel drive gives you a mountain and a small cartload of grip, and ESP will always come to the rescue where the rear of the car goes sideways. And if you don’t need the assistants, the mode on the Sport+ box will disable all the assistants. And now you are alone with the car and the road.

Convertibles handle poorly and behave like jellybeans on the road. Fair enough, because there are no rigid struts. But the four from BMW in a body F33 feels on the road practically the same as a coupe. Not only that, driving feels softer and more comfortable. No, it does not mean that coupe is like a cart on springs. We have written a separate material about comfort of a coupe. But convertible is a little softer and still differs from F32.

The roof of the cabriolet is rigid. The engineers from Stuttgart have used their best efforts to develop a unique shape. Thanks to the successful solution, there is very little wind on the move. You can have a half-whispered conversation with the person next to you, even at speeds of more than 100 kilometers per hour.

The range of engines in the BMW Convertible offers buyers economical options in the form of the 420d. Low fuel consumption, paired with good torque and dynamics to the big six-cylinder gasoline in the 440i. If you’re looking for high performance, the Germans and tuning ateliers across the board are ready to turn your four into the aggressive M Performance four we reviewed. But only in a coupe body.

Difference between restyling and prerestyling

The 4 Series convertible is more expensive than the 3 Series it replaces. But as befits a true receiver, it’s richer in equipment. At the BMW factory, engineers made sure that even in the stock configuration to put such amenities as parktronic, heated and servo-driven front seats, xenon headlights, multimedia and leather upholstery Dakota.

This car has a sophisticated yet aggressive design. Everything is in its place. Adding to the glamor is the metal folding roof of the 4 Series Convertible. This car is equipped with a productive and powerful range of modern engines.

The BMW 4 Series Convertible features a folding metal roof that can be raised or lowered in just 20 seconds and at speeds of up to 25 kilometers per hour. The optional wind deflector can now be stored behind the seats when not in use, and the new Air Collar system blows warm air around the necks of the front seats for open-air driving on cooler days.

The three-piece metal roof of the new BMW 4 Series Convertible means that passengers can enjoy a warm, quiet, cozy cockpit regardless of the weather outside. A simple push of a button transforms the dynamic coupe into an elegant convertible in just 20 seconds and the great thing is that this can be done on the move when the car is traveling at speeds of up to 25 kilometers per hour.

For control lovers, BMW has introduced an all-wheel drive xDrive variant that gives you better traction. And the difference is seriously noticeable in wet or snowy weather. The car holds the road like a streetcar holds the tracks. You pay more and get a premium level of control. And now we add technical solutions and insulation from the “outside world” with a metal roof. This allows you to operate the car in the winter season.

The new bmw 4 series convertible will offer a significantly higher standard stuffing, compared, with the third configuration. The 4 Series comes standard with front and rear parking sensors, heated front seats, servo drive, a sporty multifunction leather steering wheel and xenon headlights. A top-of-the-line multimedia system, Dakota leather upholstery with SunReflective technology, dual-zone air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth, USB, Comfort Go, drive performance control, iDrive Controller and a 6.5-inch color screen.

Generations and configurations

1 generation – restyled

1 generation

03.2014 – 10.2016