BMW 430i (4 Series Coupe) review & buyer's guide | Auto Expert John Cadogan
Вставка
- Опубліковано 11 січ 2021
- If you’re in that terrible position - you’ve got a hundred grand in used, unmarked, non-sequential bills, and you need to dispose of it hurriedly … perhaps the BMW 430i could help you out with that.
Podcast (audio-only version, for listening in the car, etc.): anchor.fm/autoexpert
Save thousands on any new car (Australia-only): autoexpert.com.au/contact
AutoExpert discount roadside assistance package:
247roadservices.com.au/autoex...
Did you like this report? You can help support the channel, securely via PayPal: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
The grille could be a confidence trick, right? Like, the Emperor’s New Grille. Perhaps it’s a mass psychology experiment, designed to test the limits of human attraction.
Anyway - that 430i is an awesome car to drive - in part because it exists in that rare sweet spot between being too hard-edged and performance-oriented to live with daily, and too soft and luxurious to have a real crack in, occasionally.
You can really throw it around. It’s extremely balanced and responsive, but it doesn’t feel like 12 rounds with Madam Lash when you’re just getting from A to B in traffic with everyone else. So, that’s nice.
Just to detain you with the range, and decompiling its DNA: The base model 420i is about $70k, plus on-roads. It’s $19,000-ish more for the 430i that I spent a week test-driving. And it’s another $28k to step up from the 430 to the range topping M 440i xDrive.
Don’t get me wrong here: The 420i is not ‘poverty’ - all 4 Series vehicles get an M Sport body kit and 19-inch alloys. There’s a wireless charging pad for your phone, and faux leather plus alcantara in the 420. 12.3-inch flatscreen instrument cluster. 10.5-inch multimedia screen - nicely integrated - plus voice commands and wireless Apple and Android phone apps.
Wireless. Yesssssss!
However, the powertrain in the 420i … while it’s essentially the same as the 430i, inasmuch as it’s a 2.0-litre turbo four, with an eight-speed auto and rear drive … the engine in the 420 is significantly de-tuned.
It’s pumping out just 135kW and 300Nm, which is good for about 7.5 seconds to 100 - not totally disgraceful, but just for perspective, the dude next to you at a red light, in his Kia Cerato GT, costing half as much … he’s gunna carve you up.
This frown of 420i straight-line mediocrity is of course turned completely upside-down in the 430i, which ups the performance ante to 190kW and 400Nm. Meaning, you’ll definitely consign Cerato-boy to the rear-view mirror if push comes to shove.
With the 430i you also get a clever adaptive damper system, keyless entry, a surround view camera system, and adaptive cruise control.
And of course if you have cash to burn, the M 440i xDrive is quite nice indeed. You get sunroof, premium audio … stuff like that. You also get (standard) those miraculous Laser headlamps.
With the 440i, you also get xDrive, which is BMW-speak for all-wheel drive. It’s hugely rear-drive biased, in line with BMW’s core sporty driving ethos, but I guess the big trick there is its latent ability to engage the front drive to drag you the hell out of a bend if you drive one day as if late for an important job interview after knocking over a bank…
Of course, a certifiably insane M4 is also in the wings, and it’s hard not to cherish the underlying excess at the core of every M car.
Incidentally, the M 440i xDrive gets a straight six with 285 kW and 500 Nm - and if there’s one thing BMW has done brilliantly since approximately the age of the dinosaurs, it’s straight sixes. - Авто та транспорт
BMW finally did what SAAB was doing for decades - placing the ignition switch on the center console.
John?... this is probably the best car review I have seen in a very long time from anybody, well done, I thoroughly enjoyed it, thank you.
Great work John.
I just ordered a X3 30i based on this review.
You are so right about the customer service. My 330i door seal split when I shut the door with the seat belt clasp in the way - replaced under warranty, no questions asked. Part ordered from Sydney and arrived two days later, installed while I waited at showroom. If the motor is similar to the 330i it is bloody awesome.
That front grill looks like it belongs in an Angry Birds game!
Just love watching your reviews over here in little Brexitville..Previously stayed away from buying BMW because of not wanting to be seen as a badge snob. What a dxxk I was! We bought the very last 140i to be sold in the UK from our local main dealer,and boy what a motor.Also have noticed that the dealer experience is superior to other manufacturers.It’s the little things that make a difference!
Thanks John, nice to see an exciting review. It's the most exciting since your excellent Lexus 350 review, incidentally maybe you will review the new 2021 is350 from Lexus in the future. Many thanks.
Spot on about the brakes. The auto-on/off makes me nuts so I usually go sport mode. But the positives listed are entirely correct. The 430i is incredibly fun, yet practical, car to drive. I really enjoyed this review and it is a good evaluation. I love the look of the car. It is distinctive. I am very happy with it.
I own a m340i and it’s faaarken awesome. Have a great day👍🏻
also, Im an owner of a f30 320d 2012 bmw sport line, "# Sport mode" LOVE MY CAR, Thanks John for all your videos, I really learn a shit load in every damn video, very educational and extremely funny.
Gotta love the Old Pac. Fantastic bit of ribbon.
Hi John. We have a M340 x drive new 3 series. Such a cracking car. Goes like stink, comfortable and great looking car. Bmw straight 6 is the real BMW to have it’s just a bmw thing. Love your reviews keep up the good work👍
I had the same braking issues on my then brand new X1 M sport. (2016). Took several thousand miles before it calmed down, all good now though. Great review btw!..
You hit it in one dude. I have been a BMW owner since the 1980’s and find the cars and SUV’s extremely drivable and reliable. Very pretty as well.
We recently looked at their latest offerings and could not stomach “that grille” so we found ourselves entering a Porsche dealership and purchasing one of their offerings instead.
We will see if the experience is similar over time and not just smoke and mirrors. One blip from Porsche and we will be back to BMW in a heartbeat.
As a side note, I would be more than interested if you conducted a review on Porsche’s biggest seller/saviour the Macan.
Hello John, I was watching your lemon list The top 20 worst cars to buy in 2019 . This is the 2nd time or 3rd time I watched it, I think it is time you made a new update as it is now 2021 and I need the amusement of how you call it as it is and seeing the trolls going bananas!
YAY, a review of the new BMW Beaver Coupe...
Nice review and great mic, it's like you were in a studio 👍🏾
I think you'll agree (coughs and splutters) ... That this car is expensive :)
Yeah - but all premium products are expensive.
Interesting - I actually thought the audio sounded weird - it has a strange reverberation. Overdone noise cancellation or something? No problems with intelligibility though.
I have a 2016 M135i 5 Door and love it. I have had it since new and I am still very satisfied with it and its coming on five years. I just like driving it and every time I get back behind the wheel, all other urges for other sporty cars just leaves my mind.
I haven't had any major issues with the car and the dealership provides great service. As far as I can tell from reading a lot of forums, reports and news online, the newer inline 6's (N55, B58) seem to be very reliable and stout engines.
As much as I really like my choice of ageing BMW, I have had a a few loaners such as the 2020 330i sedan, and the newer ones feel 'big' and more 'boaty' than old. The new interiors are fabulous, better than ever and feel way more luxurious than old, but I prefer the size and driving dynamics of the F and E series.
I can't help but feel there has been a bit of price creep with newer BMW's too. I think $100k for 3 and 4 series models is a lot to ask when you got the likes of the Koreans coming to the party with the Kia Stinger for 2/3 the price.
John, please keep these videos reviews coming in - especially for this type of car!
The fat wheel and big grille divides opinion, but I can confirm the BMW customer care and above average reliability in the UK. Nothings really gone wrong on 8 bmw/minis I've had and it has its been quickly put right even when out of warranty as goodwill.
Electric Jesus could do with some lessons from BMW, with an average repair time of 5.4 days and 80% chance of breaking down after three years of ownership (source Which? Consumers guide)
Another awesome review. Love your work!
Nah - it's crap. Admit it.
@@AutoExpertJC well I guess it’s not as good when you changed my whole perspective on Tesla with that mini series. Best thing on UA-cam!
@@comedyandparodychannel4793 Seriously - thank you for watching.
I absolutely love my E93 335i, 10 years on and I still look back at it every time I park it
Daniel, same here with my F30 328i. After almost 8 years, it is an absolute pleasure to drive and (can) go like a rocket in “sport” and manual shift. And I still look back every time I park it too!
To make sure it didn't roll away? 🤣
Great review, positive too...and honest😎👏🇺🇸
Your shtick never gets old lol love it
Wow, a BMW review! My wife has a 2017 X1, which has been pretty good. I was informed after it's last service, it needed an engine mount replaced ( this with 35,000km on it!). Without asking ( as its's out of warranty), the service advisor stated they'd be asking for a goodwill repair- which was granted in 24h. The only surprise was a bill for $13 as ' they only cover the cost of parts >$30'. Oh well. So, my warranty experience has been good. I still think an engine mount might last a bit longer.....I'll stick to my Abarth 595! I feel BMW are a good ownership proposition for the warranty period, then strongly consider moving it on. Replacing laser headlights....wouldn't want to know the cost.Well, I would actually.
They are pretty good at customer care...
@@AutoExpertJC My experience with a brand new M3 was poor. I purchased a service plan with the car. When I asked for an oil change at the service I was told that BMW special oil in an M3 miraculously lasts 2 whole years or 24,000 km. On a twin turbo engine in Western Australia? Really? So every 6 months I asked BMW to change the oil for which I was regularly relieved of $350. Their customer service and attitude was arrogant. I have constantly owned at least one BMW in my small vehicle fleet since 1981. I don't like the current design cues of any of the new crop except the 5 Series. I have gone off the brand. M3 now sold, no more BMW in the fleet. I am sure they won't be gutted but to lose a 40 year loyal customer takes some doing.
The front end of this car is what we call Fuggley.
You took the words right out of my mouth my friend. FUGGLEY as can be.
Cancelled my comment as it would have been redundant .... seems like Cadogan is just going to parade these eyesores till we crack :D
The 10.5 inch display John. During hours of daylight, when in Sat Nav mode or surround camera mode, does the screen brighten and dull according to the light shining on the dash board or dull or brighten excessively when manoeuvring the car from full sun to dark shadow?
If you buy the lovely laser headlights do you get the amazing 600 metre range if you don’t drive the car fast or does the car have an electronic adjustment system to reduce the range to what the car thinks you deserve at any moment in your journey?
Can you explain the feeling of the gear shift. You went into great detail on the steering wheel and left us hanging on why the shift is different. Thanks
The ignition key in my 2003 Range Rover is on the centre console right next to the gear lever - but it was built when BMW owned Land Rover.
John, is that wind noise I'm hearing as you drive?
Always driving old pacific highway, do you live up this way? videos always entertaining and informative.
Good review.
I have to agree with BMW support, I brought a new S1000RR bike in 2016 - 30k bike fully spec'ed and the warranty is only 2 years well 4 years later the alternator failed - without any questions they approved the repair under warranty
Another Excellent review John, I'd really like you to review the new Genesis G80 when it lands here soon :) as I think it would make an interesting comparison to this car!
Agreed - it would, in terms of price and performance.
Your daughter hit the nail on the head - that's exactly what that grille looks like!
I investigated butt prints extensively for this report, and she was right indeed.
@@AutoExpertJC cheers for the laugh, that comment cracked me up!
Mate, top job as always on your reviews. 👍
I'd just like to get your opinion on the current crop of midsize diesel SUVs. I currently run a 2016 Pajero Sport GLS albeit MT, and I've been in love with it since day one. It's ace whichever way I use it, but I'm consistently finding it cumbersome to run a manual transmission car with the worsening traffic here. My shortlist currently includes the Isuzu MuX and the newer range topping Pajero Sport. Hope you can help, cheers!
I'm definitely used to gripping a thick handle. Unfortunately my mullet hairdo prevents me from being able to afford the 100k required for the Beamer.
Being one of zose Germans I couldn't agree more wiz ze review 👍
BMW's are sheer driving pleasure. Period.
Most people try to be unique and I think you make it ! I have never heard anything nice about the tiptonic transmission and do like the grill too ?
Do the indicators work? To be fair Mercs and Audis also rarely use their indicators.
The front grill , well they should have gone to Specsavers.
Your daughter must have an artistic eye, John - Never heard that description of a grille before...
What would she reckon about the ol' Edsel? :)
Excellent review as always. I have always loved the looks of BMW's and this one is brilliant except for that horrible grille. The rest of it is stunning. BM must have hired the designers from Subaru who changed the look of the classic WRX to the bug eyed monster.
Amazing the cost of all the extras. My Stinger GT has most of those as standard.
Great and very informative review. Quote at 14:51 Ryan Reynolds in Blade Trinity
Hey John, what’s the watch you’re wearing in this video?
There’s a smartphone app called BimmerCode and a Bluetooth OBD dongle you can buy. I bought it for my F20 120i , you can code multiple functions on or off , with Stop-Start being one of those.
I now have Stop-Start “off” by default , no more annoying lag at the lights and getting beeped by the impatient A-hole in his Ranger Raptor behind ...
Stick with my 2004 X5 sport. Works for me.
John, great review. My take on BMW, or Bring Money Withya is mixed. They are without a doubt fun and inspiring cars to drive. My biggest problem with them is the use of far too much plastic under the bonnet. These plastic parts have the distinction of being cheaply made and EXPENSIVE to replace when they start to go south, which they inevitably will. For the money they ask you to shell out for their vehicles, they should, at the very least, use a higher quality plastic.
Thats a criticism that Mark from Exotic Car Play Place has.
Oh my, the girth!
You forgot to mention to sell it promptly before the warranty expires...
@cadoges Mr Cadogan, long time watcher first time question. I recently purchased a new Kia Cerato 2021, it has been delayed by stink bugs on the boat from OS do car makers have this problem coming in to Straya will the car be damage/ruined by the spraying to eliminate the bug.
Answered on Twitter mate.
Nice Review. I do like my BMW;s one brand I aspire to own 1 year
Thanks.
Looks like it's wearing Hitler's moustache,bold move for a German
I love it
🤣 "Muskatnuss, Herr Müller, MUSKATNUSS!!!!"
I've been a motorcyclist my hole life I f@#king hate cars !! But for some reason I really enjoy this channel 👍👍👍
That's a compliment.
Quite the entertaining enduro event. Still not buying one but thanks JC
Aloha neighbour. Nice commercial, Cadogan :-) Here BMW turn into a broken flowerpot within 6 months. They can't take tropics and ocean and our rough lava tarmac.
First time commenting, Big fan of your style of motoring journalism.Keep up the great work.Totally agree with your assessment of the run flats. I live in Ireland and the roads are generally shit maybe not as bad as shitsville 😁.Your local tyre shop or roadside tyre fitter never has them in stock either when you need them.
And they're expensive...
Genuine question can you replace run flats with normal tyres ?
@@alanrix5344 yes it's possible.Have not done it myself but definitely can be done
"Certainly not Skippy" :)
What was that Skipp? Blinded by the lights? Didn't get his plate?
Hi John, is it realistically possible to buy a 2021 Toyota supra GR GTS for a drive away price of 90k?
When talking in the car, it sounds like you were under water ... what was with that?
John, please explain airflow effects on radiator & engine cooling, by fitting driving lights or lightbars, in front of the radiator.
All I can find is there is a reduced pressure differential drop, but no simple engineering explanations on UA-cam or Gooogle. Thanks mate
Have you driven the new front wheel drive 1 series? I’d be handing it back.
Nice to see you doing a few car reviews again.
I got bored sitting in the Fat Cave. Car reviews take for ever, however.
Now, all we need is the review of the M5.
You likely can't turn off the auto stop-start permanently. Maybe the dealer can program it out if you sweet talk them.
My Ford system reverts back to enabled on every start. Of course, you can always turn it off once the car is running. It also neuters itself if the car is cold, defroster is running, or "Sport" mode is engaged. If you're really clever you can lift off and on the brake pedal and trick it into thinking you're in stop and go traffic at a light. Better to just push the button.
90% of the time I forget to press the button until the first stoplight
I’ll stick to my 2019 Camaro. Has most of the low end “options” you listed as standard and then some and it only cost me $80,000. No laser headlights but the LED units aren’t to be sneezed at. Then there’s the bit about 339kw and 0-100 in 4.4secs. 😁👌
What hp and torque does your car have?
I'd take the Alpha platform any day, but with a Beemer interior... sigh.
A great review of the latest from Munich. A superb performance / luxury package.
I thought I was never going to see you get off the SUV, Ute, 4 wheel drive reviews that seem so popular here in the land of sub standard roads, but I can also see that reviews in that area appeal to a wider section of our population.
I guess I am biased as I am an E46 M3 owner which was bought brand new (ouch) back in 2005.
For my performance 'jollies' I do prefer 2 wheels though.
I have found nothing in the M line since the E46 that makes me want to part with more cash and I am not a fan of that M430i grill. Butt ugly!
Keep up the good work on performance cars and I may even subscribe.
Thanks Tony - you dangle that subscription in front of me on the false premise that I actually care...
John: I respectfully disagree with your characterization of "customer service" by BMW -- but, with respect to my own personal experience here in the good old old U S of A. The 2011 335d I purchased as a "program car" with a "certified/extended" BMW factory warranty was, without any doubt, the WORST new(ish) vehicle I have ever owned. The engine fuel injectors (among MANY other items) were serially failing, yet each time ("per cylinder") I had to bring that crap-bucket back to the dealer for 2-3 days of B.S. "analysis" and ultimate changing out of the crap OEM fuel injectors -- 6 x my 2-3 day time spent = I became quite disenchanted with "the brand". I will never, ever, even consider purchasing any BMW again. Good riddance. I have had SPECTACULAR reliability and customer experience with both of the later model Jaguars I have owned (and still own today -- I have owned a "vintage" one as well) -- 2003 XK* Convertible, and 2014 XK Coupe -- they're both fabulous AND very reliable! If your Aussie experience could be replicated here in USA, then I'd like to hear about it. No one I know has ever had much of a kind word to say about so-called "customer service" from BMW itself. It has totally turned me off from the BMW brand.
Exactly same situation here in Germany: BMW S T I L L are selling crap injectors on their Diesel models and crap multiple-stage turbo-chargers that end up in a repair billing nightmare...
BMW - Ultimate Plastic Machine. Es tut mir leid for the sensitive.
Just to balance this, I’m on my 5th new BMW in 6 years and BMW in the UK have been the best on the rare occasion I had an issue. Professional, responsive, attentive adds to the enjoyment of the ownership experience. 5 stars from me!
@@paulcs2607 @Paul CS Anyone updating cars to another new car every 12-18 months is unlikely to have major issues to begin with , there's your balance. Anyone keeping a lease for 3-5 years will have likely come across the fun of engine and electrical faults that apply to BMW like most other German/Euro cars.
@@dooshdashcams2629 That’s too much of a generalisation. I have another euro petrol turbo car I’ve have from new since 2004 currently on 220,000 miles. Apart from regular maintenance and wear & tear items, I’ve had no issues. Clutch and turbo did not need replacing but I did them anyway at 196,000 miles for the first time. They were not shot to pieces. The point is do most people know how to be mechanically sympathetic including warm up and especially warm down? No is the answer. So when something goes wrong, they blame someone / something else. Mind you I did have to flush out the windscreen washer bottle last year!
Are the BMW Ming moles a lot classier ?
The option boxes would all be ticked if I was in their cross hairs
BUUUUUUUTTTT I like the grill
For a solid engineer, you've just gave as a solid review that sums up into: sooo... is it any good or not not at all?!?
If a 3 Series is right for you, a 4 Series is even righter if you have the extra cash and want to feel like a rebel.
@@AutoExpertJC Plus more extra cash on the wrap:
Bugs Bunny's face on the hood with his huge white teeth as the hideous grill;)
Cheers from Poland Mate!
My BMW g20 330i also has the same brake experience.
Coming to a complete stop and reaching lower speeds it feels like they are grabbing and releasing grabbing and releasing...... until you come to a stop.
My only real "complaint" about it, other than that its fucking excellent across the board!
Come on, MALS caps, John! How else are your loyal cohort supposed to identify one another once they're away from their computers? Imagine the nods of acknowledgement during a trip to the shopping centre.
Is being away from your computer even allowed any more?
BMW core brand ethos - 2 Series Active Tourer, a front wheel drive mini mpv, lucky for you, I don't think its sold in Australia.
Funny you mentioned that fatty steering wheel, as soon as you got in the drivers seat even I assumed it’s excessive. It was dominant in the shot.
Looking forward to your buyer's guide of the all new 2021 Holden range. Oh wait...
I did not know that Electric Jesus played the bagpipes. But nice revenge EJ.
Hey! John, Why did you stop the live session spree?
Nice car John are BMW still using lots of unreliable plastic components in the engine bay due to fail in a couple of years? This review could of be done in 15 mins by the way nice Nike trainees which ones are they?
Excellent review. I've owned a 328i (F30) for a few years and am looking to upgrade. A 330i (G20) most likely. Sexy as most of the 4 Series is, I can save money and the retinas of fellow road users by resisting it. Agree that run flats are a folly (have Pilot Sport 4S on my 3 Series), fake engine noise annoying and the steering wheel is unnecessarily fat (F30 item is perfect. Why change?). But at least it's round. My biggest bugbear is that digital dash. BMW have, for decades, had great instruments. So why on earth did they decide that a rev counter would be best if it wasn't round and went backwards!? Why no option (at least) of a digital facsimile of a proper BMW dash? The reason I haven't bought one yet, is mainly because I'm not sure I can look at that travesty, every damn time I sit in the car!
Good stuff John. Have you seen the Bitcoin price lately? Please do more reviews like these with +/- sports cars. Upgrading from mazda 3 or i30 straight to one of these wont be easy decision. Please help us out.
I'm sure some dig the new grill design, also sure no one likes it with that number plate up on its nose. Which country was this designed for?
1:57 You're just too talented. :) Love it.
24:46 Agreed.
Great review John.
There's an elephant in the room though. It's name is LEXUS.
Lexus is pretty good. I have always said that...
Remember when the _30i meant 3L 6-cylinder engine?
Also, the 430i dropped alarmingly when you hopped aboard. Are you looking after yourself? x
'Bavarian Money Waster' is so on point.
So is 'four-ringed VW' and 'three-pronged suppository'...
And they are great to drive
@@chriskennedy7534 Certainly are.
@@AutoExpertJC 'three-pronged swastika' was better IMHO. It really gets up the nostrils of merc owners.
@@creditelectric I'm sure you're right. A mere bagatelle.
I’m seeing myself at a bbq. The gas bottle runs out. Quickly I jump in the 4 series & drive it up the front of a tree! Steaks done, no fat! Damn, where are the onions?...🤪🤣👍🏻😎
I like the haircut John, I do the same. Every Morning whilst having a crap I go over it again with my cordless electric shaver! On the same subject, that's just how the BMW looks. It may grow on me but that's what I thought about the 6 series....Like the options list but does it come with indicators? If they do, have they got a training course of how to use them? All the best..............
Very efficient grooming protocol...
Does it flip out and double up as a BBQ?
I agree the run flats are the main downside. The road noise lets the car down.
This Beemer looks like a jolly good car with a jolly big grille at a jolly unaffordable price.
@@Whatisthisstupidfinghandle 'good move' I reckon.
Oh Mrs Marsh it does get in.
Can't wait for the i4
The brakes in my 2009 X5 (great car - I love it) behave exactly as you describe. It's annoying. I like to be able to stop neatly, but it's almost impossible.
It might be because they're good at high speed stops.
I really liked the video John, very informative with plenty of piss taking, even though I'm in the UK 🙄
Butt print 🤣😂
I tried to get a Ming Moll to help me with the butt print hypothesis - but none of them were prepared to get out of the pool.
🤣
Hey JC. What are the chances AT&T will sue BMW for using Bugs Bunny as a model for the grill?
High. Lawsuit pending...
Is John running dual recording tracks inside the car so we can hear the "voice of god", or is that the bimmer's noise cancellation playing tricks?
I used a different mic setup, and it wasn't as good as I had hoped.
So someone from BMW looked at the 2006 Ssangyong Stavic and thought...we can do lot worse than that...they will hopefully get a bonus as they have achieved their aim...
Have you reviewed the 330i
Audi has had the stop/start button next to the shifter since 2014, on the S3 at least.