What's New in the 2018 BMW 430i?
The 4 Series has received some styling updates front and rear, to further differentiate itself from the 3 Series. Revised suspension and steering calibrations improve the driving experience (some people have felt that BMW cars in general were getting too soft). And there's now the option of a virtual instrument cluster as part of the new Executive package. There's also been some revision among the options bundles. See the 2018 BMW 4 Series models for sale near you
Which 430i is the Best?
The main choice is whether the convertible or the fixed-roof coupe is preferred. There is something glorious about a BMW with an inline-6 engine, but make sure the budget can stretch to the optional driver-assistance features before adding more cylinders.
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How Much Does a 2018 BMW 430i Cost?
The 2018 BMW 4 Series comes in coupe or convertible form with more equipment in versions with the bigger engine. All-wheel drive is a $2,000 option.
The entry-level 430i coupe ($42,295) comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, full LED lighting (including fog lights and ambient cabin illumination), a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, self-dimming mirrors, Driving Dynamics Control (offering three settings for throttle sensitivity and steering effort), 10-way power-adjustable sport front seats with driver's-side memory functions, leatherette upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, iPod/USB connectivity, the iDrive infotainment system with a 6.5-in screen, a 9-speaker/205-watt sound system, a USB port, a CD player, an auxiliary audio input and HD Radio.
The main appeal of the 440i coupe ($50,695) is the powerful inline-6 engine, but it also has keyless entry/ignition, hands-free trunk opening, Nappa leather on the steering wheel and an upgrade to a Harmon Kardon 16-speaker surround sound system.
The 430i convertible ($52,445) and 440i convertible ($59,495) mirror their fixed-roof equivalents for the most part, but they also feature power-retractable hard tops, wind deflectors, folding rear seats and optional neck-warming air vents (as part of the convertible's Cold Weather package).
In typical BMW fashion, the options list is lengthy and tends to get expensive. The M Sport package adds a special exterior trim, a body kit, sport suspension, an M steering wheel and M badging inside and out. A Track Handling package has an adaptive M-tuned suspension, variable-ratio sport steering and special-design 18-in alloy wheels.
The Premium package adds navigation, heated front seats, power front lumbar support, leather upholstery, satellite radio, keyless entry and the Harman Kardon system to the 430i.
The Executive package offers the aforementioned virtual instrument cluster, adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, a head-up display, parking assistance and side-view/top-view cameras.
Additional options include an adaptive sport suspension, heated steering wheel, wireless charging, Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay, some advanced driver aids (mentioned in the Safety section below). All models are compatible with BMW Apps, using an owner's smartphone to bring social media into the car.
BMW claims a generous 15.7 cu ft. of trunk space in the coupe, which is remarkable given the car's relatively modest dimensions. The convertible impresses at 13 cu ft. with the top up, but when it's dropped and stowed away, cargo space is reduced to 7.8 cu ft.