New vs Used BMW 4 Series: What are the top 3 differences?

By Farzana Chaumoo

Top 3 differences between purchasing a used and a new BMW 4 Series.

1. Modern amenities

Automotive technology advances at a rapid rate and new features are constantly being added/updated to a car at least every two years while existing features are refined. New(er) cars offer the most modern features and as such, if feature content is important to you, a new car is the way to go.

It has been reported that the 2019 4 Series will come with navigation, advanced real-time traffic, an upgraded instrument cluster with a high-resolution display, and park distance control. The new model will also receive features such as BMW remote services like the BMW connected app, which allows owners to locate their car, send destinations from a smartphone to the car, as well as lock and unlock the vehicle. Of course, more equipment will come with a slightly higher price tag but since the 4 Series is an older offering compared to the modern likes of the Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe, the added features will make the 4 Series more competitive. 

2. Excellent warranty coverage

All new cars are covered with the most generous warranties available. The new car warranties come with the peace of mind that all repair costs and servicing costs will be paid for, for the next few years. BMW cars are usually covered under BMW Motorplan for about 5 years/100,000km.

If you're purchasing a used car directly from BMW, then you can put your mind at ease knowing that BMW Approved Used Cars have undergone a rigorous inspection in their Quality Check department and are no more than five years old and has a maximum mileage of 75,000 km. A BMW Approved Used Car will still have its manufacturer Motorplan intact. 

On the flip side, if you are purchasing a used 4 Series that's more than 5 years old - with the likelihood there was no warranty extension, then all repair and maintenance costs are yours to sort. Service costs on a used BMW can be exorbitant at times depending on what parts need replacing and the labour required for it. 

3. Customized feature content

When purchasing a new 4 Series, you are at liberty to spec the car to your heart's content. You can opt for the BMW 4 Series Coupé or the BMW 4 Series Convertible. The 4 Series is also not as well equipped in its base model as you would expect and when compared to many rivals. Its key features, like leather upholstery or a rear-view camera, are hidden in the options list. You can also choose to add features such as active blind spot detection, active driving assistant, and active cruise control on your new 4 Series. 

As opposed to purchasing a used 4 Series, factory customization isn't possible and you have you settle for what the original owner chose for the car. Features like the paint, technical driver assist systems, trim level and trim finishers, upholstery and more are things you'd have to settle for when shopping for a used car.

Need more help deciding? Read the next article New or Used Car - Which should I buy?