Used BMW M4 for sale: everything you need to know
The M3 name used to apply to both two-door and four-door versions of BMW’s high-performance sports saloon, but in 2014 the brand chose to rename the coupe version of the M3 as the M4 - and that has continued with the latest generation. The two cars are similar under the skin, but with a racier profile the M4 is now more sports coupe than two-door saloon - and predictably, the latest model launched in 2020 is faster and more capable than ever.
BMW hasn’t forgotten to make the M4 entertaining to drive in its pursuit of speed, and it’s still got the ability to go toe-to-toe with sports cars like the Porsche 911, while the option of all-wheel drive brings all-weather security to the table despite the M4 producing more than 500 horsepower. Read on to find out more about the latest M4.
Should you buy a BMW M4?
If you can live with the styling - the M4 is another recipient of BMW’s trend for large, toothy grilles - and the M4 is as easy to recommend as ever to sports car enthusiasts. It ticks just about all the boxes, feeling special from behind the wheel, offering huge performance, and it’s a real corner-carver too, on both road and track.
All UK cars are now sold in Competition form at a minimum, which means the turbocharged straight six under the bonnet makes 510PS or more. There’s no manual gearbox this time around (you’ll need the smaller BMW M2 for that) but the eight-speed automatic is lightning fast and lets you concentrate on other things. All-wheel drive is another feature this time around - and where it’s fitted, it makes accessing all that performance even easier.
But it’s still a BMW 4 Series at heart, and surprisingly easy to live with as a result. On a cruise economy isn’t even that bad, but it’s relatively practical, has a decently-sized boot, and doesn’t ride too badly either. Build quality is also excellent and while the infotainment screen can take some getting used to, BMW’s system remains among the best in its class.
The aforementioned BMW M2 is actually one of the best M4 alternatives, being a little smaller but feeling no less exciting than its larger brother, and coming with that all-important (for some) manual option. Other high-performance coupes to consider include the Audi RS5, Mercedes-AMG C63, the Porsche 911, Lexus RC F, and even the Ford Mustang - which offers the rare combination of a naturally-aspirated V8 engine and a manual gearbox, though it’s nowhere near as capable as the M4 overall.
What’s the best used BMW M4 model to buy?
Your choice is between Competition or CSL with the latest M4 - there’s no ‘standard’ M4 model this time around. There’s also the option of all-wheel drive to help handle all that power, and it’s the car we’d be tempted to look for for its extra security for most of the year when the roads aren’t bone dry. The CSL, meanwhile, struggles to justify its premium over the Competition - though is sure to be more prized by collectors several years down the line, thanks to its rarity.
Used BMW M4 fuel economy and performance
- BMW M4 Competition: The M4 retains BMW’s traditional straight six engine layout, here a 3-litre unit turbocharged to 510PS. 0-62mph comes up in only 3.9 seconds, while a more relaxed driving style should yield 28.8mpg combined.
- BMW M4 Competition xDrive: xDrive means all-wheel drive, and the extra traction cuts the 0-62mph time down to 3.5 seconds. Economy is still a reasonable 28.2mpg.
- BMW M4 CSL: The CSL gets a higher-performance version of the 3-litre six-cylinder, making 550PS through the rear wheels alone. 0-62mph now takes 3.7 seconds, and economy is 28.5mpg.
What used BMW M4 trim levels are available?
- The BMW M4 Competition is the M4 in its standard form, and comes with alloy wheels, a carbonfibre roof, and the option of rear or all-wheel drive. The engine is the 510PS unit mentioned above.
- The BMW M4 CSL is a limited-edition model with just 1000 units globally and 100 in the UK. It’s 100kg lighter than the M4 Competition thanks to wider use of carbonfibre trim, a titanium exhaust, aluminium strut brace, and carbonfibre seats. It also has no rear seats.
Used BMW M4 dimensions and boot size
The BMW M4’s exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 4,794mm
- Width: 1,887mm
- Height: 1,393mm
- Ground clearance: 120mm (M4 GTS: 113mm)
The BMW M4’s boot space is:
Used BMW M4 road tax
Both the M4 Competition and the M4 CSL get the same £600 annual VED charge as of 2024/2025, which includes a surcharge given both retail for well over £40,000. The surcharge disappears after the car’s sixth year on the road so both models will then be subject to a regular rate of tax, assuming the system hasn’t been changed again by then.
How much is it to insure a BMW M4?
While the BMW M4 is unlikely to be cheap to insure, a group 42 rating for the M4 Competition isn’t too bad given the car’s performance - it’s more powerful than several versions of the Porsche 911, and every 911 is in group 50. The M4 CSL is more expensive than the Competition, with a group 49 rating.
