BMW's first generation 'F33'-series 4 Series Convertible persevered with the neat metal-folding roof that had been used by its direct 3 Series Convertible predecessor. This open-topped '4' aimed to offer a different option to Executive segment cabriolet buyers not already swayed by the competing charms of rival open-topped versions of the Audi A5 and Mercedes E-Class. You won't get the large boot and cutting-edge driving dynamics of the 4 Series Coupe, but compensations come in the form of refinement, security and drop-top desirability. You'd like one.

History
It's the thing that makes a BMW handle like a BMW should. We're talking of the brand's famous 50:50 weight distribution, something the Munich marque makes possible by the almost unique rear wheel drive configuration it applies to most of its models. But with this car, put at risk - the first generation 'F33'-series 4 Series Convertible.

The reason for that is also the main reason why you might buy this car - its metal folding roof. Alone in the executive convertible segment in the 21st century's second decade, BMW continued with this arrangement, rather than the soft-top fabric roof mechanisms rivals Audi and Mercedes used. It's a unique touch that'll tempt people liking the security, refinement and pavement wow factor of a folding metal top. But the system weighs a quarter of a tonne and needed complex, heavy mechanicals that had to be very carefully positioned to get anywhere near to that perfect weight distribution we mentioned at the beginning.

Still, the promise with this car was that the German engineers had managed to do just that more effectively than they did when battling with the same configuration in this model's direct predecessor, the fourth generation 'E90' vintage 3 Series Convertible. By 2014, with all Coupe and Convertible BMW models by then identified by even-numbered designations, that '3' had become this longer, lower, wider '4'. Compared to the 'E90' model, this 'F33' design was more efficient yet more powerful, 40% stiffer and offered a 4WD option, along with extra hi-tech connectivity. Rear passengers got a little more space thanks to a wheelbase increase and luggage was a bit easier to get into the restricted boot.

The car was lightly facelifted and updated with various new petrol engines and suspension changes in 2017. And in that form, it sold until late-2020, when a second generation fabric-topped design arrived.

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