[PrinceBarin]

After month of suspense I finally collected my 430d so here are some pictures and a few thoughts, notably as to how it compares with my 320d.

I haven't had a chance to photograph it properly so sorry for the limited number of crappy iPhone pics. I am hoping to detail the car this weekend and will hopefully grab some better shots to show-off the car.

Engine & performance: fantastic! I am taking care to run in the engine so have not been thrashing it but the thing that struck me first was how quiet the engine is compared with the '20d. The start-up and idle is very refined and noticeably hushed.

The second thing I noticed was how great this engine sounds, particularly when pushing on past 2,000 rpm. Nothing I have watched online (and I have watched most 330d/430d videos and reviews) replicated the engine noise I experienced yesterday. It purrs with a really satisfying I6 thrum that at times adopts an almost V8-like burble. The overall note is deep and muscular and a world apart from the 320d. The only time that I could really detect the 'dieselness' of the engine is at low speeds between 1,000 and 2,000 RPM but, even then, it is not intrusive or unpleasant.

Another enjoyable feature is the turbo whistle that the engine likes to throw in under load. It appeals greatly to the teenager in me that used to yearn for a Renault 5 GT or Escort RS and the accompanying turbo spool!

Finally, the performance. It was over 100 miles on before I even attempted to put the pedal down and I am intending to stay off full throttle until at least 1,000 miles. Still, I headed up to 4,500 revs under load on a few occasions and watched the artificial torque meter shoot up to 560Nm a few times. Wow. The low end shift is fantastic and I am delighted with how much faster this car feels to drive. Similarly, it's ability to gather pace from the mid-range is lovely and makes overtaking a breeze. As a few people have commented, the overall smoothness of the power delivery and the composure in the cabin are deceptive and I found it all too easy to reach speed limits long before I wanted to let off the throttle. It might not be supercar fast but it's brawny enough for a daily driver and more than enough for the public highway.

Overall, the combination of the I6 smoothness, the deep note of the engine and the instant in-gear pace left me smiling all day. I simply cannot wait for the drive-in miles to fall away so that I can really open the taps.

Gearbox: I had the standard ZF 8spd on my 320d and noticed no difference in the speed of the shifts with the sport version in the 430d (in like-for-like driving modes). I genuinely think that the only difference is paddles and a nicer shifter. Either way it's a cracking transmission when coupled to the 3 litre diesel.

Ride: I have adaptive M Sport suspension on the 4, and the most noticeable difference is how much lower and less crashy this car is when compared with my standard suspension 3 series. There is very little roll in corners or crashing over bumps. In terms of damping, I drove the 3 again today and I cannot really tell much of a difference - I have gone from 18s to 19s so the advantage of the adaptive dampers seems offset by the thinner tyre walls so, overall, it feels similar.

Interior: my outgoing luxury line 320d was optioned with electric sport seats, lumbar and anthracite headlining so I can sense no discernible difference between the two cars. From the drivers seat the 4 looks and feels identical to the 3, other than the front doors being noticeably longer. There's no question that the Dakota leather and dash plastics are a little low-rent compared with those found higher up the range or in other marques but the overall layout is still lovely.

The main cabin differences were the noise levels and the M Sport steering wheel. As noted above, it's a much quieter engine but there is also less wind noise at speed than in my 3 series. It's not a massive difference but, when combined with the quieter engine, it makes for an overall more refined drive. At low speeds all I can hear is my hands moving over the steering wheel - it is unnervingly quiet.

On that point, the M Sport steering wheel is simply gorgeous but no less than the car deserves. BMW really need to do something about the 'sport' steering wheel that I had in the 3 series, which pales in comparison. I got the heated version too which my other half loves. No doubt I will appreciate it myself when the frost and ice returns in 6 months.

Technology: I had the standard instrument cluster on my old car so the upgrade to 'extended' display (or black panel as we call it) was interesting for about 5 minutes. It's nice to have but I stopped noticing it almost immediately at, frankly, I think the conventional dials do equally well (if not better) at visualising the real-time fuel economy - assuming anyone pays attention to this dial? It certainly looks nice but I wouldn't pay extra for it.

I did not have Pro Nav before so it was nice to enjoy integrated navigation for the first time. Not much to report, it just worked really well, particularly with split screen NAV/Media.

The biggest change for me was HUD. I love this feature. The speedo/sat Nav instructions appear larger irl than any video/photo led me to believe and the sensation of it hovering above the end of the bonnet is very cool. It's also far less obtrusive and noticeable than I expected but it's great to be able to glance down and see speed/directions without taking my eyes of the road. It's also possible to scroll though tracks and phone numbers. Two points of note come to mind:

- speed limit info: Having your speed on display makes you think about it more, much more so, with hindsight, I should have added speed limit info (in fact it should be an inexorable part of HUD). Not because I am incapable of observing the speed limits but because it would simply be quicker and easier to have the speed and speed limit info in the same place.

- dizziness: Anyone who has ever stepped off a treadmill and felt this will know what I mean. It happened only once. I had been studying the HUD directions closely on approach to a destination along some tight country roads. As I stepped out of the car at my destination I felt distinctly woozy but it soon passed. Could have been fatigue but I think it was my concentrating on the HUD for too long.

I also optioned the reversing camera which is really helpful, particularly considering the reduced visibility. I couldn't stretch to surround view but I would strongly recommend the camera for anyone ordering a 4 series.

I ordered enhanced BT and the Connect snap-in adaptor (84212351308) for the iPhone 5 in my car and it works really well. I have media, album artwork and text messages all coming through to the Nav display. I even had the car read out a text message yesterday, although the robotic female voice needs some finessing if she is to be easily understood - she doesn't pause for breath and seems to read sentences like they were one giant word! I doubt that I needed the snap-in adaptor but I liked the idea of securing my phone rather than having it roll about in the armrest with a loose cable. Personally, I am glad I spent the extra cash.

Looks: I loved the E92 and I feel no different about the 4. It's a gorgeous silhouette and with the M Sport kit it has a really aggressive front end. The car sits much lower than my 3 which emphasises it's sportiness.

I was nervous about the colour. My current car is MG and I wanted to try something different. EBII is gorgeous but in the end I wanted something a little more discrete . GS risked being a bit bland in my view but it looks fantastic irl, sharp and classic at the same time.

That's about all I can think of for now. Any questions, please ask!

[Torquein]

Nice review! The car looks great hope you enjoy it. I've spec'd the adaptive suspension, how have you found the active damping performs in comfort when you corner hard? Or in sport when it hits a bump? Does it noticeably stiffen/soften?

[teaston]

Congrats on the car mate, very nice indeed!

Bit strange you say you're taking care to run the engine in properly, then you say you've been taking it up to 4500 revs!? You know it's not meant to go above 3500 revs?

[Dave_3]

Congratulations

D.

[PrinceBarin]

Originally Posted by teaston

Congrats on the car mate, very nice indeed!

Bit strange you say you're taking care to run the engine in properly, then you say you've been taking it up to 4500 revs!? You know it's not meant to go above 3500 revs?

Ha ha. Thanks. I figured a few transgressions wouldn't hurt it's really difficult to stay under 3,000 rpm!

[PrinceBarin]

Originally Posted by JM7789

Nice review! The car looks great hope you enjoy it. I've spec'd the adaptive suspension, how have you found the active damping performs in comfort when you corner hard? Or in sport when it hits a bump? Does it noticeably stiffen/soften?

I can't say I've noticed but then I thought that was the partly how it was intended to work - i.e. that it reacts instantaneously in response to the conditions. I guess if I could switch it on and off I could compare. Sorry if that doesn't help.

[alex_chung]

Very nice! Love the new 4 Series.
Alex

[teaston]

Originally Posted by PrinceBarin

Ha ha. Thanks. I figured a few transgressions wouldn't hurt it's really difficult to stay under 3,000 rpm!

Yea i know what you mean! I'm taking it up there occasionally, should be fine as long as you don't go silly and leave it in D!

[JustChris]

Greay write up thanks Prince! Car looks superb 430d and 435d order imminent from me I think soon. Couple of questions:-

With the adaptive can you create a set up with the heavier steering from Sport, but the ride and gear changes from Comfort, I think so?
Hows the early mpg, high 40s low 50s?
Does it come with 60:40 split seats standard andy the £170 option is for 40:20:20 that also has the fold down cup holder?

Great colour choice and actually pretty rare these days.

[....,,,,..,,..]

Excellent review looks good definitely better than saloon

[Torquein]

Originally Posted by PrinceBarin

I can't say I've noticed but then I thought that was the partly how it was intended to work - i.e. that it reacts instantaneously in response to the conditions. I guess if I could switch it on and off I could compare. Sorry if that doesn't help.

I guess what I meant was when you corner hard in comfort does it noticeably roll a lot / more than sport and when you hit a bump in sport does it shake your spine or take it in its stride? I test drove it and I liked the way it changed the general feel but it's hard to know how that will translate over more miles

[gatsojon]

Lovely car and great review. Congratulations looking forward to a few more pics including the interior.

[Defero]

Great review. I was not a big fan of the 4 based on the images I have seen, however after a visit to my local BMW dealer I really like it .

[PrinceBarin]

Originally Posted by ChesterX5

Greay write up thanks Prince! Car looks superb 430d and 435d order imminent from me I think soon. Couple of questions:-

With the adaptive can you create a set up with the heavier steering from Sport, but the ride and gear changes from Comfort, I think so?
Hows the early mpg, high 40s low 50s?
Does it come with 60:40 split seats standard andy the 170 option is for 40:20:20 that also has the fold down cup holder?

Great colour choice and actually pretty rare these days.

Sadly I am away now so cannot check the car until the weekend.

That being said:

- a quick look at sport settings showed three options: Drivetrain & Chassis / Drivetrain / Chassis. So, yes, I think you can have sport suspension with comfort gear changes (I should probably select this during the run in!).
- mpg: didn't check but will report back.
- split seats: will double check but am positive 60:40 is standard (it's listed as standard in the BMWs spec sheet for std equipment).

[PrinceBarin]

Originally Posted by JM7789

I guess what I meant was when you corner hard in comfort does it noticeably roll a lot / more than sport and when you hit a bump in sport does it shake your spine or take it in its stride? I test drove it and I liked the way it changed the general feel but it's hard to know how that will translate over more miles

There was almost no discernible body roll in either setting although admittedly I wasn't giving it the Chris Harris treatment! In this respect it is far more controlled than my std suspension F30 when tends to wallow and move about a fair bit.

I didn't spend much time in Sport mode either but, overall, the damping felt on a par with my F30 - perfectly acceptable even on long drives but there's a limit to the plushness when rolling on 19s. It is certainly more comfortable than an s-line Audi and I was comfortable after more than 5 hours driving

[Rich9600]

@PrinceBarin

Your new car looks awesome! I'm so glad you're enjoying the I6! It just gets better and better as the miles go on. You'll love it even more when you can really open her up. I stayed in comfort mode until past 1200 miles. Earlier gear changes etc. Easier to restrain the revs...

Enjoy your new toy!

[NISFAN]

Nice upgrade

Welcome to the 6 cylinder club

[PrinceBarin]

Originally Posted by ChesterX5

Greay write up thanks Prince! Car looks superb 430d and 435d order imminent from me I think soon. Couple of questions:-

With the adaptive can you create a set up with the heavier steering from Sport, but the ride and gear changes from Comfort, I think so?
Hows the early mpg, high 40s low 50s?
Does it come with 60:40 split seats standard andy the 170 option is for 40:20:20 that also has the fold down cup holder?

Great colour choice and actually pretty rare these days.

Confirmed: 60/40 is standard. 60 behind the passenger, 40 behind the driver!

MPG is a shocking 35.8 but that's much more about my driving style in the new toy!

Sport mode is customisable per my previous post

[G82Dude]

See you went for the body coloured air breather. Any reason not leaving it black?

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by PrinceBarin

Confirmed: 60/40 is standard. 60 behind the passenger, 40 behind the driver!

MPG is a shocking 35.8 but that's much more about my driving style in the toy!

Sport mode is customisable per my previous post

Ta very much. Sure it's settling in nicely

[PrinceBarin]

Originally Posted by uke92dude

See you went for the body coloured air breather. Any reason not leaving it black?

Merely because I don't like it as a visual cue on the car - i wanted as cleaner look as possible (you'll see there are no M badges on the side either). I'm really pleased with how it turned out

[Paulotheb]

Looks great.

I've been a tad unsure of the 4 but after seeing an EB one in the car park last night, I think I'm now converted.

Be careful with that engine - penalty points await!!!