Used BMW M4 for sale: everything you need to know
The BMW M4 is a high-performance sports car created by BMW's specialist M division. Its roots were in motorsport, and although it’s an upmarket four-seat coupe with plenty of luxuries, there’s no denying the potency of the sleek BMW M4.
Based on the BMW 4 Series, it has a bountiful 510hp as standard, which means every version can do 0-62mph in less than 4.0 seconds. You’d need a Porsche 911 Carrera 4S to go faster, meaning you’ll be able to see off pretty much anyone you meet at the traffic lights. The BMW M4 handles in a wonderfully engaging manner too, with added ability provided by a new xDrive all-wheel-drive version that's even quicker off the mark.
Rivals to the BMW M4 include the equally high performance Audi RS5, AMG version of the Mercedes C-Class Coupe and the more affordable Ford Mustang.
There's also the exotic BMW M4 CSL, a car built for collectors and enthusiasts with a 550hp engine, though only 100 came to the UK out of 1000 built in total.
Should you buy a BMW M4?
Some felt early versions of the previous BMW M4 could be a little spiky during press-on driving. It didn’t inspire the confidence you might hope for at speed. There are no such qualms with the 2021-on car, though, which really is one of the finest used high-performance models you can buy today.
It’s particularly good as BMW standardised the BMW M4 Competition pack, which brings that headline 510PS output. There's no manual gearbox, but the eight-speed automatic is so good you don’t really miss it. The BMW M4 also continues to offer an enormous range of driving configuration setups, which you can save and call up quickly via the M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel.
The arrival of the all-wheel-drive BMW M4 Competition xDrive simply broadened the car’s abilities yet further. More of that divine engine’s output can be used more of the time thanks to the extra traction the system delivers. It helps this wonderful car flow even more precisely across challenging roads, and barely impacts on steering feel or dynamics. You can even set it to a drift mode, if you so wish.
Some still find the front-end styling controversial, but we say get past that, because the car itself is a blinding piece of machinery that will make every journey feel that bit more special.
To mark 50 years of BMW M, the company built 1000 examples of the BMW M4 CSL, an ultra-bespoke model with an array of custom features. The UK is received 100 of them, meaning it’s a rare sight here – and a surefire collectable, despite its original £128,820 price tag.
Still, you won’t be short-changed with the standard car. Indeed, you’ll be able to get more people involved in the fun, as it’s a roomy and practical four-seater, unlike the two-seat CSL. With a bountiful standard spec, generous 440-litre boot and plenty of smooth-running high-speed comfort on long motorway trips, the BMW M4 is a fantastic all-rounder that’s more than a match for its exotic high-performance rivals.
A BMW M4 not for you? We've got loads of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.
What's the best used BMW M4 model to buy?
With this BMW M4, the Competition pack became standard, so all have the 510hp engine attached to a fast-acting eight-speed automatic. The real choice is between the standard rear-drive model and the xDrive four-wheel drive version of the M4 Coupe.
While purists will always err towards the rear-drive model, we'll take the xDrive as it's not only a fraction quicker, accelerating from 0-62mph in a blistering 3.5 seconds compared to 3.9 seconds for the two-wheel drive model, but it also offers added sure-footed grip in every situation.
What's not to like - supercar pace and agility mated to a practical four-seat coupe with big boot and easy manners around town?
Used BMW M4 fuel economy and performance
BMW is broadened out the BMW M4 range with the interesting addition of a BMW M4 Competition xDrive four-wheel-drive version. This improves traction and cuts the acceleration time; otherwise it is the same as the standard model, including its power output. It uses the same eight-speed automatic transmission, too.
Buyers can choose an optional BMW M Driver’s Package, which raises the top speed limiter from 155mph to 174mph.
The BMW M4 CSL, which has extra power, less weight and a top speed limiter further raised to 190mph. Here are the engine options available with the BMW M4.
BMW M4 Competition 3.0-litre straight-six petrol: BMW’s acclaimed 3.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder turbo engine produces 510PS even in entry-level guise. This is good for 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and average fuel economy of 28.8mpg.
BMW M4 Competition xDrive 3.0-litre straight-six petrol: With xDrive four-wheel drive, the 0-62mph time is cut to just 3.5 seconds,. Economy is barely impacted either, with an average of 28.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 227g/km.
BMW M4 CSL 3.0-litre straight-six petrol: A high-performance 550PS version of the 3.0-litre straight six powers the BMW M4 GTS. However, as it continues with rear-wheel drive instead of xDrive all-wheel drive, the 0-62mph time only improves to 3.7 seconds. It averages 28.5mpg and emits 224g/km of CO2.
What used BMW M4 trim levels are available?
BMW has offered the BMW M4 in two grades: the standard Competition spec and the limited edition CSL, which has been created to celebrate 50 years of BMW M in 2023.
The BMW M4 Competition is all the BMW M4 you could ever wish for, with exotic details such as mixed alloy wheels, a carbon fibre roof and that 510PS engine. Choose from either rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive.
The BMW M4 CSL is an exotic special-run car that’s limited to just 1,000 units globally, with 100 coming to the UK. To cut 100kg from the standard car’s kerbweight, it has extended carbon fibre trim both outside and in, plus special features such as a titanium exhaust, aluminium strut brace and M carbon fibre seats. The rear seats are deleted, as are the belts, again to save weight, making this BMW M4 a two-seater.
Used BMW M4 dimensions and boot size
The BMW M4’s exterior dimensions are:
The BMW M4’s boot space is:
Used BMW M4 road tax
The BMW M4 Competition arrived in the UK in 2021 with emissions of at least 227g/km, so all will pay road tax at the standard rate of £180 after the first year. Also, because the M4 cost more than £40,000 when new, owners will pay an additional £370 each year for five years up until the car is six-years old. The same charges apply to the limited edition CSL version. All of this is calculated on road tax charges at the time of writing.
How much is it to insure a BMW M4?
The BMW M4 will be an expensive car to insure. Both core editions have a group 42 (out of 50) insurance rating, which is bound to mean fairly expensive annual premiums. The highly collectable BMW M4 GTS will be even pricier to insure, due to its limited-run nature and desirability.
