BMW 4 Series F33 Convertible (2014–2021): A roadster you can use every day

I’ve spent time with the BMW 4 Series F33 Convertible on everything from damp city commutes to breezy coastal B-roads, and here’s the thing: it’s an open-top you can genuinely live with. Not just a summer fling. Roof up, it’s a quiet, well-insulated coupe. Roof down, it shrugs at crosswinds and turns a dull Tuesday into a small holiday. The 4 Series Convertible didn’t chase drama; it chased balance—and mostly nailed it.

What the F33 code means on the BMW 4 Series F33 Convertible

BMW uses internal codes for each generation. “F33” is the convertible within the F3x family that launched in 2013. It’s the hardtop cabriolet—folding metal roof, coupe-like refinement when sealed. The facelift (BMW’s “LCI”) came in 2017 with new lights, tidier bumpers, and iDrive upgrades. You can spot later cars by their crisper LED signatures and slightly tauter suspension tuning.

How the BMW 4 Series F33 Convertible drives

Engines range from thrifty four-cylinders to smooth, muscular sixes. I’ve run a 430i across scarred city streets and a 440i through fast sweepers—two different moods, same core personality: secure, composed, a whiff of rear-drive playfulness when you ask.

• 428i/430i: 2.0L turbo four, roughly 240–248 hp and 255–258 lb-ft; 0–60 mph around 5.8–6.1 sec.
• 435i/440i: 3.0L turbo inline-six, 300–320+ hp and ~300–332 lb-ft; 0–60 mph as quick as ≈5.0 sec.
• Real-world economy: high-20s mpg with the four; low-to-mid-20s with the six.

Ride, steering, noise

With adaptive dampers, Comfort mode takes the edge off broken pavement; Sport turns it taut without going teeth-rattly. There’s very little scuttle shake for a hardtop convertible—on genuinely rough roads I noticed a faint shiver through the steering column, but nothing that spoils confidence. Roof up, it’s quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back. Roof down, buffeting is modest with the wind deflector fitted.

Living with the BMW 4 Series F33 Convertible

Practicality is the big surprise. Yes, the roof mechanism eats into the boot, but with the top up you’ve got genuine weekend-away space. Top down, pack soft bags. Rear seats fit adults for short hops, teens just fine. On cold mornings, heated seats and the heated steering wheel make top-down drives perfectly sensible in a light jacket—I did 40 minutes at 45°F and didn’t regret it.

• Roof operation: quick, drama-free, and well sealed against rain.
• Boot space: roughly 370 L top up; around 220 L with the roof stowed.
• Infotainment: iDrive is intuitive; Apple CarPlay arrived later and can be finicky on some early cars. Android Auto came much later elsewhere, not widely on the F33.
• Quirks: tall drivers might want to test the seating position with the wind deflector installed; and the cupholders are, well, typically German—fine, not generous.

BMW 4 Series F33 Convertible vs. rivals: which premium cabrio fits you?

Accessories that make a difference (and keep it looking sharp)

Convertibles invite the elements in—sand from beach runs, autumn leaves, the odd latte. Good floor protection is non-negotiable. I’ve tested a few sets and custom-fit options make cleanup a two-minute job. AutoWin carries tailored accessories for the F33, including floor mats that fit snugly around the seat rails and tunnel.

• Floor mats: deep channels catch grit and meltwater, easy to wipe down.
• Wind deflector: less buffeting, more conversation.
• Trunk organizers: a sanity-saver when the roof’s stowed.
• Carbon-fiber trim: tasteful if you keep it subtle.

For a quick visual, here are two mat options I’d shortlist:

If you’re kitting out your 4 Series Convertible, the F33-specific range on AutoWin is a good one-stop browse—custom fitment beats universal every time.

Verdict: the BMW 4 Series F33 Convertible is an everyday luxury drop-top

Honestly, I wasn’t sure at first about the folding hardtop—it adds weight and steals some boot space with the roof down. But the real-world payoff is year-round refinement and coupe-like quiet on long trips. That, plus engines that range from brisk to properly quick, makes the BMW 4 Series F33 Convertible a premium cabrio that doesn’t feel like a compromise. If you’re after open-air driving without giving up daily usability, it’s still a sweet spot in the used market.

Quick facts

• Folding hardtop opens/closes in about 20 seconds.
• 2017 facelift sharpened lights, interior trim, and chassis tune.
• iDrive is easy to live with; later cars add Apple CarPlay.
• Best all-rounder engine? The 430i for balance, the 440i if you crave the six’s silk and surge.

BMW 4 Series F33 Convertible: FAQ

Is the BMW 4 Series F33 Convertible reliable?

Generally, yes—especially with regular maintenance. Look for full service history, smooth operation of the roof, and evidence of timely oil changes on turbo models. Listen for roof seals creaking and check trunk drains for debris.

Which engine should I choose?

The 430i is the sensible sweet spot—strong torque, good economy. The 440i is the enthusiast pick: creamy inline-six, authoritative shove, and still comfortable daily. If you drive mostly in the city, a four-cylinder makes a lot of sense.

How fast is the roof and can I operate it while moving?

It takes roughly 20 seconds and can be operated at low speeds. It’s swift enough to save you when a summer storm sneaks up at a traffic light.

How practical is it for road trips?

Two adults and weekend bags are easy. With the top up, the boot is decent; top down, use soft luggage and pack smart. The rear seats are fine for kids or short adult journeys.

What accessories are worth adding?

Custom-fit floor mats, a wind deflector, and a trunk organizer. Start with tailored mats from AutoWin for the F33—they’ll protect the cabin and keep cleanup painless.