BMW 430i Coupe 2017 Review - Joe Achilles 

For whomever is interested, I did exactly what Joe suggests you shouldn't do and bought a 430i. Well, it is VERY FAST, snappy and a great and playful car, even with a "small" 4 cylinder and 252HP. It always depends on what and where you come from. I came from a 140HP Diesel engine from a 2013 wagon. Well.... :D beauty and speed is in the eyes/ears/heart of the beholder and I think this car is sufficiently luxurious, fun and compact for everyday city driving and road trips.

That extended leather is gorgeous. On the other hand, very refreshing to see an honest review.

Recently got a 430d xdrive. Lovely car to drive and quick. Just had it remapped and now does over 300bhp and 650nm.

Wow, I just saw your last few videos and love this channel. Great content Joe. Hopefully much more to come

The first decent review of the 430i coupe. Funny that I remember your face from Shmee150's channel :-). Well, I have a 430i with m package coming in about a month from now. The 430i is actually priced at the level of the 420d, the 430d is like 8.000 euro's more expensive, and that's only the purchase price (moreover, Belgian road tax and insurance makes 3litres a lot more costly). I do get your point, a 4 cilinder isn't nearly as exciting as a 6 cilinder, but clearly trade offs have to be made. For me it's the right choice. It looks stunning, drives sporty and has decent space. It's my first car with decent performance so obviously, the performance will impress me more than it impresses you. Anyway, thanks for your honest opinion and I'm looking forward to more vids on your channel as I'm a sub now!

Great video! Can’t wait to take delivery of my new 440i coupe in snapper blue rocks!

Very nice review Joe, always enjoy watching your videos. Greetings from Germany !

Cracking video again bud. You keep producing these interesting videos, love em 👍

Thanks for the honest review pretty much confirms all the preconceptions I had with BMW's 4 cyl engines on their larger chassis. I can't imagine BMW UK is going to be too happy about this review though...

I have driven both a M235i and 430i and I'd say the M235/40i has mind blowing performance and is a great car but for those looking at performance and decent running costs definitely consider a 430i its plenty quick enough on UK roads and even ragging it around gives you mid 30mpg!

Nice one joe, nice to see yet another honest vid, keep them coming, certainly not regretting ordering my m140i 😱

Joe, Don't take this the wrong way but this review is brilliant, just as I'm preparing to test drive an M240i tomorrow just wanting to see other models and here you are talking about both - genius!

Watching this made me sale my 430i to get the 430d and what a difference.... No regrets performance wise the 430d is amazing :-)

I'm sold!! Oh not on a 430i btw!! M240i... All day long... great video again joe

Another good video 👍 Sure there's a lad who has the 435d x drive mapped with an intercooler running 400bhp!!! That would be a total weapon yet still 50mpg ha. Do love the 4 series but so many on the road

Hi Joe - enjoy your reviews & your channel. I've just bought a 330i touring - its great, but in London, you can't nail it and get out of second before you hit an average speed limit. A 2/3/4 40 would be fab but even more wasted than mine unless you live where you can use it - at docile pace the 8 speed boxes are so smooth - best part of the car - I would hire your 240 for a lap of 'Ring, but otherwise would keep the £££'s at the pump that mine saves

nice review mate

I respect your contrasting opinion about the 430i coupe, I own one myself and perhaps I'm a little biased, but I feel like your statement @8:39 is a product of the fact that you own 2 BMWs which are much more performance oriented than the average car. While the 430i isn't what I'd describe as a "sports car" more of a "sporty-luxury coupe", I think it's absolutely a car someone would enjoy waking up to early on a weekend for some spirited driving through the back roads...I do that every weekend and it never fails to bring a smile to my face. I should note that I got mine as a CPO for around $28K (USD) with 28K miles on it and it's fitted with the Track Handling Package so, the additional handling characteristics might be a little better than your reference model (unless it had it), but I think the car is very well balanced and does a great job translating its power down. This car isn't the car to get as a dedicated sports car, but if you're practical car enthusiast who wants the commuting comfort of a larger car, but still has the performance to have some fun, it's an outstanding daily driver.

Getting my second car soon. 1st bmw. Was deciding between 330i and 430i because I don’t want over a 2 litre for now. I’m coming from a 1.2 litre car with 88hp so I imagine a 430i at 250hp will be a huge change. I test drove a 2016 330i and the difference in power was amazing from my polo! I think 5.8 0-60 will be perfect for my second car. Planning on stage 1 to get 300hp so idk how to take this review!

Has your 7 Series got laser lights? If so could you do a pov night video and show us how they work please 🙏

Hi Peter Russell below. Diesels really come into their own in big vehicles and when they are powerful in horse power as well as torque. The A3 TFSI shares its engine with VW and it is a hard engine to beat, in its various tunes.

great review. I had a 130 which I really miss especially that deep burble of the NA straight six. having owned a 911 and an SL after I think the little 130 is still the complete package. could go for a m135 as these are pretty good value now. I couldn't go for a straight 4. as you say in other reviews though interior quality is a bit shabby in places even in the new models.

Ty for that good reviev

I have only just seen this but I have a 330i simply because it isn’t a 320d. It is quick and the up front weight reduction makes it agile and fuel efficient for a 250bhp plus car. It isn’t meant to be an M240 but I see your point on the money/value comparison. It can’t be as good as a 6 cylinder but it’s more like a Golf GTI engine in a 3 series. To be honest it isn’t the engine that lets this car down for me it’s the chassis and ride. I had my suspension changed by birds auto and it made a big difference but I’m not sure I’d buy another. I like those seats - I have the slightly more tan individual ones in my 330i. It might be boring but I doubt there are many out there with my spec (cos no one else wants them)!

Hi joe Achilles: if it ate it for breakfast, then it might get indigestion. Discos are getting 4 pot diesels with serious power and torque on their latest model. The Volvo XC90 4 pot is good too. I agree that BMWs straight sixes (petrol or diesel) have been wonderful engines. The move is to smaller capacity turbos because of alleged emission savings. My brother has an old model Range Rover with the 287 bhp 4.4 litre diesel V8. Wonderful engine for the car but very thirsty. That's before R.R. shed a much needed 440 kg.

the exterior shots with the wide angle lens distort the car a bit, I know its a faf having multiple lenses but just a suggestion.

My RWD F30 Msport b45 blue with M400 wheels was purely gorgeous. Sadly was totaled from the combination of someone not paying attention and failure to stay in their lane and my swerving to avoid getting hit while in Sport+ after a light rain found the limit of the generic tires the car was delivered with. Very sad day. However, i now own a xDrive B45 blue with M400 wheels Msport F32. God is Great All the Time!!!

Joe great work ! really. last BMW that i had was a z4 2011 with a straight six 2.5 , so i know what you're talking about ... i'm looking for a used 4 series. i decide to go for a petrol engine cause of the sound and smoothness. most of my km's are in town also. you say that the 430i has a common engine and it's not a sport car instead of the 435i or 440i with the proper 6cyl engine. 306hp for 3 litres is not something amazing but the engine is good in every way i suppose. i drove also the tts with the 310hp 2 litres engines and i liked a lot. i was thinking to buy it even if i had to change my 2nd (family) car for a bigger one. the thing is that the 3 litres in Greece cost a lot for taxes insurances and petrol. The difference between the 430i and 440i or 435i is about 3 to 4 litres of petrol for 100km i think, so is big. you also said good words for the 430d but i think that a diesel engine for in town...? also is not a sport car (diesel...) what do you think? for 2 series i just want to say that i don't like it from the back...

Well, we all have to start somewhere I suppose, haha. I've one of these on order, and I'm actually quite pleased with the car and its power source. Then again, that's what having driven only 120hp eco cars does to a man, I guess. I'll be happy to hand over my old keys at work when the dealership calls me that the 430i has arrived. I chose the 430i simply because I cannot afford to purchace a more powerful vehicle at this point where I live (thanks to tax and insurance). However, somewhere down the line I'll probably be moving along to the big boy cars. Oh how I'd love to own an M4 one day. Appreciate the honest review though. Keep it up I'd say!

The 430i feels like it has more turbo lag than the 428i with the N26, the sound is better of the new engine, but the 428i seems like it has the better powertrain. I also like the fake sounds they pump into the 428i here in the states.

Hear what you're saying but buying a diesel anything now is almost mental... Got a 430i and love it, yes id rather it was 6 cylinder but its not and in the current climate it gives decent performance for the 4 pot.... Mine is quick off the line anyway...

Great review and I totally agree with you that 430i (252PS, 350Nm) only exist because 420d needed a 420i (both ~184PS & ~ 270Nm) to save face & BMW Diesel sales! In USA, 430i is the entry model & here in the UK I got my 430i (M Sports Pack +) because, I sourced it @ 420i budget (great time to buy the outgoing model, as the new 4 with its 'large grill' will be on sale in the next month or so). I got the wonderful 8 speed auto & electric seats as standard over the lesser model too. A 440i remains unbeatable and a no brainer, if finances allow. It will be sad to let go of my E92 330i (& previously E46 330Ci) straight 6 with the beautiful sounding engine, so I'll be using HK sound system to compensate! As for the fantastic M240i, It will suit a younger (25-35) demographic better, in the same way that the 4 series suits my generation. Looking forward to your review of the 'New 4 Series'.

How is the mpg on these cars thinking mostly on highway type of driving?

I picked up the pre LCI 328i and proceeded to modify with the BMW m performance parts. Exhaust/suspension/brakes. Transformed the car. But one drive in my siblings M2 and other i6 BMW's reminded me how much sound matters and effortless midrange. Even the e60 545i I traded in had such a beautiful v8 in comparison. As for economy, the n20 engine in my 328i is still more efficient. Noticeably so. Basically I drive the "718" alluded to in your video as a Porsche comparison. FYI I picked up a Cayman GT4 as my fun car last year. So I get the flat 6 howl. 😋

Interesting review - albeit more a stream of consciousness lament for 6-cylinder engines really, which you could have done in many 4-cyl 250ish bhp cars (wink).

So you wouldn't recommend I get a 430i to replace my 330d..? What about the 330i in the G20 Vs my 330d? Economy of 440i Vs my 330d?

Don't know about the sound, maybe an aftermarket exhaust can change something about that. But I drive a 420i Gran Coupé myself with M package (why pay more on a 30i to still have a 4 cilinder, if you want more performance spent even a little more for a 6) because tax wise it was the best deal here in Belgium. Bigger engines and diesels are really expensive here. On a daily drive I have enough power with the standard 184hp but I'm planning to do a stage 1 tuning, nothing special, just a bit more power for a smoother ride. And with that stage 1 tuning for about £700 you nearly get 300hp and 420nm. I think that's going to make a lot of a difference!

I've owned an M235i and now a 435d. I wouldn't go back to a 2 series. The ride and refinement is so much better sorted in the 4 series. But have to agree the 430i is a strange one.

they gave u a 4 cly. its an option to pay more fr the 6 cly 326 hp in many countries

I have the 430d GC - which I think looks nicer than the coupe. it has an enormous practical boot too. it's crucial to realise the 435d/440d only come in Xdrive which has SE suspension that sits HIGH. so the car doesn't look sleek and sporty, and handles horribly. my car is an incredible GT cruiser, eats motorways, good on bendy roads, and has amazing in gear torque and overtaking ability. it makes it a joy to drive and very comfortable. the dampening is awesome. however, don't overlook Jaguar. the XF is more nimble and handles better than the 3/4/5. the suspension is better too - takes bumps better whilst remaining sporty. however the NVH let's it down. too much noise and vibration enters the cabin. however, best driving cars in this class imo. overall the 4 series is a better package.

Joe, have you considered doing any older cars from the BMW lineup? There's a real lack of content out their for guys looking at the sub 15K car market. I'm specifically talking BMW and with regards to models: e90 330d, 335i lci etc?

I love how much passion you have for the m240i.... you make great points. Did you have any comments from BMW UK for being as honest as you were?

Nice video Joe! I honestly don't know what was wrong with the '28i' badge? At least it has a little connection to the genuine engine size. I definitely think non M BMW 6 cylinder petrol days are numbered unfortunately...😖

Nope, I'm not having it. It was Clarkson that said it, but as horses have gone from a daily tool for the job, and now just for fun on the weekend. The car with a bit of luck, will go the same way. I think/hope that Teslas will fill the roads on the run to work and back, and come the weekend us petrolheads will fill the country lanes. And even better than that, because these "petrol" cars will be bought only for fun. The manuals and N/A engines will make a come back. That's what I'm saying anywho lol Thanks for the video Joe, looking forward to the GT4 vid.

After watching this im thinking that Joe is probably never again gonna get a BMW for review. Love the hard truth though.

Mr Joe I'm 11 this is my dream car

it's funny because the 4 series and the f80 m3 are the worse sounding M cars out of the lot.The m135i and the m235i are mini beasts and sound real good,the m3 e92 was and still is a great sounding and performing car,the 5 whether it be the e60 or f10 Is a great sounding and performing car and the 6 is also a straight beasttt.bmw f'd up with the f80 and f82 smh

I opted for the 435D. More than enough bang and i'm averaging 43 mpg.

I see the point this video is trying to make but nevertheless, a 330i sedan was recently tested by car & driver here in the states and they recorded a 5.4s 0-60, 14.0s 1/4 mile @100mph and 27.1s 0-130mph... I don't know mate, but that is fast by any measure especially for a 4 cylinder! Of course after an M2 & M240i, almost everything will feel slow I'm sure.

help me, 430i or m240i??? i will sometimes drive someone in the back but usually not. im afraid the 240 is small...

Why call is 430 when its 2l ?

Does your DCT m2 have a rev limiter in neutral/park? Or can you rev to limiter?

I didnt realise the 430i was a 2.0... Every day is a school day!

Cheers Joe, won't be ordering one of those then.

Joe the big question though, does a bike fit in the back of a 2 series?

Thinking of getting a m140i

I've just ordered a 230i with m sport bits, I'm hoping it will be a fun UK B-road type car :)

its a crime to have a 430i with a 2.0l 4 cylinder

I Want To Buy One When I Grow Up Can U Help Me Pls Pls Reply

BMW have always made these niche, low volume variants that sit in the middle of their line ups and don't offer value for money. Take the e36 323i, 525d, 545i etc etc. They'll never sell many but they always seem to be produced by BMW.

M240i all day long over a 430i. I think it would be a tough choice between the 440i and the M240i for me though.

The 30d engine is amazing. But oh my God, it is also soooo boring. Also I need more than 25mpg so a 40i is out of the question. The 20d is an awful engine. I am thinking the only way forward is a manual 30i to get something with a bit of economy, performance and fun.

Purchase of a 2015 428i m sport coupe caused a buyer`s remorse in less than a month and barely after 500miles. Traded in for a 435i m sport in 2016 with a $12k loss (roll over negative equity). Worst money waste ever but lesson learnt. Don`t buy 428/430 if you`re looking for performance. Get a base 440i instead of a loaded 430i. If you can afford a 430i you can afford 440i too.

how come there's no manual version of the 430d?, as undoubtedly good as the modern auto's are I cant seem to feel at one with anything other than a manual. maybe I'll recapture my youth and take my son's advice, m235i, manual of course.

You've convinced me never to buy a 430i!

To me the 430 is for the person who wants a luxury German cruiser and they wouldn't even consider what's under the bonnet. The enthusiastic driver would go the 240 and think they got a bargain or spend up and get a 440. Love that little clip in the gt4. Sounds bloody awesome.

Diesels are now amazing. I am old enough to remember when they were dreadful. You, youngsters, probably don't know but BMW and Honda refused to make diesels and Merc diesels were taxis in Germany.

this car has a VSS ( variable steering steel?) . thank you

Why are you comparing a mid level 4 to a top level 2 series? How am I gonna get my kids and a boot full of stock in a 2 series!?

Do you think a 435d would be quicker than an M24Oi?

It's a bit like my 325d in the way that it's an unusual model. It used to be a 6cyl but then it became a 4cyl before being disbanded as a model altogether. Unfortunately I couldn't quite stretch to the 330d but I wanted something a bit better than the typical 320d so went for it. With regards to real world mpg my 325d gets less than a 330d as its a 4cyl with a higher tune that requires more work to get the performance out of it.

ouch! I meant Joe don't give up on fossil fuels. I went and spoilt a good quote. Damn!

why would you suggest a 420d over this?

Its getting a facelift in march

now i understand why everybody is downsizing and i do think it may be the right thing to do for the environment but it is just really sad! i just drove an m4 last weeked and yes it was fast but i was not impressed and i prefer the mustang gt or a chevy camaro ss over it. Mostly because of the fact that at least the american auto makers stick to the v8 engines on their performance cars! some people might say oh air polution and stuff like that and yes i am american myself but i just wish that the other carmakers like bmw and so on would at least keep the big engines in their performance cars like the m4. i really like the route that mercedes is going example they offer a c43 amg with a v6 and a c63 amg with the v8.

I drove a 220i some time ago and i was very disappointed. You could feel the well sorted chassis but the engine ruined the experience totally. Massive turbo lag and it felt generally weak but the sound was the worst, hollow, gutless and annoying. The more i drove it, the more i hated it. I know making four cylinders sound good is very hard. Imo only Alfa did a great job with the 4C but BMW did a particulary bad job with their recent four cylinders. This was a very sad thing for me because i hate the F30 3 series for it's looks and i don't want to spend so much money on the overpriced 4 series. Alfa came up with the stunning Giulia but again, they also disqualified themselves with crappy four cylinder automatic engines. I am not going to spend more than 40k Euros on a stupid four cylinder car. This leaves me personally with the only option left, an M140i which is a bit too small for my taste but you got to do what you got to do.

If they can do the M550d x drive: Why not an M440d X drive? God, if getting to customers is one thing; they should make you their PR!!!

I imagine BMW UK is not too pleased with this review.

Dude, you spent almost the entire 12 minutes talking about other vehicles and what the vehicle is not. Next time you should actually talk about the vehicles you're driving.

Outside of Europe, 2 series kinda looks like a car that your gf drives

It's funny how religious people are about the number of cylinders in their car.

Straight sixes .... Ah yes the Aston Martin DB5..... Joe, give up on fossil fuel engines. Tomorrow is a foreign country promised to nobody.

You love bmws😂

I don't know why, but every time I watch this guy, he just puts me to sleep. Zzzzzzzz

first

you ain’t even show the inside interior or dash lol terrible review

4 series looks like crap