# BMW M4 — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the BMW M4 on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/bmw-m4

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2021
- **Ideal trim**: M4 Competition
- **Target mileage**: 30,000–50,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 3
- **Target price**: £46,879

## Why this model

The BMW M4, especially the 2021 G82 generation, is an absolute beast of a performance car. It offers incredible power, sharp handling, and a surprisingly comfortable ride for a car with such capabilities. It's a fantastic choice if you're after a thrilling driving experience combined with everyday usability. The M4 holds its value reasonably well for a performance car, and the 2021 model represents a sweet spot where initial depreciation has settled, but you still get a relatively modern car with the latest tech and performance upgrades.

## What you should pay

Based on current UK market data for February 2026, a 2021 BMW M4 Competition with around 30,000-50,000 miles typically sits around the £46,879 mark. This is a strong price point for the G82 generation, offering a significant saving over new while still having plenty of life left. Prices can vary by a few thousand pounds depending on specific mileage, optional extras, and condition, so be prepared to haggle slightly.

## Which trim to buy

The M4 Competition is the one to go for. It offers a significant bump in horsepower over the standard M4 (510hp vs 480hp for the G82 generation) and comes with a more aggressive suspension setup, sport exhaust, and often more desirable interior and exterior trim. On the used market, the price difference isn't huge compared to the standard M4, making the Competition model excellent value for the extra performance and features you get. It's the definitive M4 experience.

## What to check before you buy

- High brake and tyre wear due to performance nature
- Potential for cracked charge pipes (more common on older F8x generation, but worth checking)
- Crank hub issues (rare, but a known concern on F8x generation, less so on G8x)
- Electronics glitches (typical for complex modern BMWs)

## Running costs

Running an M4 isn't cheap, but it's manageable for a performance car. Fuel costs will be significant; at current super unleaded prices (around £1.50/litre) and 29 mpg, you're looking at about 51p per mile. Road tax (VED) for a 2021 model will be £180 per year after the initial five years of the luxury car supplement have passed. Insurance will be a major factor, likely ranging from £1,000 to £2,500+ annually depending on your age, location, and driving history. Servicing and performance tyres will also be more expensive than a regular car.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Petrol
- **Horsepower**: 510 hp
- **Mpg**: 28-30 mpg (combined)
- **Reliability Score**: Above Average
- **Safety Rating**: 5 Stars (Euro NCAP, based on 3/4 Series)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| M4 (F82) | £62,000 | £40,000 | 3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 (431hp); Adaptive M Suspension; M Sport Differential |
| M4 Competition (F82) | £65,000 | £44,000 | 3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 (450hp); Uprated Adaptive M Suspension; Lightweight M Sport Seats |
| M4 Convertible (F83) | £67,000 | £42,000 | 3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 (431hp); Retractable Hardtop Roof; Adaptive M Suspension |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £46,879 | 0% |
| 2027 | £42,050 | 10.3% |
| 2028 | £37,550 | 10.7% |
| 2029 | £33,550 | 10.6% |
| 2030 | £30,000 | 10.4% |

The 2021 M4 (G82) is currently in a sweet spot for depreciation. The initial steep drop from new has already occurred, and while it will continue to depreciate, the rate should be more gradual. You're buying a car that's 3-4 years old, meaning it's still modern but has absorbed a significant chunk of its value loss, making it a smarter buy than a brand new one.

Total value lost since new: 36%.

## Alternatives to consider

- Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe
- Audi RS5 Coupe
- Porsche Cayman GTS

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.