BMW M4 F83 Convertible (2015-2020): Open-Top Thrills With Real-World Usability
I’ve spent enough time in the M4 drop-top to know this: few cars mix everyday livability with proper, heart-rate-raising performance like the BMW M4 F83 Convertible. Roof up, it’s a tight, quiet premium coupe. Roof down, it’s the kind of thing that turns a dull commute into a victory lap. Honestly, I wasn’t sure at first—convertibles and sharp handling don’t always get along—but the BMW engineers did their homework.
Why the BMW M4 F83 Convertible Still Hits the Sweet Spot
The M4 Convertible arrived in 2015 and ran through 2020, pairing BMW M’s S55 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six with a folding hardtop. It’s a simple recipe that works. The engine pulls hard, the chassis feels more buttoned-down than you’d expect from a premium convertible, and the whole thing makes you want to take the long way home—every time.
BMW M4 F83 Convertible: Powertrain and Performance
- Engine: S55 3.0L twin-turbo I6
- Output: 425 hp and 406 lb-ft (Competition Package: 444 hp)
- 0–60 mph: roughly 4.2 seconds with the DCT; add a couple tenths for the manual (where offered)
- Transmission: 6-speed manual (rare in some markets) or 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT)
- Weight: around 4,000+ lbs—yes, the hardtop adds mass you can feel
- Economy: about 17/25 mpg (city/highway), depending on spec and year
On a favorite backroad, the F83 hustles with real intent. You get that familiar BMW M blend of precise steering and stout brakes (carbon ceramics optional), plus torque that arrives early and often. When I tried it on rough roads, there’s a hint of shimmy you won’t get in the coupe—but it’s surprisingly contained for a hardtop cabrio.
BMW M4 F83 Convertible: The Roof-Down Reality
Top down, the cabin stays calm enough to hold a conversation at highway speeds. Heated seats and available neck warmers extend the season well into chilly mornings—think coastal dawn drives or mountain sunsets. Around town, the ride is compliant in Comfort mode; flick it to Sport and the F83 tightens up, without turning brittle. Small gripe: on pothole-riddled city streets, the structure will remind you it’s a convertible. Not a deal-breaker, just honest physics.
Inside the BMW M4 F83 Convertible: Tech, Comfort, and Quirks
- iDrive improved through the years (2015–2020) and works intuitively; Apple CarPlay became available later in the run.
- Front seats are all-day comfortable with proper bolstering; rear seats work for kids or cooperative adults on short hops.
- Cabin quality is high: precise switchgear, just enough carbon trim to feel special.
- Quirks? Some low-speed DCT shunt, occasional creaks from the roof seals on older cars, and the odd infotainment quibble—nothing show-stopping.
Accessorizing Your BMW M4 F83 Convertible: Easy Wins
Protecting what you’ve got matters—especially if you plan on keeping the car a while. Custom-fit floor mats keep the carpets looking new, which pays off when you detail the car for resale or, more likely, for that Miami night out.
For custom-fit protection that doesn’t look like an afterthought, I’ve pointed a few owners to AutoWin—they carry tailored sets for the M4 F83 and matching accessories that blend with the cabin instead of shouting over it.
BMW M4 F83 Convertible vs Rivals: The Shortlist
Where does the BMW M4 F83 Convertible land among fast four-seat cabrios? Here’s the quick read.
| Model | Engine | Power | 0–60 mph | Roof Type | When New (approx MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M4 F83 Convertible | 3.0L TT I6 | 425–444 hp | ~4.2 sec (DCT) | Folding hardtop | $73k–$80k |
| Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet | 4.0L TT V8 | 469–503 hp | ~4.0 sec | Fabric soft-top | $75k–$90k |
| Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (991.2) | 3.0L TT flat-6 | 370–420 hp | ~4.0–4.2 sec (PDK) | Fabric soft-top | $100k+ |
My take? The AMG sounds naughtier and the 911 is purer, but the BMW hits the value/performance/livability trifecta. It’s also the most coupe-like with the roof up, thanks to that hardtop.
Buying Notes for the BMW M4 F83 Convertible
- Competition Package bumps power to 444 hp and sharpens the chassis—worth seeking out.
- DCT is brilliant at pace; the manual adds charm if you like involvement over tenths.
- Listen for roof creaks over driveways—often cured with fresh seals or adjustment.
- As with any M car, ensure proper maintenance and warm-up; a few owners mentioned to me that gentle driving when cold keeps the S55 happiest.
- Tuning potential is huge, but if you’re shopping used, verify software and hardware mods were done right.
Who it suits
- Drivers who want genuine pace with top-down theater
- Couples or small families needing real back seats (kids fit fine; adults for shorter trips)
- People who want a premium daily that doubles as a weekend toy
What might bug you
- Extra weight versus the coupe—you can feel it on track or super-tight roads
- Low-speed DCT manners in traffic are “sporty,” not limousine-smooth
- Trunk space drops with the roof stowed—pack soft bags
Conclusion: The BMW M4 F83 Convertible Makes Everyday Feel Special
The BMW M4 F83 Convertible is the rare luxury performance car that plays both roles: refined daily and open-air thrill machine. It’s quick, cohesive, and—roof down—just theatrical enough. If you own one, protect the interior with quality mats and thoughtful accessories from the AutoWin e-shop, and you’ll keep that new-car feeling long after the first summer.
FAQ: BMW M4 F83 Convertible (2015–2020)
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What year is F83 M4? The BMW M4 F83 Convertible was produced from 2015 through 2020.
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What year was the F83 introduced? It launched for the 2015 model year as the convertible counterpart to the M4 coupe.
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Is the 2015 M4 good? Yes—strong performance (425 hp), sharp handling for a cabrio, and everyday comfort. If possible, drive both manual and DCT to see which suits your style.
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How much was an M4 in 2015? The 2015 BMW M4 F83 Convertible started in the low-to-mid $70,000s before options.
