Both the Cooper Convertible and the 4 Series Convertible have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors and available front parking sensors.
Compare the2022 MINI Cooper ConvertibleVS 2022 BMW 4 Series Convertible


Safety
Reliability
J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that MINI vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI 10th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 15 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is ranked 20th, below the industry average.
Environmental Friendliness
In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the MINI Cooper Convertible higher (7 out of 10) than the BMW 4 Series Convertible (5 to 7). This means the Cooper Convertible produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the 4 Series Convertible every 15,000 miles.
Transmission
The Cooper Convertible offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer a manual transmission.
The Cooper Convertible offers an optional sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer an SMG.
Suspension and Handling
For better maneuverability, the Cooper Convertible’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the 4 Series Convertible’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.4 feet). The Cooper Convertible’s turning circle is 4 feet tighter than the 4 Series Convertible xDrive’s (35.4 feet vs. 39.4 feet).
Chassis
The MINI Cooper Convertible may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1050 to 1150 pounds less than the BMW 4 Series Convertible.
The Cooper Convertible is 2 feet, 11.7 inches shorter than the 430i, making the Cooper Convertible easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.
Ergonomics
Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Cooper Convertible to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.
To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the MINI Cooper offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.
The Cooper Convertible’s optional Parking Assistant can parallel park by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer an automated parking system.
Economic Advantages
Insurance will cost less for the Cooper Convertible owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Cooper Convertible will cost $6450 to $9005 less than the 4 Series Convertible over a five-year period.
IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the MINI Cooper Convertible will be $27051 to $31606 less than for the BMW 4 Series Convertible.