Compare the2023 MINI Cooper ConvertibleVS 2023 BMW 4 Series Convertible

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.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Cooper Convertible’s reliability 11 points higher than the 4 Series Convertible.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Cooper Convertible first among compact sporty cars in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The 4 Series Convertible was rated third in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that MINI vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI above average in long-term dependability. With 19 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, BMW is rated lower.

On the EPA test cycle the Cooper Convertible gets better mileage than the 4 Series Convertible:

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.

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.

For better maneuverability, the Cooper Convertible’s turning circle is 4 feet tighter than the 4 Series Convertible’s (35.4 feet vs. 39.4 feet).

The MINI Cooper Convertible may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 950 to 1100 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.

The Cooper Convertible’s standard folding rear seats are split to accommodate bulky cargo. The 4 Series Convertible’s standard single piece folding rear seat is not as flexible; long cargo and a passenger can’t share the rear seat.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that MINI service is better than BMW. J.D. Power ranks MINI fourth in service department satisfaction. With a 7% lower rating, BMW is ranked 7th.

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.

Insurance will cost less for the Cooper Convertible owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Cooper Convertible will cost $5540 to $7725 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 $27467 to $29914 less than for the BMW 4 Series Convertible.

Consumer Reports® recommends the MINI Cooper Convertible, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Cooper Convertible first among compact sporty cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The 4 Series Convertible isn’t in the top three in its category.