Compare the2025 MINI Cooper ConvertibleVS 2025 BMW 4 Series Convertible

Both the Cooper Convertible and 4 Series Convertible offer Cross Traffic Warning, but the Cooper Convertible with Cross Traffic Warning also has Brake Intervention (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The 4 Series Convertible’s Cross Traffic Warning doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Cooper Convertible and the 4 Series Convertible have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, 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, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems and around view monitors.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 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 above average in initial quality. With 24 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that MINI vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 16 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is ranked 9th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that MINI vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks MINI third in overall reliability. BMW is ranked 9th.

The Cooper Convertible offers a standard 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 or a conventional manual transmission.

For better maneuverability, the Cooper Convertible’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the 4 Series Convertible’s (36.4 feet vs. 37.4 feet). The Cooper Convertible’s turning circle is 3 feet tighter than the 4 Series Convertible xDrive’s (36.4 feet vs. 39.4 feet).

The MINI Cooper Convertible may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 900 to 1100 pounds less than the BMW 4 Series Convertible.

The Cooper Convertible is 2 feet, 11.1 inches shorter than the 4 Series Convertible, making the Cooper Convertible easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

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 22% lower rating, BMW is ranked 13th.

The Cooper Convertible’s optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

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.

The Cooper Convertible has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the car heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the 4 Series Convertible.

The Cooper Convertible offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the 4 Series Convertible.

The Cooper Convertible’s optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Control Parking will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The 4 Series Convertible’s automatic parking system does not offer parking by remote control.