BMW M4 Competition Convertible Hire UK: 510HP Open-Top Sports Car Self-Drive

The BMW M4 Competition Convertible is the open-top version of the M4 Competition coupe, sharing the same S58 3.0 litre twin-turbo straight-six engine producing 510HP and 650Nm of torque and the same rear-wheel drive M xDrive optional drivetrain. The Convertible uses an electrically operated three layer soft top roof that opens in 18 seconds at speeds up to 31mph. With the roof raised it provides acoustic insulation comparable to a fixed roof car in normal driving conditions. The kerb weight of 1,980kg is approximately 150kg more than the M4 Competition coupe as a result of the roof mechanism and structural reinforcement required for an open top body. Despite this the Convertible reaches 62mph in 3.9 seconds 0.3 seconds slower than the coupe and has a top speed limited to 155mph as standard, rising to 180mph with the optional M Driver’s Package. The S58 engine in the M4 Competition is specific to the M3 and M4 and is not used in any other BMW production car. It uses a closed deck block construction, forged steel crankshaft and individual throttle body injection to produce its 510HP while remaining tractable at low engine speeds for everyday urban driving.

The S58 engine and M4 character

The S58 twin-turbo straight six in the M4 Competition has a character that is more linear and progressive than the twin turbo V8s in the Aston Martin and Mercedes AMG cars in the Starr fleet. Peak torque of 650Nm is available from 2,750rpm and the engine pulls strongly to its 7,200rpm redline. The M Steptronic 8-speed automatic gearbox uses faster shifts in M mode than in normal automatic mode and responds to paddle inputs within a fraction of a second. The M4 Competition Convertible is rear-wheel drive as standard in the UK. The rear wheel drive setup gives the car a more engaging character on dry roads than the xDrive all wheel drive version, with more driver input required to manage the 650Nm of torque at the rear axle in wet conditions. The active M differential distributes torque between the rear wheels based on steering angle and throttle input, which reduces understeer and allows the car to rotate more freely in corners. The M Sport exhaust is standard on Competition specification and produces a flat-six exhaust note that is specific to the S58’s firing order at high revs.

The M4 Convertible roof and open-top experience

The three-layer soft-top roof folds completely into a compartment behind the rear seats in 18 seconds. The boot holds 300 litres with the roof raised and 221 litres with the roof folded. The acoustic liner in the roof’s inner layer is designed to reduce wind and road noise when closed, and BMW states the reduction is sufficient to make the Convertible comparable to the fixed-roof coupe in normal motorway driving. With the roof down, the M Sport exhaust note and the S58 engine character are more present and direct than in the coupe. The car’s 4-seat configuration means it can carry four passengers in open-air conditions useful for road trips where more than two occupants want the convertible experience.

The M4 Convertible on UK roads

The M4 Competition Convertible works well on open UK A roads where the rear-wheel drive chassis and the S58 engine’s torque can be used progressively. In Comfort mode the adaptive suspension and the throttle calibration make the car easy to drive in traffic and over poor road surfaces. In Sport mode the dampers firm, the throttle sharpens and the gearbox holds lower gears longer. The car’s 1,980kg weight is perceptible on tighter roads compared to the lighter coupe, but the power and torque available means it maintains pace on open roads without effort. For a driver who wants an open-top performance car with rear-wheel drive character and four genuine seats, the M4 Convertible occupies a specific position in the Starr fleet it provides the M4’s driving character with the option of roof down driving that the coupe cannot offer.

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BMW M4 Competition Convertible self-drive hire requirements

To hire the BMW M4 Competition Convertible with Starr Luxury Cars you will need a full UK or EU driving licence held for a minimum of 3 years, no more than 6 penalty points, and be at least 25 years of age. A refundable security deposit is required at the time of booking. Standard packages include 100 miles per day. Additional mileage can be pre-purchased at the time of booking.