BMW is leaving no stone unturned to expand the list of optional extras. “Variety is the spice of life” seems to be the current motto in Munich, as the number of extras is constantly growing. For the 4 Series, customers can now also equip the regular models with carbon fiber mirror caps. In other words, this upgrade doesn’t require upgrading to an M440i or M4.
However, this is clearly not the M-style mirror design. Instead, images from the German configurator show a 420i with standard clear-coat carbon fiber mirror housings. The newly announced option is part of a spring update that BMW is rolling out across Europe. It’s not limited to the 4 Series Coupe either, as both the Convertible and Gran Coupe can be equipped with the same option.
A word of warning: checking this box in the options list will automatically add the M Sport package. In other words, you can’t have a base 4 Series with carbon mirrors. BMW charges 490 euros for the new option, in addition to the extra charge that the M kit requires.
As you’d expect, the design isn’t available on the M models, where BMW continues to use the more aggressive mirror design. I’m old enough to remember when only full-fat M cars had M-style mirrors. Likewise, quad exhaust systems were reserved for only the most powerful models for decades before the M badge was gradually democratized.
Although the second-generation 4 Series is almost six years old, the G22’s life cycle is far from over. According to reports, production will continue until mid-2029, at which point the G82 M4 will also be discontinued. The M4 convertibles G23 and G84 are also expected to remain in production until the turn of the millennium.
The outlook for the 4 Series Gran Coupe seems less optimistic. The G26 will likely be retired much sooner, with BMW insiders claiming the plug will be pulled in about a year. Production reportedly ends in February 2027. At that point, the i4 could also be discontinued, which would pave the way for the upcoming i3 sedan to replace it. Another i4 (NA2) could join the offering later.
