Compared to its predecessor, the Z4 roadster is sportier and gets good gas mileage.
Punchy acceleration and an energizing exhaust sound are provided by the standard 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine.
Although the Z4 boasts incredibly agile handling, the ride is constantly tight and rough.
The powered soft top may be opened and closed while traveling at speeds of up to 31 mph in just 11 seconds.
Although the iDrive infotainment system takes some getting used to, with practice it becomes simple to use.
After a three-year absence, the BMW Z4 roadster is back with a soft top, a livelier personality, modern sophisticated safety systems, and better fuel efficiency.
With its standard 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the Z4 offers quick acceleration and energizing exhaust noise.
With a speed of up to 31 mph, the motorized soft top can open and close in just 11 seconds.
The iDrive control scheme is challenging to learn but becomes intuitive with practice.
It is compatible with Apple CarPlay, although after the first year, a subscription is needed. For 2020, a 3.0 liter six-cylinder turbo is new.
The cloth top of the first version Z4 was replaced with a retractable hardtop for the second generation.
Although the handling is competent and safe, it lacks the satisfying tactile feedback and thrill potential that a driving enthusiast seeks.
Even for people of ordinary girth, the bowstring-taut ride can be nearly unpleasant at times, and the cabin, despite being beautifully constructed, is a tight fit.
Antilock brakes, braking assist, electronic stability control, and rollover protection via roll bars behind the head restraints are all included in the standard safety equipment.
With significantly larger internal space and a choice of two six-cylinder engines, the Z4 debuted in 2003.
The Z4 kept the rough ride of the outgoing vehicle despite being nearly incomparably better than the Z3 (which it replaced).
Additionally, it lacks agility in part due to the inaccurate and non-linear steering.
The M coupe and roadster use a 3.2-liter engine that is even more potent and produces 330 hp, making both of the available 3.0-liter six-cylinder engines strong.
In This Article...
Cargo, Comfort, and the Interior
The Z4 boasts a very high-quality cabin, just like all current BMWs. In this class, it might even have the nicest interior. It has high-end materials, superb panel fitting, and well-placed controls. Large bolsters on its seats keep you firmly in place while you appreciate the Z4’s dynamism. Even for people who are taller than six feet, there is more space inside than you may anticipate. Its textile roof is thickly insulated and tightly sealed. The BMW’s interior is remarkably silent with the top up, with so little wind or road noise that it almost seems like a Grand Touring coupe. It unfolds in a matter of seconds with the push of a button. When the top is down and the vehicle is moving quickly, a wind blocker is usually used to minimize wind buffeting. Stowage space inside is also pretty roomy. The Z4’s interior has various storage compartments, including one in the center console and one with a felt interior to the left of the steering wheel. Furthermore, there are two sizable cupholders up front and a netted shelf behind the seats. The Z4’s trunk only has 10 cubic feet of space, but it can fit two people’s worth of stuff for a short weekend road trip.
Overall Reliability Scores: How Reliable Is The BMW Z4?
Overall, the BMW Z4 is quite reliable with a reliability score of 76.55. The exact rankings of this car in relation to various other cars are shown in the chart below, however as a point of reference, the average overall rating is 57.
This information is based on a combination of looking at the cost and frequency of maintenance, warranty coverage, and long-term reliability by looking at how long these vehicles are normally kept on the road. Remember that not just compact or subcompact vehicles in the BMW Z4’s class are included in this comparison; all automobiles are.
You may notice that these numbers differ significantly from those in J.D. Power or Consumer Reports. Most publications look at complaints made to the dealership within the first few months of ownership (like JD Power) or solicit biased feedback from owners regarding longer-term cycles of their new cars. Instead, this study examines data from wholesale auctions and repair businesses on actual repair prices and frequency.
A two-seat roadster, the BMW Z4, can make just about anyone happy.
Years of the BMW Z4 are not all made equal.
To help you find the optimal balance of price AND dependability, CoPilot Compare lays down the pricing and feature differences between BMW Z4 years.
The Z4 has a solid reputation for being a reliable and efficient model as well as an excellent automobile all around. BMW is a brand that frequently enjoys high levels of customer loyalty. Although there are still a few BMW Z4 years to steer clear of, this is generally a dependable choice.
Of course, the top models’ dependability actually makes it even more crucial to ensure that you’re staying away from the years that don’t operate as well. You won’t necessarily pay extra for those models, especially when compared to other cars, but you don’t want to acquire a lemon when you’re hoping to get an absolutely dependable car.
In order to prevent the most frequent Z4 issues and identify which particular models are generally more dependable, let’s take a deeper look at the BMW Z4 years.
A comprehensive used buyer’s guide for the BMW Z4, including the Z4 Mk2 (2009-date)
The Z4 Mk2 is BMW’s best sports vehicle to date. Some enthusiasts believed the brand had sold out by producing a coupe-cabrio, but this is a company that doesn’t do things by half. The Z4 has proven to be a fantastic option for enthusiasts, but it’s also ideal for anyone searching for a stylish sports vehicle that is quick, maneuverable, and practical. The Z4 can be driven every day if you don’t require a lot of load space despite the fun it offers. The four-cylinder engines from the 2011 facelift are well worth looking for because they offer comparable performance to their six-cylinder counterparts while being more fuel-efficient.
With a history of producing excellent drivers’ vehicles and a reputation for marketing its goods as “The ultimate driving machine,” one would assume that BMW would have a line of two-seater roadsters.
Aside from the expensive and rare 507 from the 1950s, BMW avoided two-seaters for the majority of its 100-year existence. The brand wouldn’t enter the market for reasonably priced sports cars until the 1996 Z3.
The Z3 wasn’t a bad start, but the original Z4 was far superior. The Mk2 replacement, with its more streamlined appearance, coupe-cabriolet layout, and enhanced performance, was even better. It’s time to find one now that summer has finally arrived.
Is the BMW Z4 a trustworthy vehicle?
The BMW Z4: Is it Reliable? The Z4 is rated as having a 3.0 out of 5.0 reliability score by RepairPal, placing it 14th out of 17 luxury small vehicles. Although the vehicle has above-average reliability, it is said to have low ownership expenses.
What is it like to drive a BMW Z4?
How is driving like? The entry-level 197hp 20i edition of the BMW Z4 feels a little lifeless compared to the more powerful engines available for an additional cost.
Is the BMW Z4 destined to become classic?
The BMW Z4 Coupe is a future classic and a lot rarer than the far more popular roadster form, demonstrating that special BMWs don’t always have M emblems.
Can you operate a BMW Z4 every day?
The BMW Z4 is one of the best performance cars you can drive every day, according to Road and Track. This tiny automobile is smooth, nimble, swift, and determined. You’ll adore the sporty drive and the luxurious atmosphere of the interior. You can sprint along the open road with 400 horsepower at your disposal. Only if you need to transport more than one other person should you refrain from driving the Z4 every day.
What kind of engine powers a BMW Z4?
There are two different engine options for the Z4 Roadster. The 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine that powers the Z4 sDrive30i produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder BMW M TwinPower Turbo engine in the Z4 M40i produces an astounding 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque.
What are some typical BMW Z4 issues?
- Engine area oil leaks.
- Bushings on the front control arm bracket could break.
- Coolant Loss from Expansion Tank Leak.
- Engine rattling and Check Engine Light with Code P30FF.
- Engine overheating and/or the Check Engine light.
- Coolant leaks could occur in the water pump.
- Warning: Engine Overheating
How many miles are there in a BMW Z4?
With regular care, a BMW Z4 will normally last 200,000 miles, though some can survive much longer. Some have even exceeded 250,000 miles, albeit these are the exceptions. You can anticipate 13 years of dependable servicing if you drive 15,000 miles annually before needing costly repairs.
How much does a BMW Z4 oil change cost?
An oil change for a BMW Z4 typically costs between $199 and $228. While parts are priced between $144 and $158, labor is predicted to cost between $55 and $69 per hour. Taxes and other fees are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or geographic area taken into account. Additional fixes could be required.
Will Z4 appreciate in value?
The anticipated depreciation over the following ten years is shown in the figure below. These outcomes apply to cars that travel 12,000 miles annually on average and are in good condition. It also counts on a $64,609 retail price for the vehicle. Enter the purchase price, anticipated length of ownership, and yearly mileage estimate. Our depreciation estimator can forecast the BMW Z4’s anticipated resale value.
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Z4 is all-wheel drive, right?
BMW sports cars are known for their confident handling and potent turbocharged engines, and the 2022 Z4 convertible meets those expectations. However, its upmarket cabin, which is cozy enough to be used as a daily driver, also contributes to its appeal. An energetic turbocharged four-cylinder serves as the base engine, but the M40i model’s more aggressive twin-turbo inline-six is available. All Z4s have rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission that is equally at home cruising down the highway as it is engaging in sportier driving. Although the handling isn’t as precise as a Porsche Boxster, it’s nevertheless really entertaining on a winding road. The Z4 is only available as a softtop convertible, but if you’d like a hardtop coupe, check out the Toyota Supra, which was built alongside the BMW and has a fundamentally comparable drivetrain.
When was the Z4 released?
Danish BMW designer Anders Warming worked on the E85 from the middle of 1998 to the summer of 1999.
[Reference needed] Tomasz Sycha was the designer of the coupe versions. On March 1st, 2000, the E85 concepts were put on hold. The Z4 was unveiled at the 2002 Paris Motor Show and went on sale in North America in November of that same year (as the 2003 model year). Sales in Europe started in March 2003.
The first iterations had a roadster body shape and a 2.5L or 3.0L 6-cylinder engine.
Are Mazda Miatas suitable for daily use?
Unquestionably one of the world’s best driving vehicles is the NB Miata. Up to that point, its strengths as a driver’s car (lightweight, RWD, short-ratio manual) are also its weaknesses as a daily driver.