The Z4 stunned its buyers with its flamboyant style by Chris Bangle. It was larger all around than the Z3 and three times stiffer, yet barely any heavier.
Additionally, the driving posture was much superior because to the sleek, contemporary, and clearly higher-quality cockpit.
A move upmarket meant that it wouldn’t sell in as large of numbers as the Z3, but a remarkable selection of engines – 2-litre “four” plus 2.2, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.2-litre “sixes” in addition to the Alpina 3.4 – during its six-year life meant that there was a Z4 for everyone. Spec options also greatly expanded the range.
It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the range and options before making a purchase because few sellers are knowledgeable about them, which means that attractive models may be underpriced.
The chic and useful Coupe was introduced later and was only available in high grade; though they were less expensive when new than the Roadster, they are now hard to find and considerably more expensive. It has a somewhat firmer suspension than the Roadster.
The Z4M is the pinnacle, but the Alpina Roadster S that came before it, with its handbuilt 3.4-liter “six,” Alpina wheels, distinctive interior, and body and suspension changes, might be the year’s best deal for collectors.
Only 167 right-hand drive cars were produced, however there are currently a lot of them available, some of which are priced far less than a M Roadster.
Check the tax rates for the model you want to buy in the UK because there may be a significant variation. For example, Alpinas and the first few Z4Ms registered before March 23, 2006, the tax rate is PS325pa; starting on March 23, it is PS570pa.
With a drive-by-wire throttle, electronic traction and stability control (which can be turned off with a button), and selectable Sport/Comfort settings, there is a lot of technology.
The Z4 was the first BMW equipped with electric power steering, and the soft top was totally automatic, requiring no human clips or latches and rising or falling in less than ten seconds.
When it functioned, that is, which it didn’t usually due to the hood motor’s poor placement in a bowl in the hoodwell drain region, which caused it to fill with water when the drains clogged.
Z4 aficionados have an affordable solution, and the cars’ strong following and self-help communities attest to its historic potential.
Older cars are currently more expensive, but it’s crucial to shop wisely and opt for a car that has already had love (and money) showered on it, especially during the past few years. The 2006 facelift added yet more electronics as well as other underlying difficulties in old age.
In This Article...
Years of the BMW Z4 to AVOID
You might be surprised by how few years to avoid there are when looking at the Z4. This model has the advantage of delivering consistently good performance ever since it was introduced. Despite this, older Z4s continue to have more issues than this model’s more current iterations.
2003\s\s 2005\s\s 2006\s\s 2007\s\s 2008\s\s 2016
The 2003 model appears to have more issues than the others, but the 2007 model likely has the greatest issues. Despite this, compared to other automakers, all of these models still have quite low issue rates.
If the only BMW Z4s available to you are from this year group and you’re seeking for a dependable model, you should definitely still buy one. Just be ready to allocate a little bit more money for maintenance bills than you ordinarily would, especially for the 2007 model.
The 2016 BMW Z4 is perhaps the most practical and finest overall option among the BMW Z4 years to avoid. However, the performance metrics and consistency of the 2015 and 2017 models are also superior.
The CoPilot app isn’t just for purchasing a car; it can also be used to keep track of recalls and receive recommendations on which regular maintenance activities are most crucial.
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.
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.
Two times as rigid as a roadster, it
Why get the tin top when the E86 has a far more popular roadster relative (E85)? In addition to having a bodyshell that is twice as stiff, the E86 also has arguably better aesthetics. It is hence incredibly agile and a significantly better driver’s car.
While the steering feel isn’t exceptional, it is nice and direct, and the chassis has a rear-led attitude that is quite pleasant.
Want more excuse to stop driving your roadster? The electronic folding roof on the Z4 is prone to breakdown, which makes the Coupe a far more dependable option.
How to Spot a 2009 BMW Z4 When Buying Used
When we first saw the BMW E89 Z4, it was stylish, low-slung, and sporty. But when purchasing used, what should you watch out for? Read on!
Because it was compact and sporty, the original Z4 appealed to customers looking for a sports vehicle that didn’t require a valet to park it. That’s a BMWZ4 that’s still in demand after all these years. The car was reportedly well-built and had good handling due to its German heritage. Additionally, it wasn’t very pricey.
Chris Bangle, who oversaw the design department for the Bavarian company, was responsible for the 2009 BMW Z4. Some people admired his work, while others did not. Juliane Blasi and Nadya Arnaout, the E89 generation Z4’s primary external and interior designers, respectively, provided the design team with a breath of fresh air. It was the first BMW vehicle that had all female designers.
The 2009 Z4 had its sights set on the Porsche Boxster and Mercedes SLK rather than the Mazda MX-5. In addition to having a foldable hardtop, the E89 Z4 was larger and longer than the outgoing model, providing greater space and storage. When it was first introduced, it had a 2.5-liter or 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine. But in 2011, BMW’s lighter 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder twin-turbo engine took their place. The new Z4 surprised those who felt cramped when riding in the first-generation model. With the roof up, it could fit more than a few shopping bags in the approximately 11 cubic feet of trunk space it has. The E89 Z4’s adventure came to an end in 2016, but that hasn’t stopped it from being sought after; there are still many used copies available for reasonable rates, making it one of the greatest deals on roadsters.
Should You Purchase Which Z4?
The early 3.0i or the later 3.0i and 3.0si trims, with 225, 215, and 255 horsepower, respectively, are our top recommendations. They all have sturdy and reliable powertrains, excellent handling, quick acceleration, and outstanding fuel economy—and they all cost far less to buy and maintain than a M example.
When compared to the 2.5i’s 5-speed manual transmission, the 3.0 liter automobiles’ manual gearboxes offer an extra cog, which is advantageous if you intend to use the vehicle for highway excursions. The engine rpm are greatly reduced in sixth gear, which reduces noise and boosts fuel efficiency.
In relation to gears, we also strongly advise purchasing a three-pedal vehicle, even if you have little experience driving a stick or worry that it will become monotonous in traffic. The Z4’s clutch engagement is linear and predictable, the pedal effort is little, and the shifter snaps effortlessly into every gear with no hesitation. Even a beginner will feel secure right away, and more seasoned drivers will like the pedal configuration because it is perfect for heel-and-toe shifting. Regardless of skill level, driving a Z4 is much more enjoyable when you can row your own gears. After all, this is a sports car.
Can you afford a BMW Z4?
The BMW Z4: A Good or Bad Car? In fact, the BMW Z4 is a great vehicle. Its average ranking speaks more to the caliber of its luxury sports car competitors than it does to any significant flaws. The Z4 handles corners with agility and has a smooth ride.
Is a BMW Z4 safe to drive?
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The 2019 Euro NCAP crash test gave the BMW Z4 a perfect score of five stars. The two-seat convertible received an outstanding 97% rating for protecting adult occupants, while child passenger safety received an 87% rating.
What we can say is that, should the worst occur, there is a ton of technology accessible. In addition to the apparent airbags, anti-lock brakes, chassis stability, and tyre-pressure monitoring, autonomous emergency braking is also included in the standard equipment list.
Unfortunately, you must’spec up’ from the options list if you want all of the safety benefits the Z4 can offer. The options list includes adaptive anti-dazzle headlights, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and parking assistance.
Though one would assume a BMW would be dependable, the German automaker placed 27th out of 30 brands in our 2020 Driver Power customer satisfaction study.
Mind you, there is nothing inherently wrong with the Z4’s perceived build quality. The materials used feel high-quality, and the assembly appears to be very nicely done.
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.