The BMW Z4 is appealing because it blends luxury and style with rewarding manners and powerful engines. Here is how to purchase one:
Could it be that the BMW Z4 is currently the affordable roadster? The BMW Z3 is becoming expensive for what is unquestionably a subpar vehicle, whilst the Mazda MX-5 is acceptable if you want four cylinders and mousey synthetic textiles. BMW didn’t invest millions of euros to create a car that was worse than the Z3; a car that was decent but a little difficult in some areas due to its foundation in technology that was already dated when it was released.
Given that nice 2.8- and 3.0-liter Z3s are now available for between five and ten grand, the Z4 appears to be a great deal at its reduced cost. Although many people would not yet consider it a true classic, the E89 car from 2009 and later, with its metal roof and average turbo fours and sixes, is perhaps a better choice given that it will turn 20 years old next year.
The E85 Z4 arrived in 2003 and was enthusiastically received by the media upon release. The new cars came much closer to taking on the Porsche Boxster than the Z3 ever did thanks to their 170bhp 2.2-, 193bhp 2.5-, and 231bhp 3.0-litre petrol straight-six engines. The E46 running gear meant that handling and ride were going to be approaching the Porsche, which is widely regarded as the best-handling sports car you can buy short of the genuine supercar stuff. The new “flame surfacing” style looked superb from all sides with nothing retro in sight.
In place of the 2.2i, a less expensive 150bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder model with a standard six-speed manual transmission was added to the lineup in 2005. The M54 six-cylinders were replaced the next year by the 215bhp 2.5si and 258bhp 3.0si with the new N52 engine. A 3.0si Coupe (with the E86 codename) was introduced in 2006, and the Z4 continued to be produced in this form until its discontinuation in 2008. The 2006 range consisted of the 2.0i, 2.5si, and 3.0si. Thank goodness these cars did not use the direct-injection four- and six-cylinder engines (N43 and N53), which had a number of reliability concerns.
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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.
Overview
Even inexperienced drivers will smile while driving the 2023 BMW Z4 convertible down a winding road. There are two smooth-running turbocharged engines available, a 382-hp turbo-six and a 255-hp turbo-four. The larger engine is fierce. The Z4’s ride comfort and opulent interior make it simple to enjoy, even though its handling isn’t as precise as rivals like the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman or the mechanically comparable Toyota Supra coupe’s (the two share their engines and chassis). The Z4’s cabin is quiet enough to be comfortable for a long highway journey even with the soft top folded, giving you a feeling of freedom while driving. If you’re seeking for a manual transmission or all-wheel drive, the Z4 might not be for you since all models come standard with an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive.
Join the discussion
They are a useless vehicle. Even the vendors avoid attempting to sell them. When you ask for a test drive, they appear amazed. It is not comparable to a Boxster. Not even a good BMW, really. Even in its 40s shape, it is a cruiser. For the same money, an M2 Competition is a far superior vehicle to drive. To choose a soft-top over an M2, you would have to truly want one. Even the dealers are aware of it. Either you purchase an M2 or you head to the Porsche dealer.
That sounds like a good summary. However, the M40i is frequently overpriced, and as you mention, the weight of the engine mutes the four-cylinder cars’ exuberant turn-in. Although it comes near and is less expensive to buy and operate when compared to a Boxster of the same age, the Z4 is not quite as good in any aspect. As long as you don’t mind automatics, this iteration of Z4 is superior quality overall and has more of the MX5’s fun factor.
Although the 20i works well as an MX5 rival on its own, many of them lack important additions like larger brakes and adaptive suspension. Most 30i versions are MSports and have them as well as improved kit and audio. I believe the 30i, which costs only little more than the 20i used but has much more power, the smoother four-cylinder handling, and 40 mpg economy, is the sweet spot of the range. You can probably assume that I own a 30i MSport and adore it.
Although the exhaust noise isn’t as loud as the M40i’s, it’s certainly more enjoyable to drive.
Is buying a BMW Z4 worth it?
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 predecessors 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.
The fastest BMW Z4 is which?
Contrary to its moniker, the base Z4 sDrive18i is actually propelled by the same 2.0-litre engine found in the sDrive20i and sDrive 28i. The car’s 154 horsepower can accelerate it from 0 to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds and up to 131 mph, but it takes a lot of effort. On hills, it can also struggle a little.
Despite having only slightly more power (181 bhp), the sDrive20i seems much faster and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 146 mph. When upgrading to the sDrive28i, output increases to 242bhp, resulting in a 5.7-second 0–62 mph time and a 155–mph top speed. It is our top option since it combines performance with low ongoing operating costs.
The sDrive35i’s large 3.0-litre engine, which produces 302bhp and accelerates the vehicle from 0 to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds while also having a top speed cap of 155 mph, provides an even larger improvement in performance. The fastest Z4 is the sDrive35is. It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in under 4.8 seconds and, if not constrained, would likely exceed its top speed of 155 mph.
Older BMW Z4s are reliable?
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.
Which Z4 engine is the best?
The 3.0 litre twin-turbo straight-six installed in the Z4 M40i is now the most potent engine available. The Z4 will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in under 4.5 seconds thanks to the same engine that the M240i uses to great effect. It also emits an appropriately rorty roar. The Porsche Boxster will lose points in this category to the Z4, which sounds more exciting.
Naturally, the four-cylinder alternatives aren’t nearly as exciting, but even the sDrive20i’s performance is quick, managing 0-62 mph in 6.6 seconds. That time is decreased to 5.4 seconds when using the sDrive30i.
Are BMW Z4 values increasing?
The previous-generation BMW Z4 completes the top 10 of cap hpi. The demand for convertibles is once more evident as the Z4 experiences a rise of 36.6% on average.
It is unclear whether the bubble will burst, but there is no denying that individuals selling used automobiles are benefiting from the problems in obtaining new vehicles.
Is the BMW Z4 a reliable everyday vehicle?
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 comfortable enough to be used as a daily driver, also contributes to its appeal.
Why does BMW no longer produce the Z4?
It makes sense for BMW to discontinue the Z4 given current trends in the rest of the car sector. Since BMW unveiled a completely new Z4 in 2019, the car hasn’t sold well. The convertible contributed to 2,941 of the Z4’s sales in 2019, the model’s finest year. BMW sold 2,412 Z4s in 2017
What are the typical BMW Z4 issues?
- Steering wheel clunk.
- Loss of coolant.
- faulty roof mechanism
- defective convertible top
- Orientation Drifts.
- Oil Spills.
- Placed Steering Sticks.
- defective airbags
Is the BMW Z4 a smooth ride?
It’s cozy, right? The Z4 is surprisingly pleasant for a car that looks as athletic as it does, both in terms of the comfort of its seats and in the way it rides on the road. Once inside, the Z4’s cabin encloses you with a high windowline surrounding you and a low-slung driving position.
How far will a BMW Z4 drive?
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.