Used BMW Z4 cars

First released in 2003, the BMW Z4 is a stylish and powerful sports car. Available in roadster or coupé bodies, its compact size and renowned engines have made it one of the most sought-after sports cars in its class.

Across its different generations and facelifts, the Z4 has been available with a retractable fabric roof and a metal one. Crossing between its roadster and coupé influences and retaining its signature two-door, two-passenger body, the BMW Z4’s classic design has remained constant.

As well as its timeless design, the BMW Z4’s range of petrol engines has grown with each new generation. These engines boast exceptional performance and with three different driving modes. This allows you to switch between city driving and country cruising.

With high-performing engines and premium exterior and interior design, the BMW Z4 sits at the top end of the sports car market. For this reason, the Audi TT Roadster and Mercedes-Benz SLC are its closest rivals. But offering great desirability and enjoyment for good value, the BMW Z4 more than holds its own.

BMW Z4 updates and facelifts

The first generation of Z4 entered the market in 2003 in both coupé and roadster bodies. In 2006, the Mk1 received a minor facelift, adding new head and rear lights as well as a new M Sport trim. The Mk2 launched in 2009 with a retractable solid-top roof. It's facelift in 2013, refreshed its head and rear lights and added a new 2.0-litre engine with the arrival of the sDrive30i trim.

The Mk3 arrived only in roadster format with a retractable cloth roof. It is available in three trims, features a range of new six-cylinder engines and a restyled outer design. It received a minor facelift in 2023, adding a new hexagonal front grille, restyled lights and deep side intakes.

Practicality and style of the BMW Z4

Low to the ground by design, the Z4’s signature elongated bonnet and raked windshield give the model a streamlined and sleek front profile.

Adding to its classic style, the model has grown with each new update. The Mk3’s length of 4,324mm and width of 1,864mm make it 147mm longer and 32mm wider than the Audi TT Roadster. It is also 191mm longer and 54mm wider than the Mercedes-Benz SLC, making it one of the larger models in this vehicle class.

The Z4’s added length means there’s a good amount of room for the driver and passenger. There is also an ISOFIX point in the passenger seat for fitting a child safety seat easily.

The Z4 offers reasonable boot space for a roadster. The Mk3’s 281 litres of space equals that offered by the Audi TT Roadster and is typical for this model class.

Running costs

The Z4’s compact size and powerful engines offer excellent performance and great value when compared to other roadster and sports cars. Insurance premiums on the model range from 30 to 38, which compares favourably to the Audi TT Roadster’s entry-level group of 38 and the Mercedes-Benz SLC’s 43. For this reason, you can expect the Z4 to offer slightly better value insurance premiums.

The Z4’s engines are powerful and efficient, with most models qualifying for an annual road tax of £570, which is average for the roadster class.

How a used BMW Z4 drives

The BMW Z4’s all-wheel drive comes with a range of different petrol engines. One of the smallest engines in the range is a 197bhp, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine which accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 6.6 seconds. It returns up to 40.4mpg and has a top speed of 149mph.

There is also a turbocharged, 2.0-litre sDrive30i engine which generates 225bhp. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds and returns up to 39.8mpg.

The six-cylinder, twin-turbo, 3.0-litre engineis available in the M40i generates 335bhp and accelerates from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds, returning 35.8mpg.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is available on most models, while in models manufactured before 2009, there are also five and six-speed manual transmissions available.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures.

2018 - onwards

Features you can expect to find in a BMW Z4

Interior

The Z4’s interior has premium soft materials and smooth leather throughout. Top-quality leather and precision stitching feature across the upholstery with some hard-wearing plastics found on buttons and out-of-reach surfaces.

Sports seats come as standard in the Mk3 Z4, with a high window line and wraparound cockpit design all putting you in complete control of the drive. And through the multi-functional steering wheel available on all models after the Mk2, it’s easy to engage the Z4’s infotainment system, digital instrument cluster and air conditioning without taking your eyes off the road.

Depending on the age of the model, you will find a 10.25-inch display in the centre console which will come with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional infotainment system. This system will come with a range of BMW Connected apps, which include entertainment apps including Apple CarPlay. Depending on trim, it could also include BWM Concierge Services and a remote detect function that lets you find your car through your mobile app. The iDrive scroll wheel on the centre console operates this screen.

The Mk3 also comes with a digital instrument cluster that displays your key drive information, including speed, distance driven, fuel level and sat nav, helping you see your model’s performance at a glance.

As well as its stylish interior, the Z4’s cabin is also very practical. There’s plenty of legroom for occupants to relax on long country drives. While compact by design, both seats sit close to the ground so there’s still reasonable headroom for adults.

It’s also no trouble to keep the cabin tidy thanks to the two cupholders in the centre console and a storage slot underneath the driver’s armrest. There are two decent sized door bins and a wide glovebox for keeping handheld accessories.

Technology

The Z4 has a range of smart technology that enhances its drive and keeps it safe. As well as voice controls for the infotainment, you’ll find a range of active assistance systems, including lane keeping assist, emergency braking and cruise control. For backing into those tight corners, there’s also parking assistance.

Safety

The BMW Z4’s full five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP underlines its safety credentials. It boasts an exceptional 97% adult occupant score and an 87% score for child occupancy. Standard Z4 safety features include airbags, anti-lock brakes, chassis stability, tyre-pressure monitoring and autonomous emergency braking.

Trims available on a BMW Z4

BMW Z4 Standard

The entry-level trim on the Mk3 comes with 17-inch wheels, air conditioning, sat nav, Xenon headlights, BMW Professional sat nav, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth, 10.25-inch infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

BMW Z4 M Sport

The M Sport trim comes with 18-inch wheels, a SensaTec leather dashboard, Vernasca leather upholstery, gearshift paddles, new front and rear bumpers and a lower suspension.

BMW Z4 Sdrive30i

This trim comes with 17-inch star-spoke light alloy wheels, Kansas beige leather upholstery, automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers and an automatically dimming rear view mirror.

BMW Z4 M40i

The M40i trim comes with a 3.0-litre, turbocharged six-cylinder engine, heated seats and steering wheel, lumbar-supporting seats, keyless entry, adaptive ‘M’ suspension and brakes with red callipers, and an Aluminium Tetragon interior trim.

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