Used BMW Z4 for sale: everything you need to know
BMW should get some credit for continuing to offer a sporty roadster like the Z4 when so many other companies have abandoned theirs. The original Z4 arrived back in 2003 and the model is now in its third generation, the latest making its debut in 2018 with a more dramatic silhouette than its predecessor.
Under the skin, the new Z4 is related to the Toyota GR Supra, though while the Toyota is fixed-roof only, all Z4s are open-top only. It’s a fabric top too, unlike the hard-topped car it replaces. The Z4 drives well, has striking styling, up-to-date technology, and is even fairly practical as roadsters go - and with some of the deals available on used models, looks like good value too.
Should you buy a BMW Z4?
The BMW Z4 is a well-judged sports car that should appeal to a wider group of buyers than most - it’s stylish and good to drive, but doesn’t demand as many compromises as some other open-topped cars. Part of that comes from a comfortable cabin that doesn’t feel too claustrophobic with the roof up, and a decently-sized boot which, at 281 litres, is actually bigger than that of some superminis. You really could use this car every day.
It might just make your commute brighter too, and not just because you can zip the roof down electrically on a sunny day. A low-slung seating position like the Z4’s is starting to feel alien as most other cars grow taller and bulkier, but instantly gives the Z4 a more exciting, sporty feel than other cars, heightened by the long bonnet stretching out ahead. It’s a comfortable driving position too, and the dashboard is just as packed with tech as other modern BMWs.
The Z4 is fun to drive too. It feels quick regardless of which engine you pick, while the six-cylinder M40i really does give you a thump in the back of your seat, and sounds great too. The steering is responsive and there’s plenty of grip, and the ride quality is no firmer than most of BMW’s saloons and SUVs.
Roadsters like the Z4 feel like a dying breed, but the ones that remain on sale are just about universally great. Used Z4 money gets a much newer Mazda MX-5, the car that kicked off the roadster boom in the 1990s, and while the Mazda doesn’t have the BMW’s premium feel (or badge) it’s even more entertaining to drive. The Porsche 718 Boxster meanwhile is more involving to drive and loses little to the BMW in terms of practicality, so is well worth considering.
What’s the best used BMW Z4 model to buy?
Are you looking for a cruiser or a genuine sports car? The six-cylinder M40i gets a lot closer to the latter definition, but obviously this will cost you more to buy, more to run, and more to insure - and it begins to invite comparison with the Porsche 718 Boxster, which is a more involving car to drive, even if some models pack only four-cylinder engines. The four-cylinder Z4s meanwhile aren’t as quick or exotic as the M40i, but do make stylish and entertaining roadsters in their own right. We’d be tempted to pick M Sport trim, as it does look a little sharper than the regular Sport.
Used BMW Z4 fuel economy and performance
- BMW Z4 sDrive20i: 197PS isn’t a bad figure for an entry-level model, which is what the 2-litre turbocharged petrol sDrive20i produces. An automatic gearbox is standard, helping the Z4 from 0-62mph in under seven seconds, and economy of around 38mpg.
- BMW Z4 sDrive30i: The sDrive30i still gets a 2-litre engine but more power, at 258PS. The 0-62mph time drops to under six seconds, and economy dips only slightly to 37.2mpg.
- BMW Z4 M40i: The 3-litre turbocharged inline six petrol engine in the M40i develops 340PS, and the 0-62mph acceleration time dips under five seconds as a result. Claimed economy is up to 33.2mpg.
What used BMW Z4 trim levels are available?
- The BMW Z4 Sport already gets features you’d usually find in higher trim levels, such as leather seats, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
- The BMW Z4 M Sport wears a different design of 18-inch alloy wheels, and gets a body kit to give the Z4 more purposeful styling. Uprated suspension is standard, as is aluminium finish interior trim.
- The BMW Z4 M40i is broadly based on M Sport trim, but as well as the straight six engine, it also gets 19-inch alloys, adaptive suspension, an M Sport limited slip differential, and electrically adjustable sports seats.
Used BMW Z4 dimensions and boot size
The BMW Z4’s exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 4324mm
- Width: 2024mm
- Height: 1304mm
- Ground clearance: 117mm
The BMW Z4’s boot space is:
Used BMW Z4 road tax
Some earlier Z4s might cost you only £190 per year in VED, as pricing started at just over £36,000 at launch. What is the significance of that? Well, cars priced from £40,000 and upward, like the majority of Z4s in more recent years, get a surcharge which lifts your annual tax bill to £600 per year, as of 2024/2025.
How much is it to insure a BMW Z4?
The Z4 range starts in insurance group 30, for an sDrive20i in Sport trim, and rises to group 37 for the six-cylinder M40i. These figures aren’t too bad for a premium two-seat roadster - the Audi TT starts at group 32, while the Porsche 718 Boxster is upwards of group 45.
