Overview & Reviews

The BMW Z4 is one of the more intriguing sports cars available. It's the successor to the original Z3 and is presently the company's only two-seat sports car. Defining traits include a front-engine/rear-drive layout, a hunkered-down stance, a long hood and rearward positioning of driver and passenger. While the first Z4 featured a traditional soft top, the current Z4 model has a sleek retractable hardtop that makes this fun-loving roadster a more viable all-weather option.

The current Z4 also represents a slight change in philosophy for BMW's roadster. Not only does it sacrifice ultimate handling for greater ride comfort and overall refinement, but it also employs a highly fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder as its base engine. The result is one of the most well-rounded sports cars money can buy. You'll need a lot of it, though, as the latest Z4 certainly doesn't come cheap.

Current BMW Z4
The current Z4 is offered with rear-wheel drive in three trim levels: sDrive28i, sDrive35i and sDrive35is. The 28i gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 that produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with an eight-speed automatic available as an option. The 35i comes with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 good for 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque; its sole transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual (DCT). The 35is utilizes DCT and a revised version of the regular 35i's engine, boasting 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque with a temporary overboost function that pumps torque up to 369 lb-ft.

Though the primary distinction between these trims involves what's under the hood, there are some other equipment differences. The sDrive28i comes standard with 17-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power seats, Bluetooth and adjustable driving settings that change the programming for the steering, throttle and (if specified) automatic transmission. The sDrive35i adds 18-inch wheels, sun-reflective leather upholstery and sport seats. The sDrive 35is is similar but comes standard with an upgraded audio system and the performance-themed M Sport package (optional on other Z4s). Option highlights include heated seats and steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors and a navigation system.

In reviews, we've found the latest BMW Z4 to be an impressive and highly refined sport touring car, with a surprisingly roomy interior and decent trunk space as long as the retractable roof is raised. Although the turbo-4 makes less power than the old inline-6, it's got more torque, and fuel economy is substantially improved. Besides its rather agricultural grumble at idle, this is a sweet little engine. Should you want for more, the ultra-smooth and seriously quick six-cylinder models are bound to please.

The Z4 is generally a hoot to drive, especially if you go for the optional M Sport package and leave the adjustable drive settings in Sport mode. However, its reflexes and communication with the driver are a bit lacking due to a numb electric power steering system, a fairly hefty curb weight and a predilection for understeer. Still, we think most buyers will appreciate the Z4's firm yet compliant ride and accomplished all-around performance. A spirited top-down journey in a Z4 is a wonderful way to spend a sunny day.

Used BMW Z4 Models
The current, second-generation BMW Z4 was completely redesigned for 2009, as the previous coupe and roadster models were melded into one with the introduction of a retractable hardtop. The styling was revamped to be more curvaceous and fluid than the avant-garde first generation, while the interior gained some space, style and improved materials.

If you're looking at used second-generation Z4s, there are a few notable changes to keep in mind. From 2009-'11, the base Z4 was known as the sDrive30i, and it featured a carryover 3.0-liter inline-6 that produced 255 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque. The transmission was a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic. This is a superb engine on its own merits, but it's not as fuel-efficient as the subsequent turbo-4, which replaced it for 2012 when the base model became known as the sDrive28i. The eight-speed automatic was introduced at the same time, supplanting the six-speed unit. As for the sDrive35is, it debuted for 2011 along with the M Sport package for lesser models. Finally, the sDrive35i could be had with a six-speed manual of its own until 2015.

The first-generation BMW Z4 was introduced for 2003 with controversial "flame-surfaced" styling. Originally, there were two roadster models available, identified as 2.5i or 3.0i. The 2.5i had a 2.5-liter inline-6 that made 184 hp, while the 3.0i used a 3.0-liter inline-6 that generated 225 hp. For transmissions, there was a five-speed manual (standard on the 2.5), a six-speed manual (standard on the 3.0), a five-speed automatic or a six-speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG). Standard equipment included 16-inch wheels (17s for the 3.0i), a manually operated soft top (with rear glass) and leather upholstery for the 3.0i. Major options included a power top, xenon headlights and a navigation system.

A significant update occurred for 2006, including the debut of the fixed-roof Z4 Coupe and revamped trim levels with new engines -- the 3.0i (215-hp inline-6) and 3.0si (255-hp inline-6). The Z4 Coupe was offered in 3.0si trim only. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on every Z4, while a six-speed automatic was optional. The largely disliked SMG transmission was dropped. Other changes included a retuned standard suspension for better ride quality, a revised final-drive ratio for improved acceleration and updated styling. High-performance M versions of the Z4 were also offered and are reviewed separately here.

Although we prefer the updated 2006-'08 models, every first-generation BMW Z4 rewarded drivers with an engaging driving experience. In reviews, our editors praised the car's sharp reflexes and quick acceleration, though the ride could be a bit rough -- particularly prior to '06 -- and the steering wasn't as communicative as some competitors. The Coupe possessed a slight advantage in terms of handling due to its added body rigidity.

User Reviews:

• 

  Z4 3.0i Does it get any better? - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Beach fun in Florida - June 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Z4 3.0i w/sport package/button for approximately 7 months. I traded my Mercedes SLK Sport. If you dont want to talk to people at stop lights then dont buy this car! This is not a car for shy people. Overall, a great handling car in all aspects. I commute 1 hour each way to work and the Z4 is fairly comfortable. The trunk space is pretty good and realistically holds one set of golf clubs and a few small bags while still allowing the top to come down. If you are getting the 3.0i, be sure to spend the extra $$$ on the sport package. The button really makes the car even more fun to drive.

• 

  My new BMW Z4 Roadster - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Jim The Eagle - June 19 - 7:41 pm

  The Z4 has exceeded my expectations. It is fun to drive and goes where you point it. The quality of workmanship is evident clearly in every respect. It is quiet, with wind noise the largest sound factor. Even the gas mileage is better than I had expected. A small negative is that the display is a bit hard to see in bright daylight with the top down. It is hard to graceful when entering and exiting the car. This is common with roadsters. With the top in place there is a feeling of spaciousness. The trunk is big enough for traveling. Worth the price.

• 

  Love My Z - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Z4 - June 13 - 8:29 pm

  I love driving my Z along the beach with the top down. I have had some maintenance problems but it came with a six year warranty. The service from BMW has been great. The trunk space is limited but with duffle bags we have made some wonderful trips. I would not recommend this car to anyone only because I like having the most stylish car in the parking lot...

• 

  BMW=Best Made in the World! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Michael N - June 13 - 6:44 am

  I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this car. This is the first manual transmission I have ever even tried to drive and after owning this BMW Z4 I will never drive an automatic ever again. Besides the fact that it has superior craftsmanship, great styling, and is a blast to drive I get great gas mileage that really helps with the rise of prices at the pump. My next car will definitely be a BMW!

• 

  Genuine Sports Car - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Denise - June 3 - 11:28 am

  Just love everything about this car. Beautiful looks, fun to drive, comfortable inside, tremendous service from BMW. Just all around satisfied.

• 

  A real value - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Desert Fox - June 3 - 10:54 am

  Theres little I would change or request. Just wish they would refine the lines on the back like they did in front!

• 

  Jims Z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Jim Marcum - June 3 - 8:26 am

  I really love driving this car, it handles like a dream in the sport mode. I really like to shift it with the steptronic transmission, it shifts very smooth. I also like the easy to read gauges at night, the orange dash lights are just cool. I have all the options and packages you can get with this car except for the navigation. I also want Sirius radio which I can get but the trunk mounted antenna just dont work for me. Its a little hard getting in and out of because it is low to the ground but onced youre in and settled you can for hours with the top down and the windscreen in place.

• 

  1st 1,000 miles - 2006 BMW Z4
  By skiboth - June 3 - 8:04 am

  This car really makes you want to find a longer way home. It makes it difficult to work, when your mind keeps wandering to the car waiting outside. Be careful, it is hard to drive anywhere close to the speed limit no matter what kind of roads you are on. In normal mode the suspension is the perfect balance between comfort and handling (even my wife is comfortable riding in it), sport mode is just WOW! I am sure that my less than advertised fuel economy is attributable to the fun factor. This car was designed to go fast, and make you feel good doing it. I have owned roadsters for the last 30 years and the 2006 Z4 is by far the best one so far.

• 

  My Baby - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Ed Womble - June 1 - 7:06 pm

  Driving this car is even more exhilarating that I imagined. The smooth powerful feeling of driving the Z4 reminds me of my earlier days with my old 280Z and 300ZX. I love the power top which is controllable from either the front panel, the door lock, or externally from the key via blue tooth. Shifting through the 6 forward gears is a dream. Beyond my expectations, my golf clubs do fit in the trunk, although I have to carefully arrange them. The run flat tires have already bailed me out of a tight situation -- thanks BMW, great idea.

• 

  Z4-Great job BMW - 2006 BMW Z4
  By iavagabond - May 28 - 9:36 pm

  Handling is fantastic. Very responsive in every way. Interior materials are great. Very comfy car. Fit & finish couldnt be better. Were happy with this car in every possible way.