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:

• 

  roadster in Germany - 2005 BMW Z4
  By soldier-in-ger - March 13 - 7:31 am

  Wonderful car! Bought it direct from BMW and saved quite a bit. Love the looks it gets and its very quiet at speed. I sometimes forget its a convertible because its so well insulated cant wait for Spring to get here!

• 

  BMW sales guy - 2005 BMW Z4
  By smiffsmack - March 5 - 8:39 pm

  I am a former BMW salesman. This vehicle was probably the hardest vehicle to sell without a test drive I believe because of the looks (which I savor). Once driving the car, you will be hooked as I was. I can tell you that of all the vehicles BMW has this one and the X5 4.8 are the most fun to drive, hands down. Usually if you wait right before summer they will drop the lease rates and you can get into one for a decent monthly payment. BTW this thing isnt as great on gas as suggested, especially when you drive it like it should be driven, fast. And I am 6 ft. tall, so it isnt perfect for me, but its not bad. BTW the Auto/ 5 speed steptronic is really fun and much more practical for SOCAL.

• 

  a purist drives the basic 2.5 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By 1of2cyclists - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Im a cyclist and a bit of a purist. I wanted the basic 2.5, no fat, no options or packages--- the pure car. The standard car has a zenlike simplicity and ergonomic design. Manual operation of the soft top is an elegant operation that compares in speed and smoothness with the automatic. The manual seat adjustments are light as a feather. The "leatherette" seats have an athletic, textured ruggedness that I prefer to the creamy- looking leather. Without any distracting electronics, you focus on the driving. What an athletic, agile, road- gripping drive! You cant help smiling as you accelerate on the curves and enjoy the sky meeting the mountains. Pure joy.

• 

  My Z4 - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Brian - February 22 - 2:55 pm

  Fun in warm weather, not so up North, tight fit for taller drivers

• 

  BMW Z4 - 2005 BMW Z4
  By BMW Z4 - February 11 - 6:09 pm

  First sports car owned in 30 years. Put the fun back in driving. Handles and corners well. Good acceleration off the line. Mine is a 2.5 model and I never drove the 3.0 model but I think it would benefit from the extra power. No downsides on the car. Interior better in this than Boxster (until 2005 model). Fast enough for my kind of driving (64 years old). Glad I bought it.

• 

  Must Read - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Jana - February 10 - 3:10 am

  Have had this car a year. a great car fun to drive and lots of room. Have had other makes but this is by for the best. If anything goes wrong, BMW stands behind their car. And not everyone has a car like yours and I like that. I dont want a car that everyone has. Fun car for a man and wife, they can take to the road and talk and have fun. It is the best thing that my hubby and I ever did was buy this car it has a great radio but we never use it. We love to get in the car and ride and talk. We have been married 25 years and kids are grown and this car gave us a way to get out and have fun and talk and see things that we never seen in a car that the top is on all that time. It is a must have.

• 

  Z4 - 2005 BMW Z4
  By yukon771 - January 29 - 10:34 am

  Great handling, comfort ride, this is one of the few unique looking cars on the road. Most other convertibles all look a like. I like that this one is very distinctive in looks.

• 

  Its a Blast! - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Peacefield - January 27 - 5:38 pm

  Its a wonderful drivers car that doesnt ask for many compromises. For a small two seater, leg room is ample and a golf bag plus hand cart fit easily into the trunk, even with the top down! The cars road manners are outstanding and the chassis is wonderfully stiff for a ragtop. I definitely recommend stepping up to the 3.0 engine and 6spd. Im told that the 2.5 and 5spd can seem winded at highway speeds. Definitely not the case with the 3.0/6spd. The looks inside and out are controversial, but they continue to grow on me. Quality to this point has been very good.

• 

  excellent car - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Steve - January 25 - 11:18 am

  Since buying my Z4 in Sept. ( its a 2004), Ive put on 3000 very fun miles. Plenty of power and lots of compliments on the car. The only problem was the auto-darken rear view mirror failed and had to be replaced.

• 

  Z car 4 you....... - 2005 BMW Z4
  By BeckerScience - January 19 - 9:17 pm

  There is not a bad day when I drive my Z4 roadster. From the time I put it on, until I slide out of it,,,it is sheer happiness and performance. It thinks, compensates, makes beautiful hmusic and can store enough for a vacation for 2!. It handles like a dream, holds the road like it is attached. I love its unique lines and styling.