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:

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  very good car - 2003 BMW Z4
  By yvees - January 18 - 10:00 am

  its fun 2 drive its pleasure 2 be driven in and best of all its fast its just the best car Ive ever driven

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  excellent and fun to drve - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Dr. Victor Hernandez - January 14 - 5:12 pm

  The most fun to drive roadster Ive ever had. Ive owned a Miata and a Mitsubishi 3000 And the Z4 is above those three in every aspect of performance and fun, not to mention reliability.

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  Suntan machine ! - 2005 BMW Z4
  By MarcBanks - January 13 - 2:50 pm

  My first BMWs convertible was a Z3 back in 1997. The Z4 is "totally" a difference experience. It drives very well on side streets and Freeways and it is very fast. Its the prefect car to cruise the roads Southern California.

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  The best car ever - 2004 BMW Z4
  By paul_viper1 - January 11 - 6:24 pm

  It is quite cheap to run, extreme performance, comfortable seats, heaps of room, bottom line it is the best car ever (that Ive driven).

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  My Z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Moe - January 6 - 8:05 am

  It is a great car indeed but some improvements have to be done!

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  I love it!! - 2005 BMW Z4
  By sheila Steinfeld - January 5 - 2:42 pm

  This car is a head turner, and it drives great, I love it, great for tooling around in!!

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  Best Sports Conv. for the money - 2004 BMW Z4
  By cmgrove - January 5 - 2:26 pm

  This is a fantastic little rocket! It goes fast and stops quickly. The steering takes practice - Occasionally when driving over uneven road surfaces the car will pull left or right. So, its best to keep a tight grip on this "race ready" cat. That will keep it from going astray.

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  Turning 50 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Dave - December 31 - 2:35 pm

  As the saying goes, when I turned 50 I had a choice between a toy car or a young bride. My wife convinced me the car was cheaper than the divorce. Its also been a great deal more fun. Though our New Hampshire winters are "wicked" nothing beats having the top down on a summer day while cruising the seacoast. And the Z4 is even comfortable for a cruise down to PA for a visit with the relatives. So if youre turning 50 and have a craving for something fun and exciting, take my wifes advice (and mine) and buy the Z4. Youll have a great time!

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  Im obsessed with this car!!! Soo fun - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Bloodline - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This car is extremely fun to drive! with good looks to match. I have a hard top too and I love it. I love the Z4. The performance and handling is wayyy above average!

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  Fun car! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By bb - December 25 - 12:35 am

  Ive had tons of fun in the car and its not even warm out yet. My wife was reluctant at first but she fell in love with the car too. Its just a ton of fun to drive!