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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  A dream to drive for 3 days - 2004 BMW Z4
  By dallasstarsgirl - October 13 - 10:00 am

  This was a loaner. I drove the heck out of it. It corners like on rails. Acceleration was smooth. Never oncehydroplaned in rain. The most ironic thing is that the car got hit on: at the gas station, at the grocery store, at the ofcie supply place. My only complaint as it got pushed around by the wind from Semis when you drive at above 80MPH. But it gets stared a and is a blast to drive.

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  BMW Evaluation - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Alan Louganis - October 13 - 10:00 am

  BMW is a car that you spend more money fixing it than your car payments. The BMW corp and specially Santa Monica dealership have stolen so much from me.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 BMW Z4
  By jruggio - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Met or exceeded all my expectations as a roadster

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  A great choice - 2004 BMW Z4
  By lecanp - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Z4 for about a month now. Got all the options - Performance & Sport packages, Steptronic, heated seats. A little pricy, but lots of fun. The car drives extremely well and will behave as reserved as you want it to when in normal mode, but transforms into a real tiger when you push the Sports button or shift the Steptronic into sports drive. There is no comparison to the 2.5, which felt underpowered. It is a little bumpy with the 18" wheels, but not as bad as I had feared. Watch out for pot holes! It does not handle puddles very well (easily hydroplanes). It is a real eye-turner for young and old alike.

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  The BEST sports car out there. - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Beamerfan - October 7 - 2:00 am

  The body style is great!I dont understand why the editors at edmunds.com are complaining about it.The BMW Z4 won the JD Power APEAL Award.And is number 1 in its class.I would highly recommend this vehicle to any one looking for dynamic style and performance.

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  Great Z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By sdb8 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Great fun car. Automatic roof is great. Smooth acceleration, nice cruising (though the engine revs a little fast on the highway). I have driven it over 500 miles in a day and was comfortable (61", 230). I took a db meter on my test drive, and with the top up it was just a few db higher than my Acura RL.

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  love it - 2004 BMW Z4
  By evi man - October 5 - 2:00 am

  My friend let me drive it round he block and i instantly fell in love with it. its handling its looks its comfort its one of those cars that people just go wow about. when i get the money im buying one for sure

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  Fun is the word - 2003 BMW Z4
  By jpicone98 - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Z-4 for over a year and still cant believe that it feels like my first time driving it each day. People stare at this car wherever you take it. I recommend the black car with red leather interior!!!

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  fun - 2004 BMW Z4
  By huemul - October 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a car that will give the driver everything he/she hopes for style, reliability, confort and security

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  Bomb Ass Beemer - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Karlo - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I have never had so much fun driving a vehicle. Not only does the Z4 turn heads, it is a joy to drive.