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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  Love the car - 2004 BMW Z4
  By DSP - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the most agile and spirited car I have ever driven...and Ive driven many. That includes the Honda S2000, which I thought was a poor second to the Z-4. I dont get the raves over the S2000. The cheapest looking interior I had ever seen. Id have been embarased to have my friends in it. The engine my a touch faster, but the handling didnt even compare. I wonder about you editors every time you rate the S2000 so high. There is MUCH more to a car than just the engine. Im a designer...the Z-4 has style, and the others all look alike.

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  Great Choice - 2004 BMW Z4
  By okeefe - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Well worth a test drive at the very least. Good German engineering while true roadster heart and handeling.

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  COOL - 2003 BMW Z4
  By BillWeston - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Its a fully loaded pretty affordable sports car. It has awesome features and a nice ride. I love it.

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  Red Z4 by JLV - 2003 BMW Z4
  By JLV - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I have about 2200 miles on my RED Z4. It is small but has the feel of a larger car. The 2.5 has plenty of power. I have AT with premium, sport, and convenience packages. Get all the packages you can. The trunk is adequate but other storage is minimal. A great car and a lot of fun.

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  Highly recommend! - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Paul in San Diego - October 14 - 1:14 pm

  We purchased this car new in 05 and it has been outstanding. Not a single thing has gone wrong in 40k miles, it gets 32+ mpg on the freeway and combined mileage is 25-26 -- all much higher than estimated! The free services have been great too.

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  Slice of Heaven - 2004 BMW Z4
  By TerpsFan - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Had a Z3, but was hesitant to buy the new Z4. Well, I should have. The new rear suspension makes the Z4 an entirely different car. The ride is smooth, tight. The new glass rear window contributes to a very quiet ride. The automatic top is a must, and the built in tonneau cover is great. 5 speed is a little slow off the line, not lots of low end tourque, but once you hit the open road, pure delight. Trunk space is a massive 9 cu ft, awesome for a two seat roadster. There is enough room for a golf bag and luggage for those weekend getaways. I would highly recommend - Enjoy!

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  Good Looks, Terrible Ride - 2007 BMW Z4
  By DCDoc - October 2 - 8:58 pm

  Worst Car Ive Ever Owned. Although the car is a head turner, I am anxiously counting the days until my lease is over and I can turn this horrible car back to the dealership. German suspensions are wonderful for flawless German roads, but unfortunately, the suspension is way, way too stiff for flawed American roads. The ride is HORRIBLE. I feel every bump in the road. The seats are poorly padded and after a half hour in the car I am ready to get out of it ASAP. Sadly, I took it from Washington DC to New York and by the time I got to my destination I wanted to leave it on the side of the road. That was the last road trip for it, now only use it because it is small and easy to park.

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  youll never know - 2004 BMW Z4
  By mike1 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Unless your Z4 is headed for the track,youll never know just how really good it is.I have yet to find the limits of the cars handling.I have owned several BMWs,they are always as good the day you sell them as the day you drive it off the lot.Think of how you cant wait to get rid of most cars after a couple years of driving,youll never feel that way about your Z4

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  Fun to Drive - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Bikemanvanc - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had the most fun in the past 2 days driving my Z4 than i have every had. What a fun experience. It is smooth riding , yet responsive. It handles like a dream on curves. This really lives up to the "ultimate driving machine."

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  Fun Car top down driving - 2004 BMW Z4
  By z4ster - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, great handling, razor sharp precision steering. great looking vehicle, there is nothing controversial about it. it is a great looking car inside and out and spacious for a 64" male. Test drove Nissan 350Z roadster, and you have to be less than 510" to even think about buying one. I am glad it worked out, and I got a better car in the long run.