Which is the most popular engine in the BMW Z4?

BMW only offered petrol engines with the Z4 and they were all extremely popular. The two most popular are the base sDrive18i and sDrive20i because they were the lowest cost to buy and cheapest to run. However, the M models with the higher-powered engine are also popular among sports car enthusiasts.

Which are the most popular Z4 model variants?

Model variants include the SE, Sport and M Sport. The M Sport models were among the most popular, with faster acceleration and better handling, along with 18-inch wheels, lower sports suspension and sportier interior detailing.

What optional extras should I look out for?

You should look out for the sports seats, which offer better comfort and support. They look cooler, too. There's also an M Sport suspension that offers enhanced handling. You should also keep an eye out for the various wheel designs and go for a used Z4 fitted with the wheels that you like the most.

What is BMW sDrive and xDrive?

With the Z4, all models have the sDrive technology, which refers to two-wheel drive. In this case, the power is supplied to the rear wheels. Other BMW models may contain xDrive, which means four-wheel drive.

Is there a hybrid version of the BMW Z4?

No, BMW hasn't released a hybrid variant of the Z4 yet, and it has only been available in petrol configurations.

Is the BMW Z4 available as an automatic?

Yes, there has been an automatic transmission available and it has been pretty popular. Among used cars, is it possible to find plenty of options with a manual gearbox.

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

No, all Z4 models have been made with rear-wheel drive, which enhances the handling and the sports-car-like feel. Four-wheel drive would add more weight, which could hinder the car's handling.

163 Used BMW Z4 cars for sale

BMW Z42008 (08) - 2.0i SE 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

2L
63.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Dymchurch Car Centre

01303760466 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW Z42009 (09) - 23i sDrive 2dr Auto

Reduced

£7,499

2.5L
78.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Convertible

EMPORIUM AUTO HOUSE LTD

02039092208 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW Z42003 - 3.0 Z4 3.0i SE Roadster 2-Door

Low Mileage

£4,790

3L
67.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Walshaw Motors Ltd

01616944748 *

BMW Z42015 (15) - 20i sDrive M Sport 2dr

£9,250

Finance available £184 pm

2L
87.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Colebrook and Sons Ltd

01202145724 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW Z42003 (53) - 2.5i SE Auto Euro 3 2dr

Low Mileage

£1,999

2.5L
71.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Cars Hub

01753915480 *

BMW Z42013 - 2.0 28i M Sport sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£13,500

2L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

David Brothers Cars Ltd

01763291606 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW Z42019 - 2.0 20i Sport Auto sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£23,790

Finance available £506 pm

2L
20.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Motor Match Crewe

01270441019 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW Z42014 - 2.0 Z4 sDrive 18i M Sport Auto 2dr

Reduced

£12,290

Finance available £247 pm

2L
38.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

City Motors (Cambs) Ltd

01733666873 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW Z42019 - sDrive M40i 2dr Auto

£30,740

3L
52.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW Z42019 - sDrive 20i M Sport 2dr Auto

Low Mileage

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

2L
48.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Convertible

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW Z42003 (03) - 3.0i Euro 3 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

3L
124.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Pudsey Service Centre

01132362668 *

BMW Z42015 - 2.0 Z4 sDrive20i M Sport Roadster 2-Door

Low Mileage

£12,990

Finance available £268 pm

2L
59.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

MODERN CLASSICS LYTHAM LTD

01253376747 *

BMW Z42008 (08) - 2.0i SE Euro 4 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,995

2L
133.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

The Drivers Gallery Ltd

01572491189 *

0/5 Stars

BMW Z42022 (72) - sDrive M40i 2dr Auto

Low Mileage

£38,000

3L
19.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Convertible

True Vehicle Sales

01284334029 *

BMW Z42016 (16) - 2.0 28i M Sport Auto sDrive Euro 6 2dr

Low Mileage

£13,695

Finance available £284 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Lodge Car Sales LTD

01217525796 *

BMW Z42021 (21) - 2.0 20i M Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Auto sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (197 ps)

Reduced

£27,995

2L
27.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

SJ Specialist Cars Ltd

01942365154 *

BMW Z42025 - Sdrive M40I 2Dr Auto

£45,999

Finance available £924 pm

3L
5.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Lookers Stoke-on-Trent BMW

01782917219 *

BMW Z42011 - 2.5 Z4 sDrive23i M Sport Roadster 2-Door

Low Mileage

£8,995

2.5L
76.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Lodge Hill Garage Ltd

01865411815 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW Z42012 - 20i sDrive 2dr

Reduced

£7,995

2L
87.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

weonlysellusedcars.com

02891638421 *

BMW Z42010 (10) - 23i sDrive 2dr Auto

Low Mileage

£7,690

2.5L
67.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Convertible

Variety Cars

01869221716 *

Why buy a used BMW Z4?

If you're in the market for a car that's stylish, comfortable and highly refined, then a used BMW Z4 is a great choice. With its sleek appearance and impressive performance, the Z4 is a premium sports car through and through. Its high-tech cabin adds to the desirability, while numerous configurations allow every driver to find the model that suits them.

Used BMW Z4 snapshot review

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

Pros

Rather good looks
High quality cabin
Folding metal roof

Cons

Only three star EuroNCAP rating
High running costs
Small boot with the roof down

Read our BMW Z4 review

BMW Z4 video review

lite-youtube[videoid='RBp-6ccDtwM']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/RBp-6ccDtwM/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='RBp-6ccDtwM']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

Used BMW Z4 buying guide

Engines and transmissions

All Z4s have a petrol engine and rear-wheel drive, but there's the option between a manual and an automatic transmission.

Petrol

Newest M40i outputs 335bhp for a 0-60mph time of 4.4 seconds and a rating of 34.9mpg.
sDrive20i has an output of 194bhp for a 6.4-second 0-60mph time and fuel economy up to 39.8mpg.
sDrive30i boosts this output to 254bhp, reaching 60mpg in 5.2 seconds with fuel economy remaining at 39.8mpg.
Earlier models include the sDrive 18i, which uses a 2.0-litre turbo-four rated at 153bhp for a 0-60mph time of 7.8 seconds, but it is the most economical at 41mpg.
sDrive28i also has a 2.0-litre, but it makes 241bhp, reducing the 0-60mph time to 5.5 seconds, with fuel economy remaining at 41mpg.
sDrive35i uses a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged motor to deliver 301bhp for a 4.9-second 0-60mph time, with fuel economy down to 31mpg.

Practicality

Although it is a two-seater convertible, the BMW Z4 makes good use of its space and offers a high-tech environment.

Interior space

Low seating position makes room for taller drivers to fit comfortably under the fabric roof.
Front passengers have enough space so that they aren't rubbing shoulders.
The most recent generation has a soft top that can be lowered or raised in 10 seconds.
The previous automatic hard top could be opened and closed in around 20 seconds.

Boot space

281-litre boot remains the same with the roof up or down, and is similar to the Audi TT in size.
Boot is wide enough to hold a couple of suitcases.
Elasticated strap and tether points secure gear.
Ski hatch available between the seats to carry longer items.

Bodystyles

Roadster has been outfitted with a retractable hard top or fabric roof.
Coupé has a fixed roof design, but wasn't available with the latest generation.

Safety

Euro NCAP gave a perfect five-star rating in 2019.
97% score for adult occupant, 91% for vulnerable road users and 87% for child occupant.
Standard kit includes parking sensors, airbags, forward collision warning and cruise control.

Technology

12.0-inch dashboard display replaced older-style gauges.
10.0-inch infotainment system is bright and easy to see, offering voice control for a hands-free experience.
Connectivity provided with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth.

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

View guides

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.