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.

147 Used BMW Z4 cars for sale

BMW Z42022 (22) - Z4 sDrive20i M Sport 2-Door

Low Mileage

£27,449

2L
20.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Stoneacre Doncaster

01302976044 *

BMW Z42012 (12) - 2.0 20i M Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual sDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,700

Finance available £150 pm

2L
80.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

RDM Direct

01283241526 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW Z42011 (11) - 2.5 23i Auto sDrive Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£6,500

2.5L
81.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

BINCA

01525307120 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW Z42023 (23) - sDrive 20i M Sport 2dr Auto

Low Mileage

£27,000

Finance available £534 pm

2L
15.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Convertible

Wheels On Motion Limited

02392004446 *

BMW Z42015 (15) - 20i sDrive M Sport 2dr Auto 187 Bhp

Reduced

£12,990

Finance available £268 pm

2L
43.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Carfora

01782444625 *

BMW Z42022 (22) - sDrive 30i M Sport 2dr Auto

£27,000

Finance available £534 pm

2L
700.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Wheels On Motion Limited

02392004446 *

BMW Z42011 (61) - 2.5 23i Highline Edition Convertible 2dr Petrol Auto sDrive Euro 5 (204 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,500

Finance available £145 pm

2.5L
77.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Doncaster Prestige Motor limited

01302246751 *

BMW Z42020 (70) - Z4 M40i 2-Door

£31,659

3L
42.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW Z42014 (64) - 2.0 28i M Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Auto sDrive Euro 6 (245 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
79.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

BMW Z42004 (54) - 2.2i SE ROADSTER CONVERTIBLE (ULEZ COMPLIANT) 2-Door

Reduced

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2.2L
134.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Blackrock Motors

01923927525 *

BMW Z42005 (55) - 2005 2.0i SE 2dr CONVERTIBLE IN SILVER FULL BLACK LEATHER

Low Mileage

£2,499

2L
97.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

GT Sports & 4x4

01274059833 *

BMW Z42015 - 2.0 20i Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,782

2L
77.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£9,500

Finance available £190 pm

2.5L
68.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Convertible

Classix Carz

01217287137 *

BMW Z42019 (69) - sDrive M40i 2dr Auto [Shadowline Plus/Tech Pack] Petrol Roadster

Low Mileage

£33,718

3L
22.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW Z42019 - 3.0 M40i Convertible 2dr Petrol Auto sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£21,990

Finance available £431 pm

3L
125.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

James Paul Car Sales Ltd

01403331244 *

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

Reduced

£4,695

3L
124.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Pudsey Service Centre

01132362668 *

BMW Z42019 (69) - 2.0 20i Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Auto sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (197 ps)

Low Mileage

£21,900

Finance available £476 pm

2L
34.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW Z42009 - 2.5 Z4 sDrive 23i 2dr

Low Mileage

£5,444

Finance available £99 pm

2.5L
101.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Penny Hill Motors

01276538675 *

BMW Z42019 - sDrive 20i M Sport 2dr Auto

Reduced

£25,680

Finance available £507 pm

2L
17.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

David Hayton Ltd (Mazda Carlisle)

01228273596 *

BMW Z42016 (16) - 2.0 20i M Sport Auto sDrive Euro 6 2dr

Low Mileage

£16,490

Finance available £346 pm

2L
21.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Moss Hall Limited

01706391394 *

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

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

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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.

Used BMW Z4 snapshot review

Pros