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.

164 Used BMW Z4 cars for sale

BMW Z42007 (03) - 2.5i Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 4 (177 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,970

2.5L
82.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW Z42021 - sDrive 20i M Sport 2dr Auto

Low Mileage

£31,484

Finance available £626 pm

2L
9.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

BMW Z42014 (14) - 28i sDrive M Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£9,995

2L
87.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

A&A Auto Sales

01832778585 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW Z42009 - 3.0 Z4 sDrive 35i Auto 2dr

Low Mileage

£8,888

3L
85.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Penny Hill Motors

01276538675 *

BMW Z42019 (19) - sDrive 20i M Sport 2dr Auto Petrol Roadster

£20,793

2L
63.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW Z42020 (70) - 2.0 20i M Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Auto sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (197 ps)

Low Mileage

£24,495

Finance available £483 pm

2L
31.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Evolve Motor Company

01633741704 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£12,490

Finance available £252 pm

2L
38.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

City Motors (Cambs) Ltd

01733666873 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW Z42021 (21) - 3.0 M40i Convertible 2dr Petrol Auto sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps) * HUGE SP

Low Mileage

£36,995

Finance available £739 pm

3L
21.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

MJM Car Sales

01833600271 *

BMW Z42024 - Z4 M40i 2-Door

Low Mileage

£46,000

Finance available £924 pm

3L
4.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£6,990

2L
85.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

L&C Group Lancing

01903952759 *

BMW Z42004 (54) - 2.2i SE 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,495

2.2L
94.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Burch Car Sales

01446744918 *

BMW Z42012 (12) - 20i sDrive M Sport 2dr Auto

Reduced

£7,995

2L
81.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Durdar Garage

01228273232 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW Z42016 - Sold 2.0 20i M Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Auto sDrive Euro 6 (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Anchor Cars Tadley

01182078518 *

BMW Z42021 (21) - sDrive 20i M Sport 2dr Auto

£27,490

2L
42.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

BMW Z42020 (69) - 3.0 M40i Convertible 2dr Petrol Auto sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£35,600

Finance available £711 pm

3L
23.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Kingsbridge

01904237124 *

BMW Z42009 (59) - 35i sDrive 2dr

Low Mileage

£14,995

3L
27.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Bedford Specialist Cars

01234987610 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW Z42007 (07) - 2.5i SE 2dr CONVERTIBLE

Low Mileage

£3,999

2.5L
106.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Parc Lane Cars Ltd

01913232948 *

BMW Z42014 - Z4 SDRIVE20i M SPORT ROADSTER 2-Door

Reduced

£17,995

2L
18.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Carwhinley Cars

01228276697 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW Z42011 - 23i M Sport 2-Door

£5,995

2.5L
117.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Bulgari Performance Ltd

01274087667 *

BMW Z42021 - sDrive 30i M Sport 2dr Auto [Tech-Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£30,199

Finance available £639 pm

2L
25.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

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.