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.

181 Used BMW Z4 cars for sale

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

Reduced

£9,495

2L
87.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

A&A Auto Sales

01832778585 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW Z42009 (09) - 2.5 23i Convertible 2dr Petrol Auto sDrive Euro 5 (204 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,995

2.5L
59.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Baskeyfield Motors Limited

01782917824 *

BMW Z42019 (19) - 2.0 20i Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Auto sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (197 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,990

Finance available £452 pm

2L
49.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Baskeyfield Motors Limited

01782917824 *

BMW Z42004 (54) - 2004 2.5i SE 2dr CONVERTIBLE MET GERY FULL LEATHER LOTS OF SERVICE RECEIPTS

Low Mileage

£3,999

2.5L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

GT Sports & 4x4

01274059833 *

BMW Z42013 (13) - 18i sDrive M Sport Auto 2-Door

Low Mileage

£9,995

2L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Norton Automotive

01296325323 *

BMW Z4(73) - Z4 M40i 2-Door

£47,000

3.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW Z42004 (54) - 2.2i SE 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,495

2.2L
94.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Burch Car Sales

01446744918 *

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

Low Mileage

£11,400

2.5L
47.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Taylors Pitstop

01293221182 *

BMW Z42020 (70) - Z4 M40i 2-Door

£29,502

3L
42.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW Z42016 - 18i sDrive M Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£15,000

Finance available £319 pm

2L
33.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW Z42012 (62) - 2.0 20i M Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Auto sDrive Euro 5 (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,000

2L
87.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Mersea Car Sales

01206489531 *

BMW Z4(19) - 3.0 M40i Auto sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£29,995

42.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Horizon Performance Cars

01273442339 *

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

Low Mileage

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
45.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Precision Auto Group Ltd

01704337336 *

BMW Z42021 (71) - 2.0 20i M Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Auto sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (197 ps)

Low Mileage

£29,990

Finance available £596 pm

2L
14.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Derby Trade Cars

01332315433 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW Z42022 - sDrive 20i M Sport 2dr Auto

£27,699

Finance available £596 pm

2L
35.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW Z42011 - 2.5 Z4 sDrive23i M Sport Highline Edition 2-Door

Low Mileage

£9,995

2.5L
64.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Fox's Motor Co

01832778584 *

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

Reduced

£27,498

2L
44.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Arnold Clark Motorstore / BYD (Linwood)

01414736404 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW Z42009 - 2.5 Z4 sDrive23i Roadster 2-Door

Low Mileage

£7,495

2.5L
72.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Radlett Cars

01923927664 *

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

Low Mileage

£27,849

Finance available £552 pm

2L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

3.8/5 Stars

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

£12,690

2L
70.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Anchor Vans

01182079095 *

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

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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

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