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.

135 Used BMW Z4 cars for sale

BMW Z42019 - sDrive M40i 2dr Auto [Shadowline Plus]

Low Mileage

£33,593

3L
21.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Convertible

Marshall BMW Scunthorpe

01724707996 *

BMW Z42010 - 23i sDrive 2dr Auto

Low Mileage

£8,950

Finance available £178 pm

2.5L
105.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

J Hair Motors

02890023607 *

BMW Z4(25) - 3.0 M40i Auto sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£51,895

Finance available £1,046 pm

1.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Alexanders Prestige

01423223333 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£4,695

3L
124.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Pudsey Service Centre

01132362668 *

BMW Z42019 - M40i 2-Door

Low Mileage

£31,995

Finance available £637 pm

3L
24.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Riviera Automotive Ltd

01274505967 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW Z42025 (25) - sDrive M40i 2dr Auto [Tech Pack] Petrol Roadster

£48,000

3L
2.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW Z42005 (05) - 2006 2.2i SE 2dr 6 CYLINDER CONVERTIBLE IN BLACK FULL LEATHER

Low Mileage

£2,999

2.2L
78.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

GT Sports & 4x4

01274059833 *

BMW Z42005 (05) - 2005 2.5i SE 6 CYLINDER CONVERTIBL SILVER FULL SERVICE HISTORY FULL LEATHER 2-Door

Low Mileage

£3,599

Finance available £58 pm

2.5L
104.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

GT Sports & 4x4

01274059833 *

BMW Z42004 (04) - 2.2i SE Euro 3 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,247

2.2L
108.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Click Once Motor Group

01753379108 *

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

Low Mileage

£25,180

Finance available £497 pm

2L
24.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Buy and Go Cars

02920108594 *

4.8/5 Stars

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 Z42007 (07) - 2007 3.0si Sport Auto COUPE SAT NAV FULL LEATHER SERVICE HISTORY RARE CAR 2-Door

Low Mileage

£5,999

Finance available £112 pm

3L
122.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Coupe

GT Sports & 4x4

01274059833 *

BMW Z42008 (51) - 3l 2d AUTO 265 BHP 2-Door

Low Mileage

£7,700

Finance available £150 pm

3L
66.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Signature Car Group Ltd

01702418959 *

BMW Z42020 (20) - sDrive 20i M Sport 2dr Auto

Low Mileage

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

2L
37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Convertible

MAD Automotives Somerset Ltd

01934318538 *

BMW Z42014 (64) - 2.0 20i Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,250

2L
26.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Chris W Roads Ltd

01773301938 *

BMW Z42009 (09) - 2.0i Edition Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

FM Motors

01224039992 *

BMW Z42005 (05) - 2005 2.0i SE 2dr CONVERTIBLE BLACK FULL LEATHER

Low Mileage

£2,999

2L
75.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

GT Sports & 4x4

01274059833 *

BMW Z42016 (16) - 2.0 18i sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£10,250

Finance available £207 pm

2L
46.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

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

Low Mileage

£11,230

2L
72.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW Z42021 - 3.0 Z4 M40I Auto 2dr

Low Mileage

£36,750

Finance available £734 pm

3L
15.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

AutoSportiva Ltd

01732443577 *

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