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.

161 Used BMW Z4 cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£9,995

2L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

North East Part Exchange Centre Ltd

01916077185 *

BMW Z42023 - sDrive M40i 2dr Auto

Low Mileage

£44,498

3L
4.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy BMW

01592802402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW Z42023 (23) - 2.0 20i M Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Auto sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (197 ps)

Low Mileage

£39,300

Finance available £787 pm

2L
6.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Kingsbridge

01904237124 *

BMW Z42023 (23) - 3.0 M40i Convertible 2dr Petrol Auto sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£40,949

Finance available £821 pm

3L
20.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

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 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 Z42022 (71) - 2.0 20i M Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Auto sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (197 ps)

Reduced

£29,990

Finance available £596 pm

2L
9.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Derby Trade Cars

01332315433 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW Z42013 - 2.0 18i M Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (156 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,430

2L
68.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Hodgson Specialist Cars Ltd

01942365192 *

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

Low Mileage

£8,222

2L
87.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Mersea Car Sales

01206489531 *

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 Z42023 - sDrive 20i M Sport 2dr Auto

Low Mileage

£35,490

2L
9.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Stratstone BMW Derby

01332318252 *

BMW Z42024 - sDrive 20i M Sport 2dr Auto

Low Mileage

£38,950

2L
7.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW Z42025 (74) - M40i 2-Door

Reduced

£46,000

3L
6.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW Z42021 - sDrive 30i M Sport 2dr Auto

£28,299

2L
47.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

BMW Z42014 (14) - 18i sDrive 2dr

Low Mileage

£8,795

2L
72.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

D3 Vehicle Services

01553605778 *

BMW Z4(73) - Z4 M40i 2-Door

£47,000

3.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW Z42019 - sDrive 30i M Sport 2dr Auto

£23,420

Finance available £461 pm

2L
60.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Hippo Motor Group Peterborough

01733666887 *

BMW Z42020 (69) - 2.0 20i M Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Auto sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (197 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,250

2L
38.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Hearsall Common Car Sales

02475105300 *

BMW Z4(09) - 2.5 23i sDrive Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

92.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

Hillington Motor Co Ltd

01414730658 *

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

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

* 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.