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.

145 Used BMW Z4 cars for sale

BMW Z42003 (53) - 2.5i SE Auto Euro 3 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,499

2.5L
71.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Cars Hub

01753915480 *

BMW Z42014 - Z4 SDRIVE20i M SPORT ROADSTER 2-Door

Reduced

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

2L
18.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Carwhinley Cars

01228276697 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW Z42014 (64) - 2.0 Z4 SDRIVE18I ROADSTER 2d 155 BHP CONVERTIBLE 2-Door

Reduced

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

2L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

NTR Cars

01437457001 *

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 Z42012 (62) - 2.0 28i sDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£8,736

Finance available £173 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

THORP ARCH MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED

01937220370 *

BMW Z42013 - 2.0 Z4 sDrive20i M Sport Roadster 2-Door

Reduced

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
62.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Woodleigh Motor Sales

01246925097 *

4.1/5 Stars

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 Z42022 - sDrive 30i M Sport 2dr Auto

Low Mileage

£33,495

Finance available £668 pm

2L
17.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Ballyrobert at Mallusk

02890021668 *

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

Low Mileage

£23,991

Finance available £472 pm

2L
31.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Daniel Alexander Motor Group

01482296165 *

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

Low Mileage

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

North East Part Exchange Centre Ltd

01916077185 *

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 Z42007 (07) - SE CABRIOLET CONVERTIBLE RWD MANUAL 2-Door

Low Mileage

£4,000

Finance available £67 pm

2L
106.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Central Car Sales

01524917288 *

4/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£30,299

Finance available £641 pm

2L
25.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

BMW Z42008 (08) - 2.0i Edition Sport Euro 4 2dr

Low Mileage

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
81.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Rawdon Motors Limited

01134684662 *

BMW Z42009 (09) - 23i 2.5 sDrive 2-Door

Low Mileage

£6,990

Finance available £134 pm

2.5L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Cars 4 U

01924793286 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW Z42004 (04) - 2.2i SE 2dr Auto

Reduced

£2,499

2.2L
119.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Redworth 4x4 Ltd

01913232949 *

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 *

BMW Z42008 (08) - 2.0i SE 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
63.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Dymchurch Car Centre

01303760466 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW Z42008 (08) - 2.0i Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
116.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Amon Motors Solihull

01216615432 *

BMW Z42013 (13) - 20i sDrive M Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£8,000

Finance available £156 pm

2L
94.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Mersea Car Sales

01206489531 *

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