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.

184 Used BMW Z4 cars for sale

BMW Z42021 (21) - 2.0 30i M Sport Auto sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£30,999

Finance available £506 pm

2L
21.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

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 £443 pm

2L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

BMW Z42012 (62) - 2.0 20i M Sport sDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£9,990

Finance available £189 pm

2L
46.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Brooke MOT Centre Ltd

01508502072 *

BMW Z42016 - 2.0 28i M Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Auto sDrive Euro 6 (245 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,694

Finance available £386 pm

2L
51.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW Z42014 (64) - 2.0 28i M Sport Auto sDrive Euro 6 2dr

Low Mileage

£15,495

2L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Hillington Motor Co Ltd

01414730658 *

BMW Z42004 - 2.2i SE Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 3 (170 ps)

Reduced

£2,500

2.2L
127.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

KC KARS UK

01332418996 *

BMW Z42013 - 20i sDrive M Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£12,950

Finance available £316 pm

2L
54.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

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 £468 pm

2L
14.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Derby Trade Cars

01332315433 *

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

Low Mileage

£24,951

2L
23.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Wigan Hyundai

01942368032 *

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

Low Mileage

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
45.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Precision Auto Group Ltd

01704337336 *

BMW Z42022 - sDrive 30i M Sport 2dr Auto

Low Mileage

£32,995

Finance available £513 pm

2L
17.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Ballyrobert at Mallusk

02890021668 *

BMW Z42008 (08) - 2.0i Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,995

2L
116.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Amon Motors Solihull

01216615432 *

BMW Z42011 (61) - 2.0 20i M Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Auto sDrive Euro 5 (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,200

Finance available £387 pm

2L
69.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

RDM Direct

01283241526 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW Z42019 - sDrive 20i M Sport 2dr Auto

Low Mileage

£22,995

Finance available £403 pm

2L
48.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Convertible

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW Z42022 (22) - sDrive 30i M Sport 2dr Auto

Reduced

£26,500

Finance available £347 pm

2L
700.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Wheels On Motion Limited

02380017595 *

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

Low Mileage

£11,990

Finance available £518 pm

2L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

James Paul Car Sales Ltd

01403331244 *

BMW Z42015 (15) - 20i sDrive M Sport 2dr

Reduced

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
87.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Colebrook and Sons Ltd

01202145724 *

BMW Z42011 (11) - 30i SDRIVE M SPORT 2dr AUTOMATIC ++ NAV ++ FSH ++

Low Mileage

£9,290

3L
85.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Convertible

Apex Auto Traders Ltd

01134689005 *

BMW Z42007 - 3.0si Sport 2dr Auto

Low Mileage

£8,950

3L
77.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Coupe

Valley Cars and Classics Ltd

01488500852 *

BMW Z42019 (19) - 2.0 20i M Sport Convertible 2dr Auto sDrive

£21,000

Finance available £429 pm

2L
70.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Chris W Roads Ltd

01773301938 *

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.