BMW Z4 Review (2003 to date)

Quick Summary

The Z4 is the roadster that we knew BMW were capable of building. This is now a car that can be chosen on merit over a Porsche Boxster, a Mercedes SLK or a Honda S2000 rather than merely because of price. As long as you can get along with the styling there's very little that can be said against a well looked after used Z4. At present early 2.5-litre cars look the best buy.

Overall:

Models Covered:(2 dr roadster, 2.0, 2.2, 2.5, 3.0, 3.2 petrol)

ZED CASE

Replacing BMW's Z3 was never going to be an easy task. Although the Z3 had never received a great deal of critical acclaim, sales had nevertheless been very strong. The Z4 was a very different car, BMW leaning a number of lessons from the product life cycle of the Z3. With the press on their side, Munich was finally able to trade blows with the likes of Porsche and Mercedes in an increasingly competitive roadster arena. A used Z4 makes a very interesting buy, especially as by far the largest quantity of used stock is represented by the more powerful six-cylinder models.
Used BMW Z4 for sale

History of the Z4

Never let it be said that BMW can't learn from its mistakes. When it first introduced the Z3, it began with a weedy 1.9-litre model that was pitched as competition for the Mazda MX-5. With that foundation, it was always going to be difficult to build the Z3 into the sort of aspirational sports car that customers should be paying over £30,000 for when more powerful versions were introduced. The March 2003 launch of the Z4 saw a very different tack. Only 2.5 and 3.0-litre models were available initially, reinforcing the perception that this was a high-end, desirable piece of kit. The 2.2-litre and 2.0-litre cars were slid quietly into the Z4 line-up towards the end of 2003 and spring 2005 respectively and have proven to be decent sellers. In the early part of 2006, the engine range was given an overhaul. The 2.2-litre unit got the axe leaving a range made up of 150bhp 2.0i, 177bhp 2.5i, 218bhp 2.5si and 265bhp 3.0si units. The fire-breathing M Roadster with its 343bhp 3.2-litre M Sport engine was also introduced around this stage, as was the hardtop Z4 Coupe. Small styling alterations made at the same time included a shoulder line that extends beyond the bonnet edge to the front air dam, a wider air intake below the grille and the rear tail lights featuring horizontal light conductor rods as seen on the Z8.
Used BMW Z4 for sale

BMW Z4 Road Test

There's no weedy 1.8-litre hairdryer to tempt dilettantes into the Z4 range but BMW introduced a 2.0-litre unit to prop-up the entry-level end of the line-up. Above this you have the choice of a 2.2-litre car, a 2.5 or a 3.0-litre straight six. Vital statistics? The 2.0-litre engine can do the old 0-60mph in around 8.0s but if you want real sportscar performance, it's best to make the step up. The 170bhp 2.2-litre straight-six engine is one of the better engines in the BMW panoply – and there are a number of notables included. It's got enough mumbo to punt the Z4 from standstill to sixty mph in 7.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 140mph.The 2.5i develops a maximum output of 192 bhp at 6,000 rpm and the 3.0i 231 bhp at 5,900 rpm. Acceleration from 0-60 mph is reached in 6.8 seconds in the 2.5i and 5.7 seconds in the 3.0i. Top speeds are 146 mph and 155 mph respectively. The 2.5i weights just 1,260 kg, the 3.0i being only slightly heavier at 1,290 kg. All of which points to the fact that you have a serious amount of shove emerging from behind those beady headlights.The difference in philosophy between the Z3 and Z4 is immediately apparent as soon as you take a look at the dirty side. Whereas the Z3 used the ancient semi-trailing arm suspension of a 1985 vintage 3-series, the Z4 is bang up to date, using a proper multi link arrangement. Yes, the chassis may be based on the 3-series but it's been radically revised. Not only is the wheelbase significantly shorter, but the Z4 sits more foursquare on the road due to wider track at the front and rear. It becomes the first BMW to use electric power steering and is also hugely torsionally stiffer than the somewhat wobbly Z3.The commitment to appearing a proper driver's car can be seen in certain key areas. The traction and stability control systems can both be disabled at the touch of a button, something you won't be able to do in a Mercedes SLK for instance. Although it does require you to hold the button in for what seems like an eternity when the control systems are disabled, you'll be aware quite how potent the 3.0-litre in particular is. BMW's paddle shift SMG sequential gearchange can also be specified. If the exterior design generates a little controversy, the same can't be said of the cabin styling. It's typically low-key but classy, BMW at their best. There's a broad centre console and clear dials. Space in the footwell is especially generous and it's possible to hunker down into a low driving position and feel really ensconced in rather than on the car.
Used BMW Z4 for sale

Buying a BMW Z4

Although the Z4 is a relatively complex car compared to its predecessor, no specific faults have yet come to light. Lessons learned with the Z3 have been applied to make the Z4 a more reliable and sophisticated car. Like all modern BMWs, rather than specifying preselected service intervals, the car's on-board diagnostics indicate when a service is due. It's therefore important to discover when the last service took place and ask to see documentary evidence of this. Look out for damage to hoods, as they aren't cheap to repair. Check the alloy wheels for kerbing damage and make sure the alarm and immobiliser system are functioning properly. Some owners will have specified their Z4s to the nines from BMW's options list and will want to claw back what they've spent. Don't entertain any of it.
Used BMW Z4 for sale

BMW Z4 Typical Pricing

The phased introduction of models into the Z4 line up has resulted in some pricing anomalies amongst used models that some buyers may not immediately appreciate. For instance, a 2.5-litre Z4 on a 2003 03 plate retails at around £17,700 which is broadly what you'll pay for a slightly newer 2.2-litre car. Small wonder that the beefier 2.5-litre models are favoured by those that can afford the pricier insurance. The 2.0-litre Z4 is still a relatively rare sight, your best opportunity of finding a used example in a given trim/colour combination probably being through the search facilities offered by franchised BMW dealers. A 3.0-litre is a far easier beast to track down and these kick off at around £19,200. Insurance ranges from Group 15 to Group 19.
Used BMW Z4 for sale

BMW Z4 Parts

(approx based on a 2005 2.0 Z4) In recent years, BMW spares have gained a reputation for being sensibly priced and the Z4 benefits from a spares basket that compares favourably with rivals from Mercedes, Porsche and even Honda. A set of front brake pads for the Z4 retails at around £45-£55. A replacement headlamp unit is around £165, and a door mirror is £170. A front shock absorber is £120 and a fuel filter is around £18.
Used BMW Z4 for sale