Used BMW Z4 2009-2017 review

We'll start by letting the cat out of the bag. The BMW Z4 isn't the sharpest tool in the sports car shed; the rival Porsche Boxster is a more finely tuned machine. However, before you go out and buy that car, consider this: just because a car isn't exactly top of its class, doesn't mean it should be dismissed. The Z4 has many plus points to its name, including a huge range of engines to suit all tastes and budgets, as well as a very plush interior, making long trips a pleasure.

Engine choices range from an entry-level 154bhp 18i 2.0-litre four-cylinder, through a 302bhp 3.0-litre, six-cylinder 35i, up to a 335bhp 35is – the latter of which remained the most powerful model throughout the Z4’s life because there was no Z4M. In 2011, BMW swapped the 204bhp 2.5-litre 23i and 258bhp 3.0-litre 30i versions for a turbocharged 2.0-litre found in 184bhp 20i and 242bhp 28i forms.

As with most BMWs of the period, the spec is very dependent upon how many options the previous owner picked. However, all Z4s at least got 17in alloys, a DAB radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity and xenon headlights. M Sport adds larger 18in alloys, firmer sports suspension, along with sports seats inside. A comfort pack equipped car comes with cruise control, parking sensors and a wind deflector.

On the road, those engines all display the verve we've come to expect of the marque, and the Z4 with any of them under the bonnet is a decent flyer. The handling is much improved on the rather inert feel of the first-generation car, but the steering is not without its dead patches and lacks the pleasurable feel of its rivals from Porsche and even, surprisingly perhaps, Mercedes. The ride, normally composed and reasonably comfortable, can be easily caught out by sharp bumps and ridges and has an underlying harshness to it that makes it less than truly impressive.

The quality of materials in the interior was also improved to make the driving experience more comfortable. The dashboard featured a much clearer design with major controls placed easily to hand. A BMW Z4 equipped with satellite navigation received the reworked iDrive infotainment system, featuring more shortcut buttons than previous iterations, making it much simpler to use whilst on the move.

BMW also went to the trouble of putting a folding metal roof on the Z4 to make it a more usable everyday car, with the added benefit of increased protection against thieves. With the roof down, this steals boot space in order to house the roof panels and additional folding mechanisms, but it does mean that the car is quieter on the motorway with the roof up.

If you're interested in finding a used Z4, or any of the other sports cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at great prices.

Early Z4s of this generation can be found for around £7000, but they won't possess desirable mileages or conditions. Around £8500 will show you cars in better condition and with mileages more commonly below 100,000.

If you want to go newer, have around £10,000 to spend on a 2014 car. Late models from 2017 start at around £13,000, but they are rare.

Perhaps you demand lots of power. If you desire a 35is, then have around £15,000 (at least) at your disposal.

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MPG

The most frugal four-cylinder 18i, 20i and 28i Z4s are rated to do 41.5mpg (NEDC, combined), which is good for this type of car. Both the 23i and 30i use larger six-cylinder engines that use more fuel, at 34.4mpg and 34.0mpg, respectively. Higher performance 35i and 35is manage 31.4mpg.

CO2 emissions

It's a similar affair with CO2 emissions because the four-cylinder 18i, 20i and 28i models put out the least CO2 at 159g/km. The 23i is next up with 192g/km, followed by the 30i at 195g/km. Both the 35i and 35is emit the same amount at 210g/km.

Car tax (VED)

Annual road tax (VED) for this generation of Z4 will be based on CO2 emissions, if the car was registered before April 2017, and charged at the flat rate if registered after that date. As we mentioned, late examples are rare, but if you happen to pick one up, it'll be £180 per year.

Insurance and servicing

Insurance groups are high, as you might expect, and servicing costs at a BMW dealer can be expensive. However, there are many independent specialists who will look after your Z4, often at a fraction of the cost. Having said that, the Mercedes pips the BMW in terms of fixed price servicing, even with the smaller engines. It will be cheaper than the Audi TT and considerably cheaper to maintain than the Porsche Boxster.

Engine

The most rounded engine option to go for on pre-2011 Z4s is the six-cylinder 23i because it sounds suitably fruity, yet still has manageable running costs. If you have to go for a newer, post-2011 example, make it the most potent of the four-cylinder range - the 28i - because anything less feels a bit flat in what is supposed to be a sports car.

Specification

We’d recommend going for the standard version because it gets smaller wheels and more comfortable suspension. M Sport cars have a very hard ride which some find too uncomfortable, especially when combined with larger wheels.

If you do want an M Sport version, it’s worth seeking out a car fitted with adaptive M Sport suspension for this will enable you to alter its characteristics depending upon the driving situation.

Z4s to look out for would be those fitted with the BMW Professional Media Package because it give you satellite navigation and BMW iDrive, park distance control, and the standard sDrive suspension on M Sport cars.

Our favourite BMW Z4: 23i (2009-2011); 28i (2011-present)

Audi made great strides in improving the lacklustre driving experience of the original car with its second-generation Audi TT Roadster. It could be specified with a quick-shifting double-clutch automatic transmission which actually made it faster than the standard manual. The boot is a more useful size too.

The Porsche 718 Boxster is the one to go for if you value the driving experience as it is the only practical open-top sports car to have a mid-engine layout. This also affords the Boxster two boots with which to stash your luggage in. Invariably, you will need to spend quite a bit more for a Boxster of similar age and mileage as the BMW Z4.

The Mercedes SLK was the first to offer a folding metal roof back in 1997. While it’s available with a wide range of engines from a 1.8-litre supercharged four-cylinder, all the way up to a 5.5-litre V8 with 355bhp, it’s pretty sloppy to drive, and can’t match the Z4’s tautness.

If you're interested in finding a used Z4, or any of the other sports cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at great prices.

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