Future Classics

BMW Z4

Description

Successor to the Z3 and with far more street cred. The Z4 was released in 2002 and a revised version was introduced in 2009. The original Z4 had engines ranging from a 2.0 to 3.0. A coupe version was also produced but was only available with the the most powerful 3.0 engine.

Checkout our video review of a comparison between a Z4 and its arch rival, the Porsche Boxster S. Which one comes out on top. See link below.

Headline stats

Maximum # of Registrations = 34439
Latest # of Registrations = 34439

Links

[Reviews] BMW Z4 vs Porsche Boxster S 

Our Verdict

BMW Z4 Roadster. BMW made a big leap forward when they released the Z4, after the Z3 received a far bit of stick for its lack of handling not to mention its hairdresser appeal, and applied their new “Flame Surfacing Design Theory” to its styling, which as far as we are concerned was a great success, imbuing the car with much sharper and distinctive looks than its predecessor.

The handling has been described as excellent by the vast majority of owners though some have criticised the ride quality for being a bit on the harsh side (ditching the run flat tyres would help remedy that and is something worth considering when buying one).
Performance is good so long as you avoid the the 2.0L, which is only worth considering if you have been collecting lots of points for your license lately, though not quite up there with the Porsche Boxster S ( Z4 vs Boxster feature coming soon) unless you go for the M Roadster, but we aren't really covering that one here. Personally we would go for the 3.0L which provides the best mid range grunt, the 2.2L and 2.5L do need to be revved to get the most out of them.

Where the Z4 does trump the Boxster is regarding BMW's decision to remain true to type and apply some good old Germanic build quality to the construction process, quite ironic really when you consider that the it was built in America. Nevertheless the Z4 has a generally quality feel about it and a good reliability record. Though before any owners get too smug or potential buyers complacent I should point out that the Z4's copy book is not completely blot free., there are a few things to look out for. Firstly, the BMW seems to have a healthy for rear springs and related issues with bottoming out can cause damage to the fuel tank. Also, a good old tried and tested hydraulic power steering system obviously wasn't good enough for those boys in Bavaria so they fitted an electric steering assist system and sure enough, it has proved to be a bit trouble some, so look out for sticky steering if buying. Door locking relay mechanisms are also a problem area, something that appears to afflict several German car manufactures. Its an easy fix but they come as a module and its not cheap. Lastly, water pumps need to be checked regularly after the 80k mark.

At the moment prices are still dropping for Z4's though its worth noting that Z3 prices have suddenly firmed up dramatically (I have noticed that its costing a lot more for my monthly hair cut recently. Sorry, couldn't resist that one) so its definitely a good idea to keep an eye on those Z4 prices.

A coupe version was released in 2006 and featured the 3.0L engine only. It is a stylish and relatively rare addition to the range which will undoubtedly give it a greater level of desirability than the convertible. If you see a good one, buy it!

Prices (April 2016)

2003 2.8L 60k miles £5700

2003 2.5L 111k miles £4300

2006 3.0L 82k miles £9000 Coupe

Future Classics Rating

70%
Source: Wikipedia

Details of Derivatives

Total 66 items.
NameCalculated RatingMax RegLatest Reg
Z4 SDRIVE35I LHD TURBO011
Z4 SDRIVE231022
Z4 2.2I371610
Z4 SDRIVE35101717
Z4 2.5SI AUTO72725
Z4 SDRIVE28I AUTO23433
Z4 3.0SI CABRIO AUTO03939
Z424443
Z4 SDRIVE28I05454
Z4 3.0SI CABRIO66460
Z4 ROADSTER16160
Z4 SPORT ATUO219373
Z4 SDRIVE30I M SPORT HLINE EDA38885
Z4 SDRIVE23I HIGHLINE EDITIN A59287
Z4 SDRIVE35I M SPORT08888
Z4 SDRIVE18I AUTO09393
Z4 2.5SI810596
Z4 SDRIVE23I M SPORT HLINE EDA12122107
Z4 SDRIVE30I M SPORT0107107
Z4 SE AUTO12132115
Z4 3.0SI COUPE AUTO9131119
Z4 SI SE AUTO12141124
Z4 SDRIVE30I M SPORT H-LINE ED11142126
Z4 2.0I EXCLUSIVE6150140
Z4 SDRIVE18I M SPORT AUTO0143143
Z4 SDRIVE35I M SPORT AUTO0171171
Z4 SDRIVE30I M SPORT A4216207
Z4 SDRIVE23I M SPORT AUTO16251210
Z4 2.2I SE AUTO22293227
Z4 SDRIVE23I M SPORT H-LINE ED2239232
Z4 SDRIVE35I4248238
Z4 3.0SI COUPE5270255
Z4 2.0I SE7276256
Z4 2.5I SE AUTO12300263
Z4 SDRIVE23I HIGHLINE EDITION3282273
Z4 SI SE6311290
Z4 SDRIVE30I4307292
Z4 SDRIVE20I AUTO0301301
Z4 2.5I AUTO19396320
Z4 SDRIVE35I AUTO2346336
Z4 SDRIVE18I0357357
Z4 SDRIVE28I M SPORT0403403
Z4 SDRIVE35IS AUTO0417417
Z4 SDRIVE30I AUTO3480465
Z4 3.0I AUTO13574494
Z4 3.0I SE AUTO9549495
Z4 SI SPORT AUTO8612557
Z4 SDRIVE28I M SPORT AUTO0611611
Z4 SDRIVE23I M SPORT1651640
Z4 SDRIVE18I M SPORT0681681
Z4 SDRIVE20I0685685
Z4 SDRIVE23I AUTO10819735
Z4 2.0I SPORT6997928
Z4 M131086943
Z4 2.5I SE812211114
Z4 3.0I1113801215
Z4 3.0I SE1014491300
Z4 SE ROADSTER1216411433
Z4 2.5I1316641439
Z4 SDRIVE20I M SPORT AUTO015331533
Z4 SPORT1020221804
Z4 SE920131815
Z4 SDRIVE23I220101957
Z4 SI SPORT722462081
Z4 2.2I SE1324982150
Z4 SDRIVE20I M SPORT024882488