BMW Z4 (2009 – 2016) Review

BMW Z4 (2009 – 2016) At A Glance

4/5

+Stylish and refined roadster coupe with folding hard top. Strong performance from six-cylinder engines. Much improved steering feel came as part of 2013 revamp.

-Top sDrive 35i 340PS engine is expensive.

Insurance Groups are between 33–43
On average it achieves 87% of the official MPG figure

BMW’s second generation Z4 is a very different beast from the original. Where the first Z4 was very much a gruff, up and at ’em sports car, the current car is a more refined sportscar with a broader customer appeal.

Much of the wider appeal comes from the folding metal roof, which follows the trend set by the Mercedes SLK. While some might feel the Z4 has gone soft and grown heavy with this approach, it undoubtedly means the Z4 is an easier car to live with day in, day out.

The metal roof makes the Z4 quieter at motorway speeds, so it is better suited to long distance journeys in the UK where the weather will not always play ball. When the sun does poke out, the metal roof drops more quickly than the Mercedes SLK’s and scissors away under the boot panel to leave uncluttered lines with the characteristic long bonnet, short boot looks of the previous Z4.

A downside is the roof and its mechanism take up more space than a fabric hood, so the Z4 has to make do with a 180-litre boot. This means squashy bags are the order of the day for any sort of weekend away and access is not brilliant when the roof is lowered.

Still, the Z4’s cabin provides even taller drivers with plenty of space and seat adjustment, while the dash is one of the least fussy and stylish in this sector. As well as the excellent driving position, cars with satellite navigation also benefit from BMW’s superb iDrive system that is also one of the easiest infotainment set-ups to operate.

Just as good to use as the infotainment is the entertainment under the bonnet as all of the Z4’s engines are great to use. This includes the twin-turbo 2.0-litre petrol in the sDrive18i and 20i models.

For those wanting more speed and growl, the sDrive28i takes the four-cylinder turbo engine to its maximum with 245PS or you can opt for the six-cylinder 35i with its potent 306PS. For those looking for the most performance from the Z4, the sDrive35is ups the ante to 340PS for 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds to be the spiritual successor the previous Z4M.

BMW Z4 sDrive 23i manual and 35i DCT auto Road Test

Real MPG average for a BMW Z4 (2009 – 2016)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

87%

Real MPG

20–42 mpg

MPGs submitted

244

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

My BMW Z4 has a damaged alloy wheel and run-flat tyre, can they be repaired?

"My BMW Z4 has a cracked alloy wheel and a punctured run flat on the rear can either of these be professionally welded/repaired (by say Lepsons or a properly qualified wheel/tyre repair outlet? If not what is the best option? (Looks like a new wheel and tyre might be about £800 ?) I am also wondering about swapping out the run flats which give quite a harsh ride for just normal non run flat tyres, any input on this?"
Repairs on alloy wheels will require a thorough examination to assess the extent of the damage. A small crack might be reparable but if the structure of the wheel is compromised it will have to be replaced. If the cost of a new wheel is too great then you could consider finding a good used example, or potentially swapping the wheels for other BMW wheels or aftermarket alternatives. Repairs on run-flat tyres are possible, but it depends on the manufacturer of the tyre and the nature of the damage. For example, Goodyear and Bridgestone say you can repair their run-flat tyres while Continental and Pirelli say it is not possible. It also depends on where you go to get the tyre repaired, as some high-street tyre garages will not carry out repairs. Swapping all your run flats for regular tyres will give an improved ride quality, as well as giving you a bit more choice and potentially cutting the cost too. You will however need to make some kind of provisions for a puncture, whether that is a space-saver spare, tyre inflation kit or a good breakdown provider.
Answered by David Ross

Which sports car with a folding or detachable hard top would you recommend?

"I have a budget of £10,000. Which sports car, with a folding or detachable hard top would you recommend? A soft top is not an option as I have nowhere to garage the vehicle."
I'd be looking for a BMW Z4. It has a folding electric metal roof which is easy to operate and it's a very easy car to live with day-to-day. Your budget will get you a 2011 model with the 2.5-litre engine.
Answered by Andrew Brady

What's the best, fun two-seater convertible or coupe?

"I have up to £7000 for a fun two-seater - ideally a convertible but a coupe would be fine. It will be used for a daily seven mile commute and at weekends. It needs to be reliable, handle well, be quick and fun. I also don't really want the worry of some known inherent problem which would involve significant expenditure. I was thinking of the Mazda MX-5 2.0 or MR2 (storage isn't a priority), but also noticed the Nissan 350Z, BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster. What would you suggest or can you think of something else?"
You'll find the greatest choice among MX-5, but they need to be the 2.0 Sport 6-speed model and you need to be sure you can fit inside comfortably. Also be aware there is very little cabin space for bits and pieces. A 350Z is brilliant, especially the 300PS roadster of around 2006, but they gobble fuel, and clutches. A Boxster could mean scarily big bills. Z4 don't steer very well. MR2 are great fun and good late ones are now appreciating but, like the MX-5, not a lot of room inside and hardly any luggage space. Check out the entries in http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar
Answered by Honest John

What steel-roof convertible would you recommend with reasonable running costs?

"I'm looking at buying a convertible under £25,000 that is comfortable on the motorway, fun to drive with reasonable running costs and ideally a steel folding roof to cut down on motorway noise. I think the choice is between a Mercedes-Benz SLK or BMW Z4. Is there anything else to consider? What is your recommendation?"
They are the only 2 seaters with electric folding hard tops. Z4 tested here (a while ago): http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/bmw/bmw-z4-sdrive-2009-road-test/ Carbycar entry and updates here: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/bmw/z4-2009/ Confusingly Mercedes-Benz changed the name of the SLK to SLC and a diesel version of that is tested here: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/mercedes-benz/mercedes-benz-slc-250d-2016-road-test/ I simply can't imagine driving a diesel sportscar so for me it would have to be petrol and probably the BMW. The other contender is Mazda's new MX-5 RF: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/mazda/mazda-mx-5-rf-2017-road-test/
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a BMW Z4 (2009 – 2016) cost?