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BMW Z4

EPA MPG: NA
Average Retail Price
$5,875 - $6,025

RECALL ALERT:
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

First Take
New for 2003, the Z4 replaces the Z3 roadster. The Z3 was popular for its looks but the handling was never extraordinary. In fact, the four-seat 3-Series convertible was always more fun to drive and obviously more practical all around. The Z4, borrowing the 3-Series' excellent rear suspension, promises to improve on the Z3. A roomier cockpit also rectifies the Z3's tight cabin. The two inline six-cylinder engines from the previous version power the new one; they include a punchy 184-hp 2.5-liter and a muscular 225-hp 3.0-liter. Electronic stability control and traction control are both standard. Luggage space is also improved.

2003 Sports cars & Convertibles Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2003 Sports cars 2-seat Ratings

$5,875 - $6,025
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$37,275
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$7,950 - $11,175
economy-icon
EPA MPG 22 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$14,250
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$5,975 - $7,125
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    convertible
Seating
2 front
Drive Wheels
Rear
Engines Available
  • 2.5-liter 6 (184 hp)
  • 3-liter 6 (225 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed sequential
  • 5-speed manual
  • 5-speed automatic
  • 6-speed manual
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2019-
Current Generation

The BMW Z4 roadster returns after a three-year hiatus with a soft top, a sportier character, up-to-date advanced safety features, and improved fuel economy. It is closely related to the new Toyota Supra coupe. The base 2.0-liter turbo Z4 delivers punchy acceleration and an invigorating exhaust sound. The eight-speed automatic shifts with authority. No manual is available. Its handling is super nimble, but it has an incessantly stiff and choppy ride. The powered soft top can open and close in just 11 seconds, and can be done on the move up to 31 mph. It can also be opened or closed remotely, using the key fob. There is minimal wind buffeting inside with the windows up. The iDrive control system takes some time to master, but it proves intuitive with experience. It has Apple CarPlay compatibility, but it requires a subscription after the first year. A 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo is new for 2020. The Z4 received a light refresh in 2023 and a 6-speed manual transmission became available in 2025.

2009-2018
2009 Redesign Year

The second generation of the Z4 was introduced with a retractable hardtop replacing the cloth top of the previous iteration. This generation also marked the end of the Z4 coupe and the Z4M. Overall, this BMW falls short on the fun-to-drive leader board. Handling is capable and secure, but lacks the tactile feedback and thrill potential a driving enthusiast craves. The bowstring-taut ride is almost jarring at times and the cabin, though well finished, is a snug fit for folks of even average girth. Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes; brake assist and electronic stability control, along with rollover protection from roll bars behind the head restraints.

2003-2008
2003 Redesign Year
The Z4 arrived for 2003 with slightly more interior room, as well as a choice of two six-cylinder engines. While improved over the Z3 (which it replaced) in nearly every way, the Z4 retained the original car's choppy ride. Plus, it isn't very agile, partly because the steering is imprecise and non-linear. The one-touch power top is very convenient. Both of the available 3.0-liter six-cylinders are strong, and the M coupe and roadster use an even more powerful 3.2-liter that makes 330 hp.