BMW Z4

Name: 2015 BMW Z4
Brand: BMW

EPA MPG: 26 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 26 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

Going by the numbers alone, the sleek Z4 performs very well and garners an impressive 28 mpg overall. Another big draw is the retractable hardtop, designed such that with the top down there's little wind buffeting to threaten your hat or hairdo. However, 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.

2015 Sports Cars & Convertibles Reliability

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BMW Z4

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2015 Sports cars 2-seat Ratings

2015 BMW Z4

$14,750 - $18,325

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C

$ NA

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2015 Audi R8

$64,600 - $87,350

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2015 Chevrolet Corvette

$25,800 - $51,250

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2015 Jaguar F-Type

$13,000 - $22,025

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata

$9,550 - $14,325

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2015 Mercedes-Benz SL

$19,425 - $35,825

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK

$13,075 - $19,250

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2015 Nissan Z

$ NA

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2015 Porsche Boxster

$27,625 - $37,800

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2015 Porsche Cayman

$30,325 - $42,700

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Sports cars 2-seat Ratings

Features & Specs

convertible

2 front

Rear

2-liter 4 turbo (240 hp)
3-liter 6 turbo (335 hp)
3-liter 6 turbo (300 hp)

7-speed sequential
8-speed automatic
6-speed manual

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Model History

2019-Present

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.