BMW Z4

Name: 2017 BMW Z4
Brand: BMW

EPA MPG: 26 mpg

CR's Take

The Z4 looks sharp but isn't as entertaining as we expect a sports car to be. Handling is secure, but vague steering, a penchant for pushing wide through corners, and a jittery ride undermine the fun factor. Its 2.0-liter, turbo four-cylinder is plenty powerful and returned 28 mpg overall, but it has a diesel-like idle. The six-speed manual feels crisp and is easy to shift. An eight-speed automatic is optional, as are powerful six-cylinder engines that come with a seven-speed sequential transmission. The well-finished cabin has plenty of leg and head room but feels narrow. The iDrive infotainment system can be fussy to use, especially when the Z4 is equipped with a manual transmission. The retractable hardtop keeps it fairly quiet inside. 2016 was the last year for this model.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2017 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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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

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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

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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

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BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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2017 Sports cars 2-seat Ratings

2017 BMW Z4

$ NA

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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2017 Audi R8

$117,025 - $135,000

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2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

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2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC

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2017 Porsche 718 Boxster

$32,625 - $41,850

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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

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.

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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.