BMW's roadster, the Z4, replaced the Z3 in late 2002 as the purest example of the company's expertise in engines, chassis dynamics, and cutting-edge technology. While the sharp-edged exterior styling was a big contrast to the flowing, classical shape of the Z3, the Z4 carried on as a small, perfectly balanced sports car with a folding roof and two seats. Even as it gained tremendous amounts of power and complex software into its third generation, the Z4 became one of few premium convertibles on sale for less than $100,000.
Available in three generations, two body styles, and a multitude of powertrains, the Z4 is an affordable used car. It competes against the Porsche Boxster, the Audi TT Roadster, and the Mercedes-Benz SLK and SLC. Production of the Z4 ended in spring 2026 with no fourth-generation model on the horizon. For larger BMW convertibles with more than two seats, consider shopping for a 3 Series, 4 Series, or 6 Series convertible during the Z4's model years.
Our BMW Z4 buying guide covers the three generations available with in-depth details of its history and specs, which are the best and worst versions to buy, and how much buyers can expect to pay for one.
BMW Z4 Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
Frequently Asked Questions
Which BMW Z4 years are the best?
It's hard to identify a best year for Z4 reliability since the model has a generally good record across its history. At the time of writing, CarComplaints.com cited just one recorded problem between the 2009 and 2020 model years. Late examples of the first-generation Z4 are arguably the best value, while the second generation offers the added security of a hardtop. The third generation is the best for performance but is far more expensive.
Which BMW Z4 years are the worst?
CarComplaints.com cites 2003 as the worst year for Z4 problems. However, at the time of writing there were only seven complaints for that model year, and the overall number of issues raised across three generations was incredibly low. Early first-generation cars with the SMG (semi-manual gearbox) shifted poorly and are not recommended for reliability. Turbocharged models from the first and second generations have also had issues with timing chains or cooling. In general, the Z4 is average for maintenance needs in the luxury class.
Is a used BMW Z4 a good deal?
Yes, a used Z4 can be a great deal. It’s cheaper than a Porsche Boxster and is more fun to drive than an Audi TT or a Mercedes-Benz SLK/SLC from the same era. With an average list price of just under $35,000 in Canada, the Z4 offers decent value for those after a sporty, high-quality convertible.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fun to drive
- Great powertrains
- Unique styling
Cons:
- Third generation was automatic-only until final model years
- First-generation M models may require more upkeep
- Late examples are expensive with options
BMW Z4 Generations
BMW Z4 Third Generation (2019–2026)
After skipping two model years, the Z4 returned as an all-new model in 2019 with greater comfort, power, agility, and arguably its prettiest design yet. For the latest software and convenience features — plus sleek styling and quality craftsmanship in a small convertible — look no further than a Z4 from 2019 on.
Unusually, the Z4 was co-developed with Toyota this time around and shared many parts with the fifth-generation Toyota Supra. The Supra was a coupe, though, while the Z4 was only available as a convertible. The two cars bore no external resemblance with the Z4 having a design that aligned it closely with the (much) larger 8 Series convertible.
Much of the dashboard and tech was shared with the 3 Series with some modifications to the centre console. For example, there were no central cupholders unless drivers opened the armrest cubby. The stacked headlights, short wheelbase, and uniquely stitched seats were not shared with other BMWs. Compared to the second-gen Z4, this one was nearly 10 centimetres longer, while the wheelbase was reduced by 2.5 cm. The steering and suspension were sharper and felt more direct than before.
Two trims were available for this generation. At launch, only the sDrive30i was offered. It featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The M40i, which was added in 2020, used a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Either powertrain routed all that thrust through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels, and certain trim levels came with a limited-slip differential and adaptive dampers. Every Z4 had paddle shifters and driving modes to optimize the powertrain for efficient or sporty behaviour.
Most importantly, a power soft top returned in place of the hardtop, which meant the trunk's 281-litre capacity was unaffected when the roof was stowed. It also gave the Z4 a classier look as luxury convertibles shifted away from hardtops.
Pricing for the 2019 Z4 started in Canada at just over $60,000. Standard equipment on the entry-level Z4 sDrive30i included LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, a 10.2-inch touchscreen with iDrive 7, navigation, Apple CarPlay (but not Android Auto), a digital instrument panel, automatic emergency braking, a 10-speaker stereo, leatherette upholstery, and many other powered accessories. Available upgrades included 19-inch wheels, adaptive dampers, and a number of driver assistance functions.
The M40i trim arrived in 2020. There were no major changes through 2022 aside from a temporary deletion of the available wireless charging pad and ambient lighting due to a chip shortage during the pandemic. The M Sport Package became standard for 2023, and a few new paint colours were added.
The biggest news arrived for the 2025 model year when BMW finally brought back a six-speed manual transmission. Available as part of the Handschalter Package on the M40i, this Z4 came with staggered-diameter wheels plus retuned steering and dampers.
For 2026, its last model year, BMW offered a Z4 Final Edition in matte black with either a manual or an automatic.
According to CarGurus.ca pricing data, average used prices for third-generation Z4s range from about $42,000 for a 2019 model to $84,000 for a like-new late-model M40i.
BMW Z4 Second Generation (2009–2017)
The second-generation BMW Z4 employed smoother body lines, lighter steering, extra body weight, and softer tuning that made it feel more comfortable than the original. It remained quick and agile, though the Coupe and the M models would never return. Prices were very high for the time as the sDrive30i, which replaced the 30i, started at nearly $54,000. The sDrive35i, the successor to the 30si, could cost well over $70,000 with options.
This Z4 was 15 centimetres longer than the first but with nearly the same width and height. It came with a power retractable hardtop, just as the 3 Series convertible did at the time. The trunk capacity grew to 310 litres with the roof up but was just 180 litres with it folded.
The sDrive30i came with a 3.0-litre inline-six making 255 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque with a six-speed manual or automatic. The sDrive35i had a new twin-turbo inline-six making 300 hp and 300 lb-ft with the option for a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic also shared with the 335is. While fast, it was not nearly as thrilling as the M Roadster yet cost just as much.
Standard features included bi-xenon headlights, leatherette upholstery, heated seats, and a power hardtop. Available features included leather, wood or aluminum trim, an iPod/USB port, a garage door opener, ambient lighting, and more. The Z4 sDrive35is joined the lineup as a third trim for 2011 with an uprated version of the twin-turbo engine making 335 hp and 369 lb-ft. With chassis and exhaust upgrades, this was as close to an M Roadster as the Z4 would get in this generation.
The sDrive28i was introduced for the 2012 model year. It replaced the six-cylinder sDrive30i and featured a 2.0-litre turbo inline-four making 240 hp and 260 lb-ft. Fuel efficiency improved to an estimated 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres highway, whereas six-cylinder models could not do better than 9.0 L/200 km. Apart from the base trim losing its manual transmission option in 2015 and all trims dropping it for the final model year in 2016, there were no major changes through the rest of this Z4’s run.
CarGurus.ca pricing data shows Canadian buyers should expect to pay about $16,000 for early and high-kilometre second-generation Z4 models to roughly $35,000 for later and higher-spec versions.
BMW Z4 First Generation (2003–2008)
The first BMW Z4 arrived in late 2002 as a replacement for the Z3, which starred in the 1995 James Bond movie Goldeneye and restarted a romance for premium two-seat roadsters. The Z4, with its radical styling and new electronic controls, was initially ill-received by BMW enthusiasts. However, like most good things that shock tradition, the change was eventually accepted.
The steering, throttle, and new automatic transmissions were all electric or electronically controlled by a computer instead of hydraulic or cable linkages. The suspension was entirely revamped to be firmer and planted at higher speeds. The cabin, while still small, echoed the appearance of the very limited Z8 roadster. The BMW roundel on the front flanks remained, but cleverly, it doubled as a side turn signal.
The base 2.5i came with a 2.5-litre inline-six with 184 hp, 175 lb-ft of torque, and a five-speed manual transmission. The 3.0i had a 3.0-litre inline-six with 225 hp and 214 lb-ft linked to a six-speed manual. A five-speed automatic or six-speed SMG (semi-manual gearbox adapted from the M3) were optional. The optional powered soft top came with a heated glass window, a welcome upgrade from the Z3's manual top and plastic window.
The 2003 Z4 started in Canada at just under $51,000. Standard equipment included knee airbags, side airbags, courtesy lights, remote keyless entry, cupholders, a 10-speaker CD stereo, and leatherette upholstery. As was typical in a BMW of the time, just about every expected feature had a price tag. Heated power seats, leather upholstery, cruise control, automatic xenon headlights, and automatic climate control were all optional. A sport suspension with a new computer-controlled Dynamic Driving Control was available. The leather, sycamore wood, and aluminum trim from this time period compare well with any of BMW's materials today.
For 2006, the SMG transmission was dropped and a new 3.0-litre inline-six engine powered all versions. The 2.5i was dropped in place of the 3.0i, while the 3.0i became the 3.0si. Power and torque (215 hp/185 lb-ft or 255 hp/220 lb-ft) were markedly better. A six-speed manual transmission was added to all trims. The Z4 M Roadster launched this year with the M3's 3.2-litre inline-six with 330 hp.
A Z4 Coupe was sold in the United States beginning in 2007 but was not available in Canada. The Z4 M Coupe launched, though, using the same 3.2-litre inline-six as the M Roadster. Everything else about these cars was entirely reengineered for serious performance. For 2008, this Z4's last year, the base 3.0i model was not offered.
CarGurus.ca pricing data suggests that prices for core first-generation Z4 models range from about $7,000 to $20,000. Rarer, high-end models cost considerably more.
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