BMW Z4 (2009 – 2016) Review
BMW Z4 (2009 – 2016) Verdict
Find out more about the BMW Z4 (2009 – 2016)
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 (2009 – 2016) handling and engines
- Engines range from sDrive 18i to sDrive 30i Automatic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 20–42 mpg
A mild refresh for the BMW Z4 in 2013 saw the addition of the 156PS sDrive18i model to the range. Not only does this offer a more affordable way into Z4 ownership, it also acquits itself very well as a fun and frugal sports car.
BMW does not offer a diesel-engined version of the Z4 to compete with its Audi TT and Mercedes SLK competitors, so the 18i’s as cost-effective as it gets. Even so, the 18i’s 41.5mpg and 159g/km carbon dioxide emissions are matched by its four-cylinder sister models, the 20i and 28i.
From rest to 62mph, the 18i takes 7.9 seconds, so it’s no slouch without being overly enthusiastic. The engine can sound a little plain at lower revs, but takes on a throatier tenor when pressed harder. It’s a lot of fun to push this model hard as you can make the most of the engine’s power while still remaining within safe, legal speeds on twisty roads.
The 20i and 28i, with 184PS and 245PS respectively, serve up greater performance, with the 20i dashing off 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds and the 28i in just 5.7 seconds. This makes them far more compelling choices for keen drivers while still sharing the same lightness of feel across unruly British tarmac.
With less weight up front than the six-cylinder sDrive35i models, the four-cylinder cars turn into corners with vigour and hold their line tenaciously. Even with more power from the 20i and 28i engines and rear-wheel drive, these Z4 models show no untoward tendency for the rear wheels to step out of line unexpectedly.
All Z4s come with ESP and BMW’s Dynamic Drive Control, so the driver can choose between Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings. The Sport+ option increases the threshold at which the ESP will come into play to quell any slip from the wheel, which lets more able drivers enjoy more feel and control while still having the safety net of the car’s electronics on side.
The rear wheels are more taxed in spirited driving in the sDrive35i and its more potent35is sibling, which boasts 340PS to the 35i’s 306PS. Both are quick off the mark, recording 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds and 4.8 seconds for the 35i and 35is respectively.
With six-cylinders and turbocharging, these engines provide more than ample overtaking urge when required. However, they are also happy cruisers when required, especially with the standard seven-speed automatic gearbox of the 35is. All other Z4 models have a slick six-speed manual gearbox and the option of the seven-speeder auto.
While the pace of the 35i models is impressive, they do feel a little heavier as you position the car into a bend due to the extra weight of the engine. This is only really apparent when pushing towards the car’s limits, so is not an issue in daily driving. More importantly, the Z4 rides well over lump-strewn roads, though we’d avoid the M Sport models with their firmer suspension that makes them too harsh and does nothing to improve the driving experience.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| sDrive 18i | 42 mpg | 7.9 s | 159 g/km |
| sDrive 18i Automatic | 42 mpg | 8.1 s | 159 g/km |
| sDrive 20i | 42 mpg | 6.9 s | 159 g/km |
| sDrive 20i Automatic | 42 mpg | 6.9–7.2 s | 159 g/km |
| sDrive 23i | 33–34 mpg | 6.6–7.3 s | 192–199 g/km |
| sDrive 23i Automatic | 34 mpg | 7.3 s | 192 g/km |
| sDrive 28i | 42 mpg | 5.7 s | 159 g/km |
| sDrive 28i Automatic | 42 mpg | 5.5 s | 159 g/km |
| sDrive 30i | 33 mpg | 5.8 s | 199 g/km |
| sDrive 30i Automatic | 34 mpg | 6.1 s | 195 g/km |
| sDrive 35i | 30–31 mpg | 4.8–5.2 s | 210–219 g/km |
| sDrive 35i Automatic | 31–31 mpg | 5.1 s | 210 g/km |
Real MPG average for the BMW Z4 (2009 – 2016)
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
195
BMW Z4 (2009 – 2016) interior
- Boot space is 180–310 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4239–4244 mm |
| Width | 1790 mm |
| Height | 1284–1291 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2495–2496 mm |
With the folding metal roof in the raised position, the Z4 is as quiet and capable of long drives without tiring the driver as any of its coupe competition. It’s more refined than the Audi TT coupe and easily on a par with the Mercedes SLK.
There is some rumble audible from the wide tyres fitted as standard to all Z4 models, varying in width depending on which engine you choose. Even so, the Z4 is surprisingly hushed for this type of car and suffers very little wind noise at higher speeds.
Drop the roof down, which is actioned at the touch of a button and completed in 22 seconds, which is not nearly as quick as the previous Z4’s fabric roof would stow away. However, the greater weather protection and security of the retractable hard-top compensate for this. You can also operate the folding metal roof at up to 25mph, so there is no need to pull over, stop and fold or raise the roof.
Pop the roof down and the Z4 enjoys the same open air sensations as any of its competition. What you won’t experience is too much wind buffeting at higher speeds as the driver and passenger sit low and snug in the supportive seats.
An optional Comfort Package includes a wind deflector, as well as active cruise control, front and rear parking sensors and additional storage with two cupholders and nets in the footwells. The added storage will be welcome as the Z4’s boot offers only 180-litres of space with the roof stowed away, which is less than most rivals’. Roof up, there’s 310-litres of space and you can add an optional load-through facility to carry longer items such as golf clubs or skis.
Space inside the cabin is good for both the driver and passenger. The driver has height and reach adjustment in the steering column to help tailor the driving position, but only the 35i models have standard electric seat adjustment. This is worth noting as the manual seat adjustment in the Z4 is awkward to use, so if you share the car with a partner it is well worth investing in the optional electric operation.
If you choose the Z4 sDrive18i, you will also most likely want to spend the extra to upgrade from its standard cloth seats to park your posterior on leather upholstery. The 18i does come with air conditioning and the electric roof operation included in its price, as well as four airbags for safety and DAB digital radio that became standard in 2013.
Regardless of what seat upholstery you sit on, the Z4’s interior is clearly driver-focused on the way the centre console guides the eye and the layout of the controls. The main dials are clear and simple, while the ventilation and stereo control are also unfussy and easy to navigate. Behind the gear lever sits the easy to use iDrive controller on cars fitted with Media Package that includes satellite navigation and uprated Bluetooth and voice control.
BMW also offers two packs to upgrade the interior trim called Design Pure Fusion and Design Pure Traction. Each has its own unique interior trim panel finishes. The Fusion has Nappa leather upholstery, while the Traction offers black or black and orange Alcantara and leather for the seats.
BMW Z4 (2009 – 2016) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4239–4244 mm |
| Width | 1790 mm |
| Height | 1284–1291 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2495–2496 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1395–1600 kg |
| Boot Space | 180–310 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 18000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Run-flat tyres | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £29,695–£47,915 |
| Insurance Groups | 33–43 |
| Road Tax Bands | G–K |
| Official MPG | 30.1–41.5 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until November 2018
| Roadster | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 sDRIVE18i 2dr | £29,695 | 41.5 mpg | 7.9 s |
| 2.0 sDRIVE18i Auto 2dr | £31,590 | 41.5 mpg | 8.1 s |
| 2.0 sDRIVE18i M Sport 2dr | £33,580 | 41.5 mpg | 7.9 s |
| 2.0 sDRIVE18i M Sport Auto 2dr | £35,475 | 41.5 mpg | 8.1 s |
| 2.0 sDRIVE20i 2dr | £29,725 | 41.5 mpg | 6.9 s |
| 2.0 sDRIVE20i Auto 2dr | £31,570 | 41.5 mpg | 7.2 s |
| 2.0 sDRIVE20i M Sport 2dr | £32,890 | 41.5 mpg | 6.9 s |
| 2.0 sDRIVE20i M Sport Auto 2dr | £34,735 | 41.5 mpg | 7.2 s |
On sale until July 2018
| Roadster | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 sDRIVE20i 2dr | £31,795 | 41.5 mpg | 6.9 s |
| 2.0 sDRIVE20i Auto 2dr | £33,690 | 41.5 mpg | 6.9 s |
| 2.0 sDRIVE20i M Sport 2dr | £34,960 | 41.5 mpg | 6.9 s |
| 2.0 sDRIVE20i M Sport Auto 2dr | £36,855 | 41.5 mpg | 6.9 s |
| 2.0 sDRIVE28i 2dr | £34,230 | 41.5 mpg | 5.7 s |
| 2.0 sDRIVE28i Auto 2dr | £36,125 | 41.5 mpg | 5.5 s |
| 2.0 sDRIVE28i M Sport 2dr | £39,345 | 41.5 mpg | 5.7 s |
| 2.0 sDRIVE28i M Sport Auto 2dr | £41,240 | 41.5 mpg | 5.5 s |
| 3.0 sDRIVE35i 2dr | £40,085 | 30.1 mpg | 5.2 s |
| 3.0 sDRIVE35i DCT 2dr | £41,975 | 31.4 mpg | 5.1 s |
| 3.0 sDRIVE35i M Sport 2dr | £44,970 | 30.1 mpg | 5.2 s |
| 3.0 sDRIVE35i M Sport DCT 2dr | £46,860 | 31.0 mpg | 5.1 s |
| 3.0 sDRIVE35is DCT 2dr | £47,915 | 31.0 mpg | 4.8 s |
On sale until March 2014
| Convertible | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| sDrive28i 2dr | £34,220 | 41.5 mpg | 5.7 s |
| sDrive28i Auto 2dr | £36,115 | 41.5 mpg | 5.5 s |
| sDrive35i 2dr | £40,055 | 30.1 mpg | 5.2 s |
| sDrive35i Auto 2dr | £41,945 | 31.4 mpg | 5.1 s |
On sale until August 2011
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| sDrive23i 2dr | £30,425 | 33.2 mpg | 6.6 s |
| sDrive23i Auto 2dr | £32,270 | 34.4 mpg | 7.3 s |
| sDrive23i M Sport 2dr | £34,630 | 33.2 mpg | 6.6 s |
| sDrive23i M Sport Auto 2dr | £36,475 | 34.4 mpg | 7.3 s |
| sDrive30i 2dr | £34,660 | 33.2 mpg | 5.8 s |
| sDrive30i Auto 2dr | £36,505 | 34.0 mpg | 6.1 s |
| sDrive30i M Sport 2dr | £37,825 | 33.2 mpg | 5.8 s |
| sDrive30i M Sport Auto 2dr | £39,670 | 34.0 mpg | 6.1 s |
Model History
- May 2009: BMW Z4 revealed
- December 2009
- April 2011: Z4 sDrive28i launched
- July 2011
- April 2012: Entry Z4 sDrive18i introduced
May 2009
BMW Z4 revealed
New BMW Z4 with retractable hardtop, on sale in UK from May 2009. Three six-cylinder engines offered along with Double Clutch Transmission Adaptive M Suspension and Drive Dynamic Control debut on a BMW Z model
Two-piece, electro-hydraulically operated Retractable Hard-Top roof that can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds. New Z4 also the first vehicle to be offered with Adaptive M Suspension. Electronically controlled dampers offer three different configurations and lower the ride height by up to 10mm for a more dynamic drive. By way of comparison, the Sport+ setting of the new car is comparable to the outgoing Z4’s standard ride comfort level.
The standard Drive Dynamic Control function is another first and allows the driver to alter, depending on model specification, the throttle and steering response, level of ride comfort, Dynamic Stability Control response and, on automatic or Double Clutch Transmission cars, gear change times.
BMW Z4 sDrive23i manual (auto) 204PS, 250Nm, 0-60 6.3 (7.0), top speed 151 (149), 33.2 (34.4) mpg com, 199 (192) g/km CO2
BMW Z4 sDrive30i manual (auto) 258PS, 310Nm, 0-60 5.5 (5.8), top speed 155 (155) limited, 33.2 (34.0) mpg com, 199 (195) g/km CO2
BMW Z4 sDrive35i manual (auto) 306PS, 400Nm, 0-60 4.9 (4.8), top speed 155 (155) limited, 30.1 (31.4) mpg com, 219 (210) g/km CO2
Z4 sDrive23i 6-speed manual £28,645
Z4 sDrive23i 6-speed auto £30,410 £1,765.00
Z4 sDrive30i 6-speed manual £32,660
Z4 sDrive30i 6-speed auto £34,425
Z4 sDrive35i 6-speed manual £37,060
Z4 sDrive35i 7-speed DCT auto £38,870
December 2009
New BMW Z4 sDrive35is gains extra 34hp over standard car, taking output to 340hp. 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with its twin turbochargers and High Precision Direct Injection increases maximum torque to 450Nm with an extra 50Nm of torque available in the upper gears for extra power when overtaking. This is achieved by an extra short-time boost in turbo pressure.
BMW Z4 sDrive35i 306PS, 400Nm, 155mph, 31.4mpg, 210g/km £40,590
BMW Z4 sDrive35is 340PS, 450-500Nm, 155mph, 31.4mpg, 210g/km, £43,885
0 to 60mph 4.8 seconds, down 0.3 seconds from the previous Z4 sDrive35i, top speed is electronically-limited to 155mph. EfficientDynamics technologies, such as Brake Energy Regeneration, newly revised Electric Power Steering and on-demand use of ancillary systems, has meant consumption and emissions figures have remained unchanged, from the current twin turbo model, at 31.4mpg and 210g/km CO2.
April 2011
Z4 sDrive28i launched
BMW unveiled a new four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol Z4, due in showrooms late 2011. The Z4 sDrive 28i motor produces 236bhp and BMW claims it offers more torque and better performance than the six-cylinder BMW Z4 sDrive30 together with greater fuel economy and reduced emissions over the larger six-cylinder engine, thanks to new high-precision fuel injectors and a revised turbocharger design.
July 2011
The BMW Z4 gained new four-cylinder engines. A new all-aluminium 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit, featuring BMW’s acclaimed twin-turbo technology arrived in two guises.
The new engines appear in sDrive20i and sDrive28i versions of the Z4, replacing the former sDrive23i and sDrive30i models. For the sDrive20i, the new engine develops 184hp at 4800rpm and 270Nm of torque from only 1250rpm. Corresponding figures for the sDrive28i are 245hp from 5000rpm and 350Nm from 1250rpm. Both engines use BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies to increase driver enjoyment while simultaneously lowering fuel consumption and emissions.
The BMW Z4 sDrive20i and BMW Z4 sDrive28i employ the twin-scroll turbocharger technology, high-precision direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and double-VANOS camshaft control previously only seen in six-cylinder BMWs. This gives greater turbo boost pressure and improved operation of the fuel injection system.
Both are characterised by instant throttle response, linear power delivery and supreme flexibility across almost the entire rev range. Improved performance is therefore achieved with 20 per cent reductions in fuel consumption andemissions. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard with both engines, but an eight-speed automatic is optionally available.
| Model | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) | 0-62mph (seconds) | Top Speed (mph) |
CO 2 emissions (g/km) | Combined mpg |
| BMW Z4 sDrive20i | 184 | 270 | 6.9 | 142 | 159 | 41.5 |
| BMW Z4 sDive28i | 245 | 350 | 5.6 | 155* | 159 | 41.5 |
* Electronically limited
In addition to these revised engines, standard equipment will be enhanced across the entire Z4 range, with all models now receiving Bluetooth and USB audio interface. The new sDrive20i also benefits from Kansas leather upholstery and a rain sensor with automatic headlight activation as standard.
A new equipment package called Design Pure Balance, featuring extended Merino leather in Cohiba Brown and Black, Lotus White contrast stitching, anthracite wood and standard sports seats, becomes available with the revised Z4. Mineral White metallic paint is offered exclusively with this package, or buyers can choose from other colours within the Z4 range.
BMW’s ConnectedDrive system has been enhanced for 2011 for even more intelligent networking between the driver and the outside world. Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) is a superior system for warning drivers of hold-ups and calculating alternative routes to help avoid them. It is far quicker and more efficient than the Traffic Message Channel (TMC) currently used, transmitting data faster, and updating more frequently, via the SIM card integrated in the vehicle.
Courtesy of BMW Live, the driver’s mobile phone can serve as a modem to feed information to the car’s Control Display via Bluetooth. The system offers free RSS news feeds, weather information, Google Local Search, Google Panoramic and Street View. The RSS news feeds are read inside the car via BMW’s Text to Speech function. The facility will be available on the new BMW 1 Series in September, before being rolled out to other models.
The same camera system can also provide the driver more information through the new full-colour Head-up Display or the instrument panel. The Lane Departure Warning system can detect lane markings and sends a mild vibration through the steering wheel should the vehicle deviate from its lane without indicating. The Speed Limit Display reads both permanent and temporary speed limit signs and displays the current maximum permissible speed limit to the driver.
April 2012
Entry Z4 sDrive18i introduced
From April 2013 the BMW Z4 range started with a new entry-level sDrive18i, while at the same time the Pure Traction Design package boasts a level of sophistication and high specification not seen on a Z4 before.
|
Model |
Price from |
Power |
Torque Nm |
Zero – 62mph Seconds 0 - 62 |
Top Speed Mph |
Combined |
CO2 Emissions g/km
|
|
BMW Z4sDrive18i |
£27,610 |
156 |
240 |
7.9 (8.1) |
137 |
41.5 |
159 |
|
BMW Z4 sDrive20i |
£29,710 |
184 |
270 |
6.9 |
146 (144) |
41.5 |
159 |
|
BMW Z4 sDrive28i |
£34,095 |
245 |
350 |
5.7 (5.5) |
155* |
41.5 |
159 |
|
BMW Z4 sDrive35i |
£39,915 |
306 |
400 |
5.2 (5.1) |
155* |
30.1 (31.4) |
219 (210) |
|
BMW Z4 sDrive35is |
£45,795 |
340 |
450 |
(4.8) |
155* |
31.4 |
210 |
* Electronically-limited. Figures in brackets denote car with automatic gearbox or Double Clutch Transmission.
The new BMW Z4 sDrive18i is priced from £27,610 OTR. It has a de-tuned version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged engine, producing 156hp at 5,000rpm and taking the car to 62mph in 7.9 seconds before going on to a top speed of 137mph. It recording 41.5mpg on the EC cycle with emissions of 159g/km.
The BMW Z4 sDrive20i comes with a 184hp engine that achieves 41.5mpg and 159g/km CO2.
The four-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged sDrive28i, and the six-cylinder twin-turbocharged sDrive35i and the sDrive35is offer customers greater performance courtesy of their respective 245hp, 306hp and 340hp power outputs. All cars are rated at an electronically-limited 155mph top speed.
Transmitting the power to the road is a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. Customers can also specify an eight-speed automatic with gear shift paddles located on the steering wheel, while buyers of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is have a seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission, again with gear shift paddles, as standard.
Design wise the winning formula of the BMW Z4 styling has only had minor enhancements mid-life. The headlights now include white LED corona rings and a white ‘eyebrow’ with additional chrome detailing, while in profile the side gill features chrome detailing and LED side repeater lights.
Building on the striking looks of the BMW Z4 is the introduction of the Pure Traction Design package. Available exclusively in Valencia Orange with an optional black contrast roof the model also comes with Sport seats in Alcantara and leather with contrast stitching, Anthracite headlining and a unique metal weave interior trim. Should a customer wish to have another exterior colour this can be offered though. The Pure Traction Design package costs from £550 up to £2,240 depending on the model within the Z4 range it is order on. SE and M Sport derivatives will continue to be offered.
Standard equipment across all models now includes DAB radio, Xenon headlights, Bluetooth, USB connectivity and Sport multi-function steering wheel. All models apart from the new entry-level sDrive18i SE come with Kansas leather upholstery as standard. Three new colours of Mineral Grey, Glacier Silver and Valencia Orange are offered while two new styles of alloy wheel, 17-inch and an 18-inch V-spoke styling wheel are available.
These enhancements build on an already strong offering. The BMW Z4 was the first roadster in BMW’s history to come with a two-piece, electro-hydraulically operated Retractable Hard-Top roof that can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 20mph. The new roadster was also the first vehicle to be offered with Adaptive M Suspension. Electronically controlled dampers offer three different configurations while the ride height is lowered by 10mm for a more dynamic drive.
What to watch out for
If the car has Bluetooth and the owner has their Mobile phone synched to the car then if the car is not locked / all electrics shut down the car will keep trying to search for the phone and drain the battery.
23-02-2013:Report of repeated complete electrical failures, affecting electric power steering and parking brake as well as wipers, speedo and rev counter all "going beserk". Repaired once, but problem came back several times.
08-11-2014:29k mile 2010 BMW Z4 23i sDrive requiring oil top-up every 700-800 miles.
16-08-2015:Cracked rear 19" wheels reported by BMW dealer on E89 Z4 SDrive3.0iMS when in for service. Want £1,102.66 to replace. Blamed speed humps. No humps in ownwrs area.
02-04-2018:Report of EPAS on 2013 BMW Z4 failing at 36,000 miles. Succeeded the cars in the 30-7-2012 recall and owner bulled £1,500 for the repair.
23-05-2018:Indicator control switch of 2014 BMW Z4 failed and BMW dealer wanted £600 to fit a new one.
