Used BMW Z4 (Mk3, 2019-date) buyer’s guide: a worthy Porsche Boxster rival

Verdict

When BMW developed the third-generation Z4, it made sure that its new roadster was much better to drive than its predecessor, which was often overlooked by buyers who went for the Porsche 718 Boxster. While that car is still more fun than this latest Z4, the BMW makes a cracking used buy all the same, thanks to its excellent build quality, powerful and efficient engines, strong performance and reasonable practicality. The Z4 is part of a dying breed, and with BMW set to axe it in the near future, it’s likely to be the last petrol-engined roadster from the brand.

BMW may have a reputation for sporting cars, but it has actually built surprisingly few sports cars. However, since the Z3 was introduced back in 1995, the company has always had a two-seat drop-top in its range.

The original BMW Z4 was a big step forward, while the Z4 Mk2 of 2009 was better in almost every respect, including year-round usability thanks to its coupé-cabriolet configuration.

However, it was when BMW worked with Toyota to develop the third-generation Z4 that the stars aligned, with a car that was lighter, faster, better to drive and more usable than any of its predecessors.

History

We got our first glimpse of the Z4 in concept form at the August 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, but it wasn’t until March 2019 that the first cars were delivered in the UK.

Kicking off the range was the 194bhp sDrive20i, above which was the 254bhp sDrive30i, both powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. At the top of the range was the 335bhp M40i, with a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six. All came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, but from summer 2019 the sDrive20i was offered with a six-speed manual gearbox.

There was a choice of Sport or M Sport trims, but when the range was facelifted in 2022, the former was dropped and so was the sDrive30i. At the same time, more colours and extras were introduced.

On the road

This Z4 is undoubtedly BMW’s best Z car yet, but it still isn’t as engaging as an Alpine A110 or Boxster, because its steering isn’t communicative enough. But the chassis is well balanced thanks to perfect weight distribution and a stiff bodyshell that doesn’t flex.

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Refinement is excellent, roof up or down, while the eight-speed automatic transmission is ultra-slick. However, the ride is firm even with the adaptive suspension.

Which one should I buy?

Don’t assume that more power equals more fun, because the entry-level sDrive20i feels agile while blending performance with economy. However, the sDrive30i does have usefully more power and still feels wieldy thanks to its four-cylinder engine, but any Z4 makes a great buy if you want some driving fun.

It’s worth seeing what options were picked by the first owner, but even without any extras the Z4 is well equipped. Sport editions come fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, navigation, adaptive cruise control, heated sports seats, front and rear parking sensors, leather trim and LED headlights. The M Sport adds a bodykit, sports suspension and stronger brakes, while the M40i also has adaptive suspension, 19-inch wheels and a limited-slip diff.

Alternatives to the BMW Z4

The Z4 shares its underpinnings with the Toyota Supra, which comes only in coupé form, so it’s no alternative if you want a convertible.

But if you must have a drop-top, the Porsche Boxster is the class leader. There aren’t as many of these on the used market as you might expect, and prices remain high, but the driving experience is peerless, and so is the build quality.

The Mazda MX-5 is superb to drive and much more plentiful, while also being a lot cheaper, although its build quality isn’t a match for the BMW’s. Also consider the now-defunct Audi TT Roadster, for its eye-catching design and lovely cabin, while the Ford Mustang appeals with its V8 power and excellent value.

What to look for

Electrical glitches

The automatic locking/unlocking, electric roof mechanism and window opening/closing can play up.

Braking point

Z4s with upgraded brakes (sDrive30i and M40i) can suffer from stones getting trapped between the brake disc and heat shield, leading to scoring.

Mismatched paint

Crash-damaged Z4s aren’t that unusual, thanks to the rear-wheel-drive set-up. Matching some colours can be tricky, so carefully check paintwork before you buy.

Glass act

Some owners have had problems with windscreens cracking as a result of stone chips. If the car has a head-up display or sign recognition, these have to calibrated by a BMW dealer after replacement.

Interior

BMW has led the charge lately when it comes to hi-tech dash designs, but the Z4 pre-dates this, so it doesn’t feel as cutting-edge inside.

However, that’s no bad thing, because everything is well designed and easy to live with, from the ultra-clear instruments to the digital display. The build quality is also exemplary throughout, while the seats are among the most comfortable and supportive that you’ll find anywhere.

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If there is a downside, it’s that the Z4’s cabin doesn’t feel at all special. All Z4s have a fabric roof (which goes up or down in just 10 seconds), and boot space is pretty good at 281 litres, with an optional ski hatch adding to usability even further.

Running costs

In common with all BMW models, the Z4 has condition-based maintenance that allows up to two years or 20,000 miles between services. An oil-and-filter change costs £230; replace the spark plugs and air filter as well, and this jumps to £422.

Fresh brake fluid is required every two years at £63, but because all engines are chain-driven, there are no cambelts to replace.

Most Z4s cost more than £40k new, so are subject to the £410 road tax premium, while insurance is likely to be steep, with entry-level models in group 30; the M40i goes up to group 38. Fuel bills should be palatable though, with four-cylinder models capable of around 38mpg, whereas the M40i is closer to 33mpg.

Recalls

BMW has recalled the Z4 Mk3 on four occasions so far. The first came in December 2019, because some early Z4s were fitted with faulty engines; a replacement unit was the cure, but just 53 cars were affected.

Broken tie rods in the front suspension were behind the second recall, in August 2020; more than 4,500 cars built up to April 2019 were covered. Recall three came in November 2020, because a fuel tank weld could fail; six Z4s made between June and October 2019 were targeted.

The latest campaign was in March 2021, because of sub-standard brake discs on 3,700 cars built in January and February 2021.

Driver Power owner satisfaction

The Z4 has never appeared in our Driver Power new or used car surveys because it doesn’t sell in big enough numbers. BMW typically comes no better than mid-table; last year the i3 came 13th out of 75, but its other cars were 46th (3 Series), 47th (5 Series) and 72nd (1 Series). It also placed four cars in 2024, this time between 18th and 36th. BMW also came mid-table (14th) in the 2024 brands survey.

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