Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

BMW Z4 Convertible review (2003-2008)

BMW facelited the Z4 for 2006, but fans of the two-seat roadster should not worry.

BMW Z4
Overall Auto Express rating

2.0

How we review cars
RRP
£45,830 £64,660
Find your BMW Z4
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

BMW facelited the Z4 for 2006, but fans of the two-seat roadster should not worry. Those famous sharp creases remain, subtly enhanced by tinted lights, a black grille and new rear lights. The ultra-fast electric roof remains too, folding flat in 10 seconds. It exposes a roomy interior, with a 'cockpit' feel and racy twin cowled dials. Standard seats are set low and are very comfortable, but they do lack some side support. Equipment levels are OK but standard cars do lack some features that really should be standard. However, the Z4's shapely rear conceals a usefully large boot.

BMW's Porsche Boxster rival offers a sprightly 2.0-litre four-cylinder entry-level model, but the real excitement comes with six-cylinder models. The 2.5-litre is offered in two guises, either 177bhp or, in si guise, 218bhp. The latter is a real thriller - indeed, it process nearly as fast as the more costly 265bhp 3.0-litre Z4. Throttle response is sharp in all Z4s and the more powerful units have a flexible power delivery. They provide plenty of pull at low speed, plus strong punch right up to the red line. All Z4s corner well, with little roll, enhanced on M Sport models, which come with 15mm lower ride height and 18-inch alloys, providing superb levels of grip. However, these additions do little for the car's already-firm ride quality; SE versions are the comfier of the two. Elsewhere the Z4 is good and fuel and boasts strong retained values, but insurance ratings are, as you'd expect, high.

Engines, performance and drive

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

Interior, design and technology

Practicality, comfort and boot space

Reliability and Safety

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    sDrive 20i M Sport 2dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £45,830
Select car

Most Economical

  • Name
    sDrive 20i M Sport 2dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £45,830
Select car

Fastest

  • Name
    sDrive M40i 2dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £58,780
Select car

New & used car deals

BMW Z4

BMW Z4

RRP £28,920Used from £7,500
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £12,200
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,773 off RRP*Used from £15,876
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,919 off RRP*Used from £15,100
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular
Kia Sportage - side panning

Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular

The Kia Sportage has earned its popularity over the years and deals like our Car Deal of the Day for June 14 won’t do it any harm at all.
News
14 Jun 2025
New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer
Volvo EM90 - front

New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer

Volvo has made an ultra-luxurious van. Intrigued? You should be, but sadly it’s for China only
Road tests
16 Jun 2025