BMW Z4 review

Overview

The E89 Z4 is a two-seat roadster with a folding metal roof, quite different from the later fabric-roof G29. This review selects the 2014 UK facelift sDrive20i M Sport with the eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. The relatively modest engine is not a hardship for a buyer seeking an enjoyable open-top car rather than maximum acceleration. Our original desk-based judgement sees roof condition and comfort as more important than collecting the most powerful badge. We have not personally driven it. Choose the Z4 because two seats and roof-down travel suit your life, not because its premium appearance makes an older example seem automatically more dependable than a simpler roadster.

Exterior and interior

The long bonnet, low seating position and retracting hardtop give this Z4 its distinctive appeal. M Sport adds a more assertive visual treatment, but its wheels and suspension should be judged on your roads rather than in a photograph. Access deserves a proper trial if bending into a low seat is difficult, and the long doors require room beside the car. Inspect leather edges, roof seals and the lining for marks or dampness. Uneven panel alignment can matter more than fashionable paint. With the roof closed, listen for rattles and wind leakage; with it open, check that the wind deflector and any advertised accessories are present and securely fitted.

Practicality

BMW's technical sheet gives a luggage range of 180–310 litres, reflecting the loss of space when the roof is stowed. The catalogue uses 310 litres only for the roof-up arrangement. Pack your actual weekend bags and then demonstrate a complete roof cycle, because soft bags that fit around the mechanism can be more useful than a nominal capacity comparison. There are only two passenger places and no fallback rear bench. Cabin storage should be inspected with your normal phone and personal items. Check that the luggage divider is present and functions correctly. A roadster used for holidays must work with the roof down as well as look practical when parked closed.

Driving experience

The Z4's case is relaxed roadster enjoyment with enough involvement to make a familiar route feel different. Period independent reviews consider a range of engines and wheel setups, so they cannot settle the comfort of this individual M Sport. Take a demonstration over broken tarmac and speed humps as well as smooth roads. Check steering response, straight tracking and suspension noises, then compare roof-up and roof-down refinement at legal speeds. Rear drive rewards appropriate tyres and sensible inputs; it is not a reason to provoke traction loss during inspection. A well-maintained standard car offers more lasting satisfaction than an example made harsher by unexplained suspension changes.

Performance

The sDrive20i's four-cylinder turbo petrol engine produces 184 PS, approximately 181 bhp, and BMW gives 6.9 seconds from zero to 62 mph for the period derivative. It uses an eight-speed torque-converter automatic here, not the dual-clutch transmission fitted to certain six-cylinder versions. That distinction matters when interpreting maintenance or road-test comments. Check smooth response from a cold start through full operating temperature, and listen for abnormal mechanical noise. The automatic should select reverse promptly and change consistently without flare. More power is available elsewhere in the range, but this car already has sufficient pace for ordinary roadster use without the purchase and upkeep demands of the highest-output version.

Fuel economy

The old-cycle efficiency headline is not the deciding attraction of a two-seat convertible, and this catalogue omits certified mpg rather than treating an equipment-independent number as a promise. The cost plan assumes 35 mpg, clearly an editorial scenario. Short journeys, winter roof-up use and enthusiastic acceleration can all change consumption, while a low-mileage weekend car may spend more on maintenance per mile than fuel. Do not compare the running budget with an electric commuter without considering the different role. Keeping the car on appropriate tyres and repairing faults promptly is more valuable than chasing a seller's impressive dashboard reading. Track several full tanks if it becomes your daily transport.

Reliability

Moderate confidence reflects a mature used model with inspectable history, not a promise that the roof or engine will never fail. The hardtop mechanism must complete several smooth cycles; pauses, warning messages and leaks need diagnosis before you buy. Inspect drainage areas and carpets, and request evidence of previous roof repairs. The turbo petrol engine should be assessed from cold by a knowledgeable specialist, with service invoices rather than just an electronic reset. Check the automatic when warm and verify any modifications. Low annual mileage does not excuse old fluids, tyres or rubber components. A pre-purchase inspection is especially valuable because several apparently minor deferred jobs can consume a substantial part of the purchase saving.

Safety

The relevant historical official reference is Euro NCAP's 2015 assessment of the E89 Z4 generation, not the 2019 G29 test. The tested variant and equipment need consulting, so we provide the link without reproducing its rating, scores or imagery or claiming an identical assessment of this 2014 build. The car's age means modern assistance expectations should be modest. Examine tyres, brakes, belts and evidence of accident repairs, and check warning-light operation. Roof function is a usability check, not a substitute for inspecting rollover protection and structure. Use the registration-based GOV.UK recall service and ask BMW to confirm applicable VIN-specific work has been completed.

Technology and features

A 2014 Z4 should not be bought on an assumption of modern phone mirroring. The factory controller and screen, where fitted, belong to an older infotainment era, and this record treats convenience features as conditional until the build is checked. Pair your phone for calls and music, test speakers and microphone, and demonstrate every advertised parking aid or heated-seat function. An aftermarket screen can improve usefulness but should retain necessary vehicle settings and have a credible installation record. The practical technology that matters most is dependable roof operation and clear controls. Paying extra for outdated navigation is less compelling than securing a sound roof, useful seating adjustment and a reliable audio connection.

Running costs

The £9,000–£15,000 October 2026 buying band is a RoadMatch planning estimate, not a current listing survey. At 8,000 miles, assumed 35 mpg and illustrative petrol at £1.50 per litre, fuel is about £1,559. Add £250 as a tax allowance and £700–£1,200 for routine servicing, MOT and tyre wear to obtain approximately £2,500–£3,000 annually. Verify actual tax and personal insurance separately. Depreciation, finance and major engine, gearbox or roof repairs are excluded. Lower mileage reduces fuel spending but does not eliminate calendar-based care. A separate repair reserve is sensible, and buying at the very edge of your budget leaves little room for the roof mechanism that defines the car.

Advantages and disadvantages