Is the BMW Z4 a good car?

Yes — the BMW Z4 is a strong used-roadster choice if you want engaging performance and a stylish open-top driving experience. The all-generations owner rating is 4.66/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the Z4 for its fun-to-drive character, strong handling, powerful engines, and comfortable seating. The model also earns recurring praise for its high-quality build and head-turning design.

Expert reviews rate the 2020 model among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs called out in recent expert coverage are outdated technology, road noise from the soft top, and a cabin that can feel tight for some shoppers.

25.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are BMW Z4 models reliable?

Owners across the model range give the Z4 strong ratings, and the recurring praise centers on its performance, handling, comfortable seats, and smooth transmission. Expert coverage for the 2020 model also reinforces the Z4’s appeal as a driver-focused roadster with strong power and engaging dynamics.

• Owners rate the BMW Z4 between 4.0 and 5.0 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is most tied to condition, maintenance history, and how carefully the car was cared for before you buy.

What should I look for when buying a used BMW Z4?

Across all model years, at 72.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2021 models.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: frontal collision warning with emergency braking and traffic-sign recognition, plus the Driving Assistance package for blind-spot-monitoring and lane-departure-warning systems, or the Convenience package for rear cross-traffic alert, an automatic parking system, satellite radio, adaptive cruise, and smartphone key pairing.
• Infotainment: a 10.24-inch touchscreen running BMW’s iDrive system, with navigation, HD Radio, and Apple CarPlay.

Which BMW Z4 trim should I buy?

The 2020 BMW Z4 offers...

• sDrive30i: This is the best-value trim if you want the lower starting price and a well-equipped roadster with the 10.24-inch iDrive touchscreen, navigation, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, and the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
• sDriveM40i: Choose this trim if you want the inline-six power, the Track Handling package equipment, and the more performance-focused setup that adds stronger acceleration and a richer standard feature mix.

What BMW Z4 do most buyers choose?

The BMW Z4 years with the most listings are 2021, 2020, and 2025.

These higher-volume years tend to be the easiest places to shop because you get more inventory to compare and a better chance of finding the right color, mileage, and price combination. They also tend to be the years most shoppers cross-shop first when looking for a used Z4.

Is the BMW Z4 safe?

• 2020: 6/10

For the safest used buy, the 2020 model posts the highest confirmed score of 6/10.

Should I buy a used BMW Z4 now or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Sweet-spot year: The 2021 model has the most listings. The BMW Z4 offers a stylish roadster character with engaging driving dynamics and a premium-feeling cabin.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The latest Z4 pairs a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 with 382 hp and 368 lb-ft, while the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivers 255 hp and 295 lb-ft.
• Tech: The latest Z4 adds a 10.24-inch touchscreen running BMW’s iDrive system and a virtual instrument panel.
• Safety: The latest Z4 adds frontal collision warning with emergency braking and traffic-sign recognition, plus available blind-spot-monitoring, lane-departure-warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise, and an automatic parking system.
• Starting price: The base MSRP is $49,700.

If you're buying used today, the 2021 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for 2027 inventory to mature.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.