2004 BMW Z4 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

In 1996 when BMW decided to ditch their iconic four-door Luxsport sedan style by adding the BMW Z3 a two-door roadster to their lineup of cars which was then followed by the BMW Z4 released in 2002. The 2000’s Z4 roadster was designed by one of BMW’s Danish engineers, Anders Warming. Anders was responsible for giving the car a thoroughly thought-out traditional German design. Who knew a Danish guy knew how to build a German car. Thanks to Anders the Z4 is filled with the raw technologies common in most German luxury cars, giving the two-door roadster just the right amount of sleek simplicity with lots of capability for its time. The most common body style, the E85 convertible is naturally heavy in the back due to its magnesium convertible top and heavy electric roof motor. This design choice was good for handling and traction but negatively impacted car safety by making spinning out and flipping easier. Despite this, the extra weight in the back combined with the strong engine gives the car a zippy go-kart feel. To counter the weight in the back Anders designed the car with an extremely long hood, similar to how many race cars are designed. Due to the abnormal length of the hood, the driver and passenger are more protected from certain accidents such as rear-end accidents. Anders designed the complete front-end aluminum, a soft metal, which allows for even weight distribution between the front and back of the car as well as overall weight reduction of the vehicle. This iconic hood not only gives the car a sporty fast look but also a speedy zippy feel due to how light aluminum is compared to most cars which are made of steel. Nowadays the E85 roadster model sells for anywhere between $3,000-$12,000 depending on year, condition, factory/optional specs, and modifications. Making this a great affordable first car for young enthusiastic drivers like myself. With most new drivers safety is one of the biggest concerns and a convertible BMW with a hefty 2.5 or 3.0 liter inline 6 engine that drags along its two thousand pounds convertible top doesnt seem like the safest option, however, BMW always accounts for this with a ROPS (Roll over protection system), and a well-designed magnesium roof. BMW ROPS is essentially a factory safety mechanism that releases strong steel rods directly up through the roof when a roll or serious accident is detected to prevent being crushed in a flip. Making this little sports car just as if not more safe than most cars on the road today. This unique safety system is a BMW staple and can be found in all convertible BMWS. Its obvious Anders and others at BMW put a lot of thought into the design of this car which makes the E85 BMW Z4 a perfect example of German engineering at its finest and when driving will leave you feeling like an F1 driver. With all of this being said it is also important to keep in mind that this car is now 20 years old, meaning, each one will drive and feel different due to 20 years of use and age. On the bright side, this also means in only 5 years the original E85 Z4 will be able to be registered and insured as a classic car. And although these cars have already lived their life BMW has always been good at keeping their cars from becoming dated-looking. They do this by choosing body designs that are original and innovative but also by limiting the number of screens, menus, and hands-on technology in general, this Is the Iconic staple of German engineering and the reason why companies like BMW have been so successful and is what will make these cars classics not junkers. Mar 18, 2024

The Z4 is an affordable exotic. I just bought my second one. I got rid of my first to buy a 911, which I still have and wont get rid of. I missed the convertible and the turbine smooth inline 6. They are relatively affordable if maintenance has been well followed. The design has aged well and it looks great, from a number of angles. Love the long hood and the flamed sides. The manual feels fantastic and I found a rare, well specd model with a manual top that is extremely easy to put up and down and has no electrical gremlins or a leaky pump.Mar 03, 2023

Its hard for me to believe this car is 9 years old. It handles like a dream. Entering the freeway or passing at highway speed is a breeze. It practically begs you to take the long way home and find a twisty road. I've had it about 11 months and can never go back. Maintenance does cost more but in my case it's because I actually care about making sure the car is in great shape. In the past I've driven cars for months with the engine light on and it never phased me. Now I'm actually doing a legitimate maintenance plan. My advice skip the Starbucks or expensive dinner once a month and stick that money in your BMW account and have fun.Apr 02, 2012

Quoted 0-60 for the 3 litre auto is 6.1 seconds, although I have not tried it! It is fast, with brakes and handling to match. Can change gears manually, or leave the auto box to it, depending on your mood. With the hood down (takes 12 seconds) I cannot stop smiling. Even when it's cold outside, with the heater on and heated seats, it is quite cosy. And the all-round visibility is excellent Even the boot space is very good. Only had two minor problems - wipers not parking (oil in motor) and a loose door mirror glass (glued). I get 25mpg around town, with upto 36mpg on a run - not bad!Feb 27, 2012

The best little sports car she's ever owned . Fast , great cornering,low maintenance, stops on a dime and gives you nine cents change ,looks like a high end sports car but can be purchased used for a steal if you spend some time looking around . I've had two of them so far and both have been great .Only changes to the car were a set of Niche 19" wheels on Bridgestone RE950A POTENZA Tires Sep 02, 2011

Performance - acceleration, is ok, nice pick up, but the 3L is better. Build Quality, So far i spent over 12 thousand in repair, i wouldn't Recomend getting this car unless you realy want it. Roof played up cost me 51 hundread, then there was a leak in raitor, then few weeks later that went. Other Friends that own a Z4 have also had Problems, poping up. Stick with the Hard Top No problem so ive heard. Other than my problems i've had with my car its a great car to drive.Jan 03, 2010

THE VERDICT: PERFORMANCE is good as long as you get the 3.0L not the 2.5L. You will get decent acceleration, top speed, braking, and handling. Its handling is KICK ASS by the way. Its also pretty light weight. If you have the money though get the Z4M. Fastest brand new car for $50,000. ROAD it has great luxuries and looks sexy for hot chick to ride in. Its not a bad price to own either. Its tough enough on the streets for racing too. Only issue is that it is not too practical considering it is a two seat roadster.Jan 27, 2009

I drove it with the top down last fall and it was cold. I wasn't used to it so I didn't get to really play. But, the owner knowing that i wanted to, urged me to step on the gas and i was up to 80 faster than anything I had driven prior. By that time, i was around the block and i got to test out the amazing braking system on that. It's a small car and I'm pretty small too, so it fit me great. I don't think I want to see a man driving one, though. It's a chick car.Jun 19, 2008

This car is so amazing. By far a tipped hat to the engineering. 3.0 inline 6 with an SMG transmission. Black with red leather interior. 18 inch BBS/BMW wheels make this car look amazing. The navigation system in the car is very fun to play with as well. It gets over 30 mpg on the highway which is awesome, I've never had a car that could do that, let alone be this sexy. You will not find a car with these options anywhere around here. The m sport seats, smg tranny, premium pack, sports pack, conv pack, navi. Its nearly one of a kind and the SMG transmission cannot be purchased with this car in the USA anymore. Euro still has it, but Americans apparently didn't bite on it. Its nearly perfect.Nov 02, 2007