BMW Z4 - No dipstick?
Can't find the dipstick in 2008 BMW Z4, am I right in assuming that it doesn't have one? Owners manual is in greek and i can't find out how to change the oil.
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2008 BMW Z4 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Twelve years ago, six years after the debut of the Japanese Miata, BMW again reinvented the European sports car with the Z3. In 2006, the Z4 replaced its sibling. The 2008 Z4 has minor changes and is available in roadster and coupe form with two trim levels - 3.0i and 3.0si - as well as the M series version.
The 3.0i comes with a 3.0-liter inline six that produces 215 hp with 185 pound-feet of torque. The 0-60 jump with the six-speed manual transmission comes in 6.2 seconds; the automatic follows at 6.6 seconds. The 3.0si features the same base engine tuned to produce 255 hp and 225 pound-feet of torque. The 0-60 manual experience takes 5.6 seconds, and the automatic gets there in 5.7. Top speed is 155 mph. The 3.2-liter, 330-hp M version can blast to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
Reviewers unanimously praise both the six-speed manual transmission - "silky smooth," "crisp," "pleasure to operate" - and the optional six-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters - "decisive, but not harsh," "responsive," "sport-seeking algorithms." The EPA estimates 18/28 mpg with the manual and 19/28 with the automatic.
The Z4 handles. In front, forged-aluminum lower arms are incorporated into a strut-type suspension, while more aluminum in the form of cast-aluminum upper transverse links is used in the central-link rear suspension. The car's 50/50 front/rear weight distribution adds to its responsive handling. Combined with BMW's traditional benchmark steering - "quick, weighty, and precise" - the Z4's tenuous grip registered 0.93 g on Car and Driver's skid pad, thus earning a spot in the magazine's "Crazy Glue" road-holding class.
However, reviewers who emphasize overall ride quality complain about the Z4's "choppy," "nervous" ride on "imperfect" road surfaces. Part of that is certainly attributable to the sports car's short 98.3-inch wheelbase. The coupe configuration is naturally tighter, but reviewers had no complaints about "roadster flex."
Stopping is done in BMW's usual powerful, stable, quick style via four-wheel antilock disc brakes that include all of the automaker's electronic wizardry: Dynamic Stability Control, Brake Fade Compensation, Brake Stand-by with Dynamic Traction Control, Start-Off Assistant, and Brake Drying.
The Z4's interior theme - roadster and coupe - is what one might expect in a "true" sports car: simply practical. Another auto site points out that this is a "driver's car" in which attention is placed on the road. There is, of course, elegant wood or aluminum trim for those who want to divert their attention.
Reviewers are mixed regarding the seats and cabin feel. While some find it "cozy," others found "claustrophobia." Everyone seems to agree the seating is for adults, even if climbing in and out of the coupe takes some flexibility for taller drivers. Seats are wide enough and provide good lateral support, and there are the optional M-style seats for even more lateral support. Six-way manually adjustable sports seats are standard. The cockpit has good ergonomics - gauges are an easy read, with shifter and dashboard controls in easy reach.
The coupe contains an amazing 12 cubic feet of cargo space, or two moderately sized golf bags, in its uneven luggage bay. With the roadster, you still get a trunk with the top down, but it offers only 9 cubic feet of cargo space. A manual top is standard on the roadster, with a power top optional. Further, this top serves as its own tonneau cover and comes with a defroster-equipped glass rear window.
The Z4 is also safe, earning four out of five stars in government crash tests for frontal-impact protection and three stars for side impact safety. In addition to all the electronic wizardry connected to the brakes, the Z4's standard safety equipment includes run-flat tires, dual front air bags, active knee protection, and side impact airbags. The roadster also has a rollover protection system.
Fast, nimble, and safe, the BMW Z4 is a bargain when compared to its Porsche and Mercedes competition.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2008 BMW Z4
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by John C
Aug 04, 2023
Smooth engine and ride. Comfortable and stylish and fun. Aug 04, 2023
by Carlos D 1961 A
Feb 05, 2023
The car has a beautiful design. It was a 2008 Model making it 15 years old. For a small sports car I thought I was not too low to the ground when I tested drove it. I really liked the feel and power the car has. My only concern was I did not know how the previous owners treated the car and if I had to bring it in for service BMWs are pricey for parts and repairs. However, I would had bought the car and taken the risk because I Liked it.Feb 05, 2023
by Anonymous
Sep 01, 2022
To me, the car has very good value and all the features you could want, maybe too many. Im old school and would compare it to a Triumph TR6 from the early 70s.Sep 01, 2022
User rating:
by John C
Aug 04, 2023
Smooth engine and ride. Comfortable and stylish and fun. Aug 04, 2023
by Carlos D 1961 A
Feb 05, 2023
The car has a beautiful design. It was a 2008 Model making it 15 years old. For a small sports car I thought I was not too low to the ground when I tested drove it. I really liked the feel and power the car has. My only concern was I did not know how the previous owners treated the car and if I had to bring it in for service BMWs are pricey for parts and repairs. However, I would had bought the car and taken the risk because I Liked it.Feb 05, 2023
by Anonymous
Sep 01, 2022
To me, the car has very good value and all the features you could want, maybe too many. Im old school and would compare it to a Triumph TR6 from the early 70s.Sep 01, 2022
by Rick B
Jul 30, 2021
Great car, features are awesome, lots of horse power. Jul 30, 2021
by Francis S
Apr 08, 2021
No extremely expensive to service $180 oil changes that’s not good value!!!Apr 08, 2021
by Michael T
Dec 24, 2020
priced to high For the mileage on it not worth the current price Dec 24, 2020
by Erik S
Jul 05, 2020
Fun car that is in great condition. Smooth transaction with the seller. Thanks!!Jul 05, 2020
by J.D. M
Mar 16, 2012
Super Sports car. Enjoy the driving and handling on twisting /turning roads. With the much upgraded Navigation, SAT / am/fm radio/ CD player ,plus the new AMP for the eight speakers it is pleasue to listin to all kinds of music while driving down the road. You will get many lookers and friendly waves for people you pass by.
A fun vehicle for a couple to share.Mar 16, 2012
by Andrew W
Nov 12, 2009
the preformance of the car is amazing. i was taking corners at much higher speeds than the posted limit. the cost of ownership was a little high, but it was worth it. i would take this car as a reasonable, drivable car for every day.Nov 12, 2009
by Steve G
Sep 20, 2009
I enjoy it on a cool 75 degree day but it is a bit small for me however it handles amazing, is a thrill to drive, and the performance is pretty awesome. Overall fun to drive but is a bit high priced. I'll be replacing it here soon more than likely to get something bigger and maybe even faster.Sep 20, 2009
by Paul L
Aug 24, 2009
Performance: This car will run circles around many cars in its class, it will out-handle any other car in its price-range.
Appearance: Pictures don't do it justice, The 18" 3-piece wheels against the black sapphire Metallic paint sets it apart from the typical roadster.
Fuel Mileage: Excellent, mid-twenties... maintenance covered by BMW
Fun factor: What do you think?????Aug 24, 2009
by Tareq A
Jun 27, 2009
its agreat car with great shape it has the ability for braking and handling so fast so you can avoid some crashes with this beautiful car its gives to you agreat acceleration so you can enjoy your racing party with your friends so you can then compare your cars with theres Jun 27, 2009
by william b
Jun 20, 2009
I didn't buy a 2009 xDrive30i. Instead I purchased a new 2008
B.M.W. Z4 and I love it. It's the nicest car I've ever owned. BillJun 20, 2009
by Philippe L
Nov 02, 2008
Bon je vous ai déjà dis que je n'aimais pas particulièrement les cabriolets.Ils sont souvent effeminés et ce que je me plais à afubler du titre de "chars de coiffeuses".Par contre, quand BMW propose sa vision des choses on est très loin d'une Sunfire décapotable.Je vous présente le BMW Z4.Apparut en 2002, le Z4 remplaça le Z3 qui fut rendue célébre dans "Golden Eye" aux mains du seul et unique James Bond.Dans l'intervalle, Chris Bangle devint chef du design chez BMW et on lui doit le look unique de notre Z4.Le fameux "flame surfacing" frappa de plus bel.À l'époque les opinions étaient controversés, et ils le sont toujours.Sous certains angles le Z4 n'est pas vraiment réussi, mais sous certains autres il est vraiment spécial.Le modèle que j'ai essayé était bleu Interlagos et en grandeur nature c'est vraiment une voiture qui se démarque des autres.Ce n'est pas nécessairement sublime mais disons plutôt original et personellement j'aime bien.Ce que j'aime surtout c'est que le Z4 est beaucoup moins féminin que le Z3, on dirait un requin de la route.
Pour ce qui est de la mécanique y'a rien de vraiment nouveau.On retrouve un 6 cylindre en ligne si cher à BMW, pour être plus exacte c'est celui de la 330i ou de la 130i vendut en Europe.On le remanit un peu pour lui donner 265BHp.La capote est en toile ce qui est dommage puisque la mode est au toit rigide escamotable.Bon, étant donné qu'on sauve des kilos dans l'exercice la faute est pardonné.Tout de même, j'aurais apprécié l'effort puisque souvent un "hardtop" donne un look plus affirmé à un cabriolet.Normalement, on retrouve du 16 pouces comme roues mais les "market-têteux" ont décidés d'installer du 18 pouces, ca fait beaucoup trop "bling-bling" à mon goût et c'est très mauvais pour le confort, je vous détails le tout bientôt.
Bien sûr, toute la panoplie de systèmes électroniques est installé à bord.TCS, DSC, ABS, CBC et autres abbréviations vous empêchent théoriquement de prendre le décors.Une primeur dans le Z4 le tout est entièrement déconnectable.De plus due à toutes les abbréviations mentionnées on a droit à une direction électrique assistée électroniquement.C'est-à-dire qu'il n'y a plus de liens mécaniques entre le volant et la crémaillère comme tel.Avantage de tout ce bric à brac, c'est plus sécuritaire, parce que on ne risque pas de se faire empaler par la colonne de direction.Ensuite, il n'y a plus d'huile hydraulique et de réservoir etc. ce qui enlève des kilos en trop.Finalement, c'est un moteur électrique qui s'occupe de fournir l'assistance et un moteur électrique seulement donc moins de pièces et par le fait même c'est plus fiable.Pour les sceptiques il reste le problème de ce qui arrive si jamais le moteur électrique lâche.Eh bien la réponse est simple et un peu prétentieuse il ne lâchera pas.La seule raison qui pourrait l'empêcher de fonctionner est un manque d'électricité mais si on a plus de batteries votre voiture ne démarrera pas alors à quoi bon s'inquièter de la direction électrique.De plus ça fait plus de 20 ans que les avions de lignes utilisent le même genre de technologies et on reçoit pas un jumbo jet sur la tête pour ça.
Performance:
C'est peut-être là où le Z4 devient moins attrayants.D'abord 265BHp c'est pas si mal mais face à la compétition c'est trop peu.Un Boxster S affiche 295BHp et un SLK350 305.On aurait pu croire au muscle car bavarois en voyant la tronche que le Z4 se paye mais malheureusement non.Pour ça faut aller dans les versions M et même là le SLK55 AMG vous offrent 10BHp de plus et plus de couple.Néanmoins, ça pousse quand même.À vrai dire, le 6 en ligne BMW est un petit bijou.Le couple maxi est développé à partir de 3 500 tr/min. ce qui est pas mal et on file assez rapidement vers le rupteur situé à 7 000 tr/min ce qui est pas mal du tout.C'est facile de défrisé votre grand mère et puis il y'a assez de puissance pour s'amuser amplement.
Le moteur est sans conteste la plus belle partie du Z4, parce que côté chassis c'est pas fameux.D'abord le modèle essayé est chaussé en 18 pouces ce qui n'aide surement pas les choses.De plus la fameuse direction électrique décrite plus tôt gâche le party un peu.Étant donné qu'il n'y a plus de liens mécaniques avec les pneus avant eh bien on doit inventer du feedback.Ce que je veux dire par là c'est que les sensations de la route que l'on ressent au volant sont artificielles.C'est un sacré tour de force pour être honnête et c'est déjà bien de ne pas se retrouver avec un volant fait en hélium, mais ce n'est pas excellent.En conduite normale aucun problème mais dès qu'on hausse la cadence un peu le cerveau électronique semble avoir de la difficulté à réagir assez vite.Le nez est facile à pointer mais on est jamais certain de ce qui se passe à l'avant.On doit se fier à nos fesses pour savoir ce qui se passe au niveau des roues.Étant donné la position de conduite très à l'arrière et l"immense capot, il y a beaucoup trop de devinettes à mon goût.Comparer à une M3 ou une Boxster y'a pas photo au niveau de la direction.
Conclusion:
C'est une belle voiture au style unique.Ça pourrait déplaire à certains, mais moi j'aime bien.Par contre, si vous pensez vous acheter un pur sang fait pour dévorer une route sinueuse faudrait regarder ailleurs, chez Porsche ou Honda par exemple.Tout de même, le public cible se retrouvera facilement dans cette voiture, casquette BMW en prime.Nov 02, 2008
by Sabrina D
Sep 27, 2008
Najbzi sam na cijelome svijetu nemoze mi niko nista jaci sam od sudbine mogu samo da me mrze oni sto me nevole. haj ko zeli da se trka neka mi javi pa cemo se naci i trkati kazem vam da sam najjaci.... a kakvi ste vi hajmo momci da se trkamoSep 27, 2008
by Rebecca B
Jul 18, 2008
i love this car it is fast sporty and comfy. its a bit of a bugger 2 get in and out of but its still good. it is lovely wen its sunny not so nice in the rain. would be lovely if u lived abroad in the sun. z4 nice. Jul 18, 2008
by Anonymous
Jul 02, 2008
I like BMW from my childhood. I become older and older and the model of BMW become changed so i like all models especially the Z4 2008Jul 02, 2008
by Geoffrey D
Jun 26, 2008
I love everything about this car!Jun 26, 2008
by Faisal A
Jun 12, 2008
to be very fast and redJun 12, 2008
by Henrik H
May 03, 2008
Under review :-) Under review :-) Under review :-) Under review :-)May 03, 2008
by Matt H
Apr 18, 2008
i bought this in april of 2008 and i love itApr 18, 2008
by Jerico B
Apr 10, 2008
my mom owns it
Apr 10, 2008
by Shyleau B
Feb 12, 2008
This is an amazing car!Feb 12, 2008
What users have asked
Tell me you will not automatic renew
I want to make sure you are not going to automatic renew my listing. I paid for my listing and now I see you charge me if I sell my car thru your website, which I priced lower because you pushed me in that direction.
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Should I buy a 2008 BMW Z4?
I am planning to purchase in the spring (when I start receiving my Social Security checks) a 2008 BMW Z4 roadster. I haven't begun shopping yet. It must be a 2008 because the Credit Union won't finance anything older and I wish to pay it off if 3 years. I am told my lots of the guys to beware because of expected maintenance problems with BMW of that era. Would you advise me of probable maintenace issues to expect. As I live in a small town in WV, maintenance and repairs could be an issue in my deciding whether to buy or not. Thanks. Charlie
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2008 BMW Z4?Compare this car
2008 BMW Z4 Pricing
Original MSRP
$36,400 to $42,400Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: deactivation switch · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Audiophile · Carver premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.46
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 8
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: soft top
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: mulitlevel · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Width: 8.5
Wheels - Front Size if Different
Width: 8 inch
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: deactivation switch · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Carver · HD radio · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: retractable · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.46
Exterior Features
Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: HID · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 8
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: mulitlevel · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front and rear
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Width: 8.5
Wheels - Front Size if Different
Width: 8 inch
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: deactivation switch · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Carver · AM/FM radio · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.46
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: HID · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 8
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: mulitlevel · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front and rear
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Width: 8.5
Wheels - Front Size if Different
Width: 8 inch
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation