BMW Z4

Name: 2008 BMW Z4
Brand: BMW

EPA MPG: 24 mpg

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

First Take

The Z4 is not as agile as the Porsche Boxster or Honda S2000, largely because of its imprecise electric steering. The inline six-cylinder engines are impressive. The M roadster and coupe have a 330-hp, 3.2-liter engine and a conventional steering setup, which is much better. We tested the muscular 215-hp, 3.0-liter version. The ride is not punishing, though it is choppy. Fit and finish is very good, and the power-operated top is well-insulated and has an automatic latching system. Standard electronic stability control and traction control keep the Z4 secure.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2008 Sports cars & Convertibles Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

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2013

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2016

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2018

2019

2020

2021

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2008 Sports cars 2-seat Ratings

2008 BMW Z4

$8,275 - $16,375

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Audi R8

$49,600

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Cadillac XLR

$14,075 - $19,150

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Chevrolet Corvette

$17,750 - $31,075

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Honda S2000

$20,625 - $25,575

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata

$8,450 - $9,125

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mercedes-Benz SL

$13,075 - $16,000

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK

$7,250 - $12,050

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Nissan Z

$ NA

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Pontiac Solstice

$7,375 - $8,600

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Porsche Boxster

$16,150 - $20,025

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Porsche Cayman

$15,825 - $21,150

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Saturn Sky

$7,250 - $8,550

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

convertible

coupe

2 front

Rear

3-liter 6 (255 hp)
3-liter 6 (215 hp)
3.2-liter 6 (330 hp)

6-speed automatic
6-speed manual

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2019-Present

Current Generation

The BMW Z4 roadster returns after a three-year hiatus with a soft top, a sportier character, up-to-date advanced safety features, and improved fuel economy. It is closely related to the new Toyota Supra coupe. The base 2.0-liter turbo Z4 delivers punchy acceleration and an invigorating exhaust sound. The eight-speed automatic shifts with authority. No manual is available. Its handling is super nimble, but it has an incessantly stiff and choppy ride. The powered soft top can open and close in just 11 seconds, and can be done on the move up to 31 mph. It can also be opened or closed remotely, using the key fob. There is minimal wind buffeting inside with the windows up. The iDrive control system takes some time to master, but it proves intuitive with experience. It has Apple CarPlay compatibility, but it requires a subscription after the first year. A 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo is new for 2020. The Z4 received a light refresh in 2023 and a 6-speed manual transmission became available in 2025.

2009-2018

2009 Redesign Year

The second generation of the Z4 was introduced with a retractable hardtop replacing the cloth top of the previous iteration. This generation also marked the end of the Z4 coupe and the Z4M. Overall, this BMW falls short on the fun-to-drive leader board. Handling is capable and secure, but lacks the tactile feedback and thrill potential a driving enthusiast craves. The bowstring-taut ride is almost jarring at times and the cabin, though well finished, is a snug fit for folks of even average girth. Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes; brake assist and electronic stability control, along with rollover protection from roll bars behind the head restraints.

2003-2008

2003 Redesign Year

The Z4 arrived for 2003 with slightly more interior room, as well as a choice of two six-cylinder engines. While improved over the Z3 (which it replaced) in nearly every way, the Z4 retained the original car's choppy ride. Plus, it isn't very agile, partly because the steering is imprecise and non-linear. The one-touch power top is very convenient. Both of the available 3.0-liter six-cylinders are strong, and the M coupe and roadster use an even more powerful 3.2-liter that makes 330 hp.