BMW Z4
20 model years from 2005 to 2026, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.

- Model years
- 2005–2026
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Latest engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Best MPG
- 21–28 combined, by year
- Latest rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 23 campaigns, all years
- Most complaints
- 2005 (84)
- Fewest problems
- 2016
- Interest
- 9,896 Wikipedia views / 30 days
The 2026 Z4 in brief
The 2026 BMW Z4 is a two seaters offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 171 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 97-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,464 lb (M40i 2dr Convertible).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 33 highway), 50% better than the 2026 two seaters average of 18.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,950 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
The BMW Z4 has 20 model years in our data, from 2005 to 2026.
Its most efficient year was 2026 at 28 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 21 to 28 MPG.
Owners most often report problems with the steering (114), air bags (33), electrical system (28).
Buying used? 2024 has the fewest problems in our data, and 2019 is the year to avoid.
2020 has the most recalls (6); all years together count 23 campaigns and 249 owner complaints.
How the 2005 Z4 compares
The 2005 BMW Z4 is a two seaters offered with 2 engines (2.5L 6-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 161 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 98-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,932 lb (2.5i 2dr Conv RWD).
About the BMW Z4
The first generation of the BMW Z4 consists of the BMW E85 and BMW E86 sports cars. The E85/E86 generation was produced from 2002 to 2008. The E85/E86 replaced the Z3 and is the fourth model in the BMW Z Series. Initial models were in the roadster (E85) body style, with the coupé (E86) body style being added in 2006. In February 2009, the BMW Z4 (E89) began production as the successor to the E85/E86.
From the Wikipedia article "BMW Z4 (E85)", licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
2026 Z4 pros & cons
Full 2026 details →What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 50% better than the average 2026 two seaters (18.7 MPG).
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Best and worst years to buy used
2024 Z4
1 owner complaint · 0 recalls
Year to avoid2019 Z4
5 owner complaints · 6 recalls · 1 crash report
Most reported: Engine
NHTSA recalls and complaints for 8 model years since 2015; use it alongside a pre-purchase inspection. How we calculate this →
Compare head to head
Z4 changes by model year
- 2020
- Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- 2019
- New body dimensions: 4.0 in longer, wheelbase −1.2 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 26 to 28
- 2012
- Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 22 to 27
- 2009
- New body dimensions: 5.9 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 3.2L 6-cyl
- 2006
- Engine added: 3.2L 6-cyl
- Engine dropped: 2.5L 6-cyl
Years without a measurable change are left out.
Show all 20 model years side by side
| Year | Latest engines | Best MPG / range | Length | Weight | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 28 MPG | 170.9 in | 3,464 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 28 MPG | 170.9 in | 3,464 lb | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 28 MPG | 170.9 in | 3,464 lb | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 28 MPG | 170.9 in | 3,464 lb | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 28 MPG | 170.9 in | 3,464 lb | Not rated | 3 | 1 |
| 2021 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 28 MPG | 170.9 in | 3,464 lb | Not rated | 5 | 1 |
| 2020 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 27 MPG | 170.9 in | 3,464 lb | Not rated | 6 | 5 |
| 2019 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 28 MPG | 170.9 in | 3,444 lb | Not rated | 6 | 5 |
| 2016 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 26 MPG | 166.9 in | 3,263 lb | Not rated | 1 | 4 |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 26 MPG | 166.9 in | 3,263 lb | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2014 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 26 MPG | 166.9 in | 3,307 lb | Not rated | 3 | 7 |
| 2013 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 26 MPG | 166.9 in | 3,241 lb | Not rated | 3 | 7 |
| 2012 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 27 MPG | 166.9 in | 3,241 lb | Not rated | 4 | 5 |
| 2011 | 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 22 MPG | 166.9 in | 3,241 lb | Not rated | 6 | 36 |
| 2010 | 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 22 MPG | 166.9 in | 3,241 lb | Not rated | 5 | 5 |
| 2009 | 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 22 MPG | 166.9 in | 3,263 lb | Not rated | 3 | 8 |
| 2008 | 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.2L 6-cyl | 22 MPG | 161 in | 3,020 lb | Not rated | 2 | 14 |
| 2007 | 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.2L 6-cyl | 22 MPG | 161 in | 2,998 lb | Not rated | 2 | 19 |
| 2006 | 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.2L 6-cyl | 21 MPG | 161 in | 2,998 lb | Not rated | 2 | 41 |
| 2005 | 2.5L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl | 21 MPG | 161 in | 2,932 lb | Not rated | 0 | 84 |
Alternatives to the 2025 Z4
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Porsche 911 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2025 Porsche 718 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Maserati GT2 Stradale | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Most common owner-reported problems
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →

