DecodedCars2005 BMW Z4
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2.5i 2dr Conv RWD, 3.0i 2dr Conv RWD
- Engines
- 2.5L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 161 in
- Curb weight
- 2,932–2,998 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 21 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2005 two seaters (18.3 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 7 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
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).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 27 highway), 15% better than the 2005 two seaters average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 84 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5i 2dr Conv RWD | 161 in | 70.1 in | 51.2 in | 98.4 in | 58.3 / 59.8 in | 2,932 lb | 50/50 |
| 3.0i 2dr Conv RWD | 161 in | 70.1 in | 51.2 in | 98 in | 58.3 / 59.8 in | 2,998 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z4 Roadster | 2.5L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | +15% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Z4 Roadster | 2.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | +15% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Z4 Roadster | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | +15% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Z4 Roadster | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | +15% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Z4 Roadster | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | +9% | $4,100 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 BMW Z4 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 BMW Z4 (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 BMW 3 Series | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Porsche Boxster | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Audi TT Roadster | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Maserati Spyder | 12 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Porsche Carrera 2 911 GT3 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 BMW Z4.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 BMW Z4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 BMW Z4 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Steering — 69 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Air Bags — 8 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Suspension — 2 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 55,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 BMW Z4. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Z4 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Z4 | 28 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 Z4 | 28 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 Z4 | 28 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 Z4 | 28 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 Z4 | 28 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 1 |
| 2021 Z4 | 28 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Z4 | 27 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 6 | 5 |
| 2019 Z4 | 28 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 6 | 5 |
| 2016 Z4 | 26 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 4 |
| 2015 Z4 | 26 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2014 Z4 | 26 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 7 |
| 2013 Z4 | 26 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 7 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →