DecodedCars2016 BMW Z4
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- Sdrive28i 2dr Conv RWD, Sdrive35i/35is 2dr Conv RWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 22 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 166.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,263–3,494 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 29% better than the average 2016 two seaters (20.2 MPG).
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 8 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 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 167 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 98-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,263 lb (Sdrive28i 2dr Conv RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 33 highway), 29% better than the 2016 two seaters average of 20.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the seat belts.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Z4 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Z4 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sdrive28i 2dr Conv RWD | 166.9 in | 70.5 in | 50.8 in | 98.4 in | 59.4 / 61.4 in | 3,263 lb | 50/50 |
| Sdrive35i/35is 2dr Conv RWD | 166.9 in | 70.5 in | 50.8 in | 98.4 in | 59.4 / 61.4 in | 3,494 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 sDrive28i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | +29% | $3,150 | 345 |
| Z4 sDrive28i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 33 / 26 | +29% | $3,150 | 340 |
| Z4 sDrive35i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -6% | $4,350 | 454 |
| Z4 sDrive35is | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -6% | $4,350 | 454 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 BMW Z4.
Similar 2016 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 BMW Z4 (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Porsche 911 | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Jaguar F-Type | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Porsche Boxster | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Porsche Cayman | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Electrical System › Wiring › Connectors/Plugs/Receptacles · Aug 13, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V608000 · 720,796 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2016 BMW Z4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 BMW Z4 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Seat Belts — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Engine And Engine Cooling — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 8,000 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 2016 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 |
| 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 |
| 2012 Z4 | 27 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 5 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →