Used BMW Z4 for sale in Europe

About the BMW Z4

The Z4 is BMW's two-seat roadster, introduced in 2002 as the successor to the Z3. It is rear-wheel drive, with the engine up front and the driver seated well back towards the rear axle. Across three generations it has come as a soft-top, a folding hard-top and, in the first generation, a fixed-roof coupé.

Factory engines have been petrol. Earlier cars mostly use naturally aspirated four- and six-cylinder units. Later generations add turbocharged fours and sixes. Manual gearboxes were offered throughout, alongside conventional automatics and, on some E89 versions, a dual-clutch gearbox. High-performance M versions also exist for the first generation.

The Z4 suits drivers who want an open two-seater for weekends or as a second car. Boot space is limited, and the low seating position makes entry less easy than in a saloon. When comparing cars across countries, roof type, engine and service history differ more than the badge suggests.

Generations

• E85/E86 (2002-2008) — The first generation was a soft-top roadster (E85), joined by a fixed-roof coupé (E86) from 2006, and included M versions.
• E89 (2009-2016) — The second generation switched to a folding metal hard-top and offered turbocharged four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol engines.
• G29 (2018-present) — The third generation returned to a fabric soft-top and was developed alongside the Toyota GR Supra.

Typical prices

Asking prices in our listings follow model year closely. Cars from 2004 have a median of €10,000, while 2015 cars have a median of €22,800. There are no listings for 2017 and 2018, which reflects the gap between the second and third generations. Cars from 2019 have a median of €39,000, and 2026 cars have a median of €65,000. Within a single year the spread can be wide, because engine, trim, roof type and condition all matter. These are asking prices in our listings on 2026-11-10, not a valuation.

Based on our listings as of 2026-11-10. These are asking prices, not a valuation.

What to check when buying a used BMW Z4

Ask for the full service history, then inspect the car in daylight with the roof both open and closed. A cold start and a test drive on a mixed route will show most mechanical problems.

• Oil leaks and engine health · E85/E86 six-cylinder petrol

  Look under the engine and around the valve cover and oil filter housing for seepage. Check the oil level and ask when the oil was last changed. Listen for rough running or uneven idle, which may point to ignition or valve timing faults.

• Soft-top condition · E85 roadster

  Operate the roof several times. Check the fabric for wear, the rear window for cracking or clouding, and the cabin for damp. Water in the footwells or boot suggests leaking seals or blocked drains.

• Folding hard-top operation · E89

  Cycle the metal roof fully, more than once, and watch for slow, jerky or noisy movement. Check the boot area for water ingress and look at the seals. Ask whether any hydraulic or sensor repairs have been carried out.

• Twin-turbo petrol checks · E89 sDrive35i and 35is

  These engines are widely discussed for fuel injector, high-pressure fuel pump and turbo wastegate issues. Ask for invoices for any of this work. Check for hesitation, warning lights or a rattle from the turbos at start-up.

• Timing chain noise · E89 four-cylinder turbo

  Some owners report timing chain wear on the turbocharged four-cylinder engines. Listen for rattling on a cold start and ask whether the chain and guides have been checked or replaced. Oil change records are a useful guide to care.

• Gearbox behaviour · Dual-clutch gearbox

  On cars with a dual-clutch gearbox, drive in slow traffic as well as at speed. Check for hesitation, juddering or harsh shifts. Ask for evidence of gearbox oil service and any software updates carried out by a specialist or dealer.

• Fuel type and paperwork

  The Z4 was sold with petrol engines from the factory. If a listing shows diesel or LPG, check the registration document and the engine itself. An LPG car is probably an aftermarket conversion, so ask for the installation certificate and inspection records.

Frequently asked questions