2019 BMW Z4 Review

2019 BMW Z4 sDrive M40i Convertible Exterior Shown

2019 BMW Z4 sDrive30i Convertible in Alpine White

2019 BMW Z4 sDrive30i Convertible in Black Sapphire Metallic

2019 BMW Z4 sDrive30i Convertible in Frozen Grey II Metallic

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Used Z4 for sale

$35,590 - $41,998

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BMW Z4 for Sale

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byMark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

Pros

Classic roadster experience with modern conveniences
Larger-than-expected cargo space
Quiet and calm interior with the top up or down

Cons

Not quite as exciting as it could be
No manual transmission available

What's new

The Z4 roadster is fully redesigned for 2019
Part of the third Z4 generation introduced for 2019

There's nothing quite like taking in the sights and sounds from a convertible sports car. Historically, that meant having to sacrifice some comfort and convenience, but in the case of the 2019 BMW Z4, there's less of a penalty. After a three-year hiatus, the Z4 roadster is back and it's better than before.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 BMW Z4 sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$198/mo

$179/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

For 2019, BMW fits the Z4 with a standard 255-horsepower four-cylinder engine. A 382-hp six-cylinder is also available but only on the 2020 Z4 model. Unfortunately, there's no manual transmission available for purists, but the eight-speed automatic does give you plenty of control as well as better performance and fuel economy. Still, we mourn the absence of a stick shift.

Behind the wheel, the Z4 is lively and fun, though a small minority of spirited drivers may wish for a bit more engagement. Whether the top is up or down, the cabin remains pleasantly calm and comfortable for hours on end. On top of that, there's enough cargo space for a weekend getaway.

The 2019 BMW Z4 doesn't have many competitors, but we count the Porsche 718 Boxster and the Audi TT Roadster among the most direct. In many ways, the Z4 slots between them in terms of both price and performance.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our first drive of the BMW Z4 sDrive M40i (turbo 3.0L inline-6 | 8-speed automatic | RWD).

NOTE: We've only driven the 2020 Z4 M40i, but most of our impressions apply to both Z4 variants.

Driving

BMW says the Z4 sDrive 30i does 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds and the Z4 M40i does the same in 3.9 seconds. Those times are impressive, though the M40i isn't as raucous as the numbers suggest. Handling is precise and trustworthy, as are the brakes. The M40i will likely exceed most drivers' expectations, but we were hoping for a little more rowdiness.

Comfort

The sporty handling doesn't hurt ride quality — there's no harshness or off-putting jolts. The seats have good lateral support without being confining, and with the top up, there's only a little wind noise. Alfresco, you'll hear a pleasant turbo whoosh from the engine.

Interior

The top takes less than 10 seconds to stow or raise, which is quick. The wind blocker helps manage buffeting. When traveling slower than highway speeds, the open cockpit, which boasts top-notch materials, remains enjoyably calm. Even though passengers fit snugly, it's not at all cramped.

Utility

With 9.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, the Z4 has more space than the Porsche Boxster or the Audi TT. Interior storage is acceptable but not generous. There's just enough space for your personal items in the small bins and pockets.

Technology

The latest iDrive has more functionality than before, yet it is just as easy to operate. Apple CarPlay is only included for the first year, and then you'll have to resubscribe. Most advanced safety systems are well-tuned, but the lane keeping assist is too heavy-handed.

2019 BMW Z4 models

The 2019 BMW Z4 is a two-seat convertible roadster that is available as the sDrive 30i. The more powerful sDrive M40i will be offered later as a 2020 model.

The sDrive 30i is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (255 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque). An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission offered and drives the rear wheels. The sDrive M40i steps up to a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder (382 hp, 369 lb-ft).

Standard sDrive30i features include 18-inch wheels with performance run-flat tires, automatic LED headlights, auto-dimming driver-side and rearview mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, a black fabric folding roof, a wind deflector, keyless ignition, selectable drive modes and cruise control.

On the inside, you get automatic climate control, a virtual instrument panel, 14-way power sport seats with memory functions, SensaTec simulated-leather upholstery, a center trunk pass-through, interior ambient lighting, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, BMW's iDrive infotainment system, emergency telematics and remote control via smartphone app, a rearview camera, voice control, a navigation system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, two USB ports, HD radio, and 20 GB of multimedia storage. Advanced safety features include frontal collision warning/mitigation and a traffic sign reader.

The sDrive 30i is eligible for the Convenience package (smartphone key integration, an automated parking system, additional lumbar adjustments, satellite radio, and rear cross-traffic alert) plus a dark gray fabric top, leather upholstery, an automated parking system and adaptive cruise control.

Other bundled options include the Driving Assistance package (blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning); the Premium package (heated seats, a wireless charging pad, a Wi-Fi hotspot and a head-up display); and the Executive package (premium leather upholstery, adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system).

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3/5Above Average

#14 out of 26 among Luxury Compact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the BMW Z4 from 2008-2022.}

$583/yr

vs. $554/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.49x/yr

vs. 1.57x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

16.9%

vs. 11.1%
for Average Luxury Compact Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2019 BMW Z4.

5 (100%)

4 (0%)

3 (0%)

2 (0%)

1 (0%)

5.0

2 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Fast, Fun and Flashy

Carol, 07/15/2020

2019 BMW Z4 sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

There are some blind spots but OMG is this car fun! Handles beautifully . Can’t imagine driving anything else !!!

AH-HA!

Mike Edelmuth, 08/01/2023

2019 BMW Z4 sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

I loved the car at first sight..."red"! I like everything about it. NO it is not as fast as a Porsche I had several years back but it makes me happy when I see it and get behind the wheel. As I am older I am having a little difficulty entering and exiting the car when I can't open the door fully. If the top is down there is no problem,

See all 2 reviews of the BMW Z4

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2019 BMW Z4 video

2019 BMW Z4 First Drive

Edmunds Senior Reviews Editor Mark Takahashi got the opportunity to drive the all-new 2019 BMW Z4 roadster in Portugal. He wasn't a fan of previous Z4s and was hoping that this redesign would bring back some of the lively spirit of the Z3 and other past BMW roadsters. In the process…

2019 Z4 Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$49,700
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$198/month
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	9.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Z4 models:

Frontal Collision Warning: Warns if a collision is imminent and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't react in time.
Active Blind Spot Detection: Alerts the driver if a vehicle is lurking in the blind spot.
Lane Departure Warning: Warns if the vehicle begins to drift out of its marked lanes.

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2019 BMW Z4 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 BMW Z4 sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Driving

Comfort

Interior

Utility

Technology

2019 BMW Z4 models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2019 BMW Z4.

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Fast, Fun and Flashy

AH-HA!

2019 BMW Z4 video

2019 BMW Z4 First Drive

2019 Z4 Highlights

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2019 BMW Z4 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 BMW Z4 sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Driving

Comfort

Interior

Utility

Technology

Which Z4 does Edmunds recommend?

2019 BMW Z4 models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Fast, Fun and Flashy

AH-HA!

2019 BMW Z4 video

2019 BMW Z4 First Drive

2019 Z4 Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2019 BMW Z4 info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Bmw

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 BMW Z4 sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}