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2004
BMW Z4

Starts at:
$33,600
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr Roadster 2.5i
    Starts at
    $33,600
    21 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-Cyl
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Roadster 3.0i
    Starts at
    $40,900
    19 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-Cyl
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2004 BMW Z4 2004 BMW Z4 2004 BMW Z4 2004 BMW Z4 2004 BMW Z4 2004 BMW Z4 2004 BMW Z4 2004 BMW Z4 2004 BMW Z4 2004 BMW Z4 2004 BMW Z4 2004 BMW Z4 2004 BMW Z4 2004 BMW Z4 2004 BMW Z4

Notable features

184-hp or 225-hp engine
Four available transmissions
Two-passenger roadster
Manual or powered fabric top
New optional hardtop

The good & the bad

The good

Handling and stability
Performance of Z4 3.0i
Ride comfort on smooth surfaces
Quietness
Seat comfort and support

The bad

Ride comfort on rough surfaces
Difficult entry and exit
Cargo space

Expert 2004 BMW Z4 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

Two-seater sports cars come in an amazingly broad array of shape, size, price and performance.

The variety is amazing because such vehicles represent an extravagance, an expression of carefree indulgence where practicality takes a back seat to pure fun, if there was a back seat to take.

BMW Z3 arrived on the scene in 1995, a few years after Mazda revived the genre with its retro Miata. Soon, there was competition from the likes of Porsche Boxster, Audi TT, Honda S2000 and Mercedes-Benz SLK, each offering a different twist on the sports car formula.

Z3, with its classic proportions and sporting heritage, stayed a popular favorite throughout its seven years, improving steadily in performance. The Z4 put into production last year was a giant step forward for BMW’s little roadster with edgier styling, improved drivability and roomier interior.

My favorite is the roomier interior. Among small convertibles, Z4 has the most accommodating cockpit for my lanky 6-foot, 6-inch frame, particularly in legroom. Thank you, BMW. Everyone else, pay attention.

The exterior styling at first seemed oddly contrived, all strange angles and creases. It has grown on me, now looking sharply progressive and purposeful while retaining the long hood and short deck of a true roadster.

Z4 comes in two flavors, with either a 2.5-liter or 3-liter inline six. The 2004 Z4 tested here had the lesser engine, which still provides enough punch at a lower cost.

However, the test car came loaded with about $10,000 in features, which blunts the price advantage. So it goes.

What it is

BMW’s midprice roadster receives a major upgrade in size, style and accommodations, yet stays true to the roadster form.

Performance

Though the 2.5-liter six might disappoint acceleration addicts, it’s still strong and healthy.

Generating 184 horsepower, the free-revving straight six delivers enough power for a proper sports car. The aluminum six feels strongest coming off the line and through the lower gears, losing potency at higher speeds.

The higher-performance version of Z4 comes with the excellent 3-liter, 225-horsepower engine also found in other BMW cars and SUVs. I sampled this engine in the Z3 and came away impressed by its hard-charging torque and flexibility.

The 3-liter Z4 costs more than $7,000 over the 2.5-liter version, but has some other performance and feature upgrades. The 3-liter also comes with a six-speed stick shift instead of the 2.5-liter’s five speed.

Worth the extra money? That depends what you want out of the Z4 and what you want to spend.

There are two other transmissions available: an automatic with a manual-shift mode and a Sequential Manual Gearbox that provides race-car-style paddle shifting.

Drivability

Z4 has an all-new chassis and suspension that provides exemplary handling and a stiff body s tructure without a hint of shake or shudder.

Cornering and back-road agility are enjoyably crisp, the front-engine/rear-drive layout helping to provide good balance. The new electronic steering, which does away with the traditional hydraulic power steering, feels highly responsive and nicely weighted.

The throttle is also electronic, eliminating solid linkage or cable actuation. This provides better response and precision.

The electronic controls also allows BMW to add Dynamic Driving Control to its optional Sport Package. Via a button on the console, drivers can enhance steering effort and accelerator response. That package also adds a firmer sport suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Styling

Edgy and curvaceous at the same time, Z4 eclipses the rounder shape of the Z3. The style looks great from front and side, though is less appealing from the rear.

The convertible top has a heated glass window and comes down manually or powered. The test car had the power top, which worked quickly and stowed under a cleverly designed integral cover.

Interior

Roomy and comfortable, Z4 is well-equipped with standard features. An optional Premium Package included leather upholstery and brush aluminum trim that were attractive and appropriately sporty.

Pricing

Although the Z4 2.5i started at $33,100, a full load of luxury and performance features shot the price up to $43,595. The base 3.0i starts at $41,045, which includes a high level of equipment, and would soon pass the $50,000 mark if loaded up like the test car.

Options on the test car included the Premium Package, $2,900, with power top, power seats, leather, aluminum trim and cruise control; navigation system, $1,800; Sport Package, $1,500, with Dynamic Driving Control, 17-inch alloys, sport suspension, fog lamps and cold-weather extras; Convenience Package, $1,050, with rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlight aiming, climate control and computer.

Also, premium audio, $875; bi-xenon headlights, $700; heated seats, $500; Toledo blue paint, $475; and shipping, $695.

Those are some expensive options, and I’d cut out a bunch of them. The Sport Package seems most worth the money.

Bottom line

A sports car that’s now up to the standards of BMW’s highly regarded line of cars and SUVs, the Z4 now competes head-on with the best of them.

BMW Z4 2.5i

Vehicle type: Two-passenger, two-door sports car, rear-wheel drive.

Base price: $33,100.

Price as tested: $43,595.

Engine: 2.5-liter inline six, 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 175 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm.

Transmission: Five-speed stick shift.

Wheelbase: 98.2 inches.

Curb weight: 2,932 pounds.

EPA mileage: 20 city, 28 highway.

Highs:

Handling, performance.

Roomy interior.

Edgy styling.

Lows:

Expensive options.

Rear styling.

Not a 3.0i.

2004 BMW Z4 review: Our expert's take
By

Two-seater sports cars come in an amazingly broad array of shape, size, price and performance.

The variety is amazing because such vehicles represent an extravagance, an expression of carefree indulgence where practicality takes a back seat to pure fun, if there was a back seat to take.

BMW Z3 arrived on the scene in 1995, a few years after Mazda revived the genre with its retro Miata. Soon, there was competition from the likes of Porsche Boxster, Audi TT, Honda S2000 and Mercedes-Benz SLK, each offering a different twist on the sports car formula.

Z3, with its classic proportions and sporting heritage, stayed a popular favorite throughout its seven years, improving steadily in performance. The Z4 put into production last year was a giant step forward for BMW’s little roadster with edgier styling, improved drivability and roomier interior.

My favorite is the roomier interior. Among small convertibles, Z4 has the most accommodating cockpit for my lanky 6-foot, 6-inch frame, particularly in legroom. Thank you, BMW. Everyone else, pay attention.

The exterior styling at first seemed oddly contrived, all strange angles and creases. It has grown on me, now looking sharply progressive and purposeful while retaining the long hood and short deck of a true roadster.

Z4 comes in two flavors, with either a 2.5-liter or 3-liter inline six. The 2004 Z4 tested here had the lesser engine, which still provides enough punch at a lower cost.

However, the test car came loaded with about $10,000 in features, which blunts the price advantage. So it goes.

What it is

BMW’s midprice roadster receives a major upgrade in size, style and accommodations, yet stays true to the roadster form.

Performance

Though the 2.5-liter six might disappoint acceleration addicts, it’s still strong and healthy.

Generating 184 horsepower, the free-revving straight six delivers enough power for a proper sports car. The aluminum six feels strongest coming off the line and through the lower gears, losing potency at higher speeds.

The higher-performance version of Z4 comes with the excellent 3-liter, 225-horsepower engine also found in other BMW cars and SUVs. I sampled this engine in the Z3 and came away impressed by its hard-charging torque and flexibility.

The 3-liter Z4 costs more than $7,000 over the 2.5-liter version, but has some other performance and feature upgrades. The 3-liter also comes with a six-speed stick shift instead of the 2.5-liter’s five speed.

Worth the extra money? That depends what you want out of the Z4 and what you want to spend.

There are two other transmissions available: an automatic with a manual-shift mode and a Sequential Manual Gearbox that provides race-car-style paddle shifting.

Drivability

Z4 has an all-new chassis and suspension that provides exemplary handling and a stiff body s tructure without a hint of shake or shudder.

Cornering and back-road agility are enjoyably crisp, the front-engine/rear-drive layout helping to provide good balance. The new electronic steering, which does away with the traditional hydraulic power steering, feels highly responsive and nicely weighted.

The throttle is also electronic, eliminating solid linkage or cable actuation. This provides better response and precision.

The electronic controls also allows BMW to add Dynamic Driving Control to its optional Sport Package. Via a button on the console, drivers can enhance steering effort and accelerator response. That package also adds a firmer sport suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Styling

Edgy and curvaceous at the same time, Z4 eclipses the rounder shape of the Z3. The style looks great from front and side, though is less appealing from the rear.

The convertible top has a heated glass window and comes down manually or powered. The test car had the power top, which worked quickly and stowed under a cleverly designed integral cover.

Interior

Roomy and comfortable, Z4 is well-equipped with standard features. An optional Premium Package included leather upholstery and brush aluminum trim that were attractive and appropriately sporty.

Pricing

Although the Z4 2.5i started at $33,100, a full load of luxury and performance features shot the price up to $43,595. The base 3.0i starts at $41,045, which includes a high level of equipment, and would soon pass the $50,000 mark if loaded up like the test car.

Options on the test car included the Premium Package, $2,900, with power top, power seats, leather, aluminum trim and cruise control; navigation system, $1,800; Sport Package, $1,500, with Dynamic Driving Control, 17-inch alloys, sport suspension, fog lamps and cold-weather extras; Convenience Package, $1,050, with rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlight aiming, climate control and computer.

Also, premium audio, $875; bi-xenon headlights, $700; heated seats, $500; Toledo blue paint, $475; and shipping, $695.

Those are some expensive options, and I’d cut out a bunch of them. The Sport Package seems most worth the money.

Bottom line

A sports car that’s now up to the standards of BMW’s highly regarded line of cars and SUVs, the Z4 now competes head-on with the best of them.

BMW Z4 2.5i

Vehicle type: Two-passenger, two-door sports car, rear-wheel drive.

Base price: $33,100.

Price as tested: $43,595.

Engine: 2.5-liter inline six, 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 175 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm.

Transmission: Five-speed stick shift.

Wheelbase: 98.2 inches.

Curb weight: 2,932 pounds.

EPA mileage: 20 city, 28 highway.

Highs:

Handling, performance.

Roomy interior.

Edgy styling.

Lows:

Expensive options.

Rear styling.

Not a 3.0i.

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2004 BMW Z4 base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
5/5
Side driver
3/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years / 50,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Certified Pre-Owned Elite with less than 15,000 miles; Certified Pre-Owned with less than 60,000 miles
Basic
1 year / unlimited miles from expiration of 4-year / 50,000-mile new car warranty
Dealer certification
196-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.8 / 5
Based on 36 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.3
Interior 4.7
Performance 4.8
Value 4.8
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.6

Most recent

  • This car doesn't disappoint and the style awesome

    Best car ever!! Fun to drive with the top down.🙂 especially if you have a manual 5 speed,,I had my stereo changed out to a 9 inch touch screen with 22"inke racing rims and tires.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    9 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • fun not cheap but not expensive

    The Z4 I currently own is a base 2.5 car with 217,000 miles on it is not a bad car by any stretch but be aware it’s not a Camry maintenance wise. I have had to change the valve cover gasket the PCV system and convertible seals as well as the brake dust shields and E-brake and the trunk floods when parked if the trunk is not on flat ground. However, minus those small issues here and there it’s great the Audio system is great can even overpower the road noise that comes with driving a convertible and you can hear it with the top down as well. The interior is a mixed bag this is before the entire BMW brand shifted towards more luxury the real wood trim is nice and 5 Series peak early 2000s business radio feel good, and the seats are decent even accommodating for tall people also for a convertible since this car is based on a E46 3 series the trunk is decent for a convertible. Where the cons start is here the rest of the interior feels super cheap it’s a parts bin special the climate controls and vents are 2000s Hyundai levels cheap they creek and rattle same with the rest of the nonspecific trim pieces from 1 series or something else the steering wheels is the best example where it was clearly just pulled from some other car and the early 2000s button are plastic sticky mess typical with BMW’s from this era. Where some is forgiven is the engine the motor is strong little torquey motor with 5 gears 4 of witch are super short it never feels low on power and if you need to do highway speeds it’s good at that since 5th is made for going at highway speeds and being able to pass in 5th gear at 25% throttle while listening to classical music overpowering the interior rattling. On a B-road the inline 6 between 1 to third gear is fun with plenty of power the motor makes noise you can make it scream but it is not annoying to drive and can be quiet when wanted in 4th. it’s good at what the primary customer will do with it cruise Newport Rhode Island with the top down around town or by the coast like a budget 911 cabriolet. This car is more livable than a NB Miata or SW-30 MR2 but not as fun on a backroad and this cars steering is dead since first gen electronic power steering but a good overall compromise car that’s okay or decent at everything. I could recommend this car it's a looker even a knackered one is a solid 10footer and could recommend
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    17 people out of 17 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Plenty of power , handles great ,classy sporty loo

    I have the 04 3.0 I and it has 110k and got what I consider a good deal last year , and no service lights on or anything and we are the 3rd or 4th owners and the last owner put a pretty good little chunk of change back into it and kept track and records and receipts, so in my opinion I've got a car thats super sleek ,handles great and powerful for a six , planning on having quite a while knock on wood lol .like I say I know they can be quite expensive to work on , he let me have it for 10 , but from what I see in receipts he put almost 20 k to get It where it is now , the other owners had only gotten the oil changed tires , so by the the previous owner took it to bmw , they had to adjust the chasis, put new rims ,all the way round window electronics , radiator damaged from gravel ,oil leaks etc. So the man kinda hated to let me have it for ten lol who could blame him he put 20 into it besides whatever he paid , bottom line from what I've seen I expect it yo be good another 90 k I live in the head of a holler in Kentucky, rough roads , though .Again very satisfied thus far I'm 4 k in on it in a year .
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    5 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Had one before and sold it, wish I never did.

    A classic sports car. Iconic BMW that has everything needed for that fun weekend drive. Can't imagine anything better for the money. Renews your relationship with top down open rode driving.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    18 people out of 18 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Beautiful design at a cost

    Awesome performance and fun to drive. Head turning style and stands out from the run of the mill mercedes, corvettes and mustangs. Just lots of nagging repair bills that are expensive over time.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 2.0
    13 people out of 14 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most cool car l have owned.

    the interior is brand new. 47001miles Manual Z4, out of print car can't find anywhere now. excellent condition, the interior is super new. it come with 3.0 inline engine
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    9 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best rag top for the price

    Best vehicle for the money . A ton of fun in the sun . Fits golf clubs in the trunk. Gorgeous design. Nothing beats a convertible in the summertime
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Only sport car I ever owned.

    This car provided me a lot of joy when riding the winding mountain roads. It hug's the curves like no other car I drove and the manual transmission makes it even more fun.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Fun sports car for anyone to own

    It is a nice looking car. BMW didn't build a ton of them so it is unique in that you don't see many of them on the road unlike Corvettes, Miata's etc.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Sporty and efficient.

    Was looking for a fun daily driver. My other vehicle is a lifted truck at 10 miles to the gallon. This vehicle is in great shape and loads of fun to drive.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Fun car to drive.

    The car has great acceleration, good brakes and all the amenities you could want in a 2004 vehicle. The compactness of the car makes it extremely easy to park.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Love Z4?s and especially this one!

    This car is fun, powerful and handles like a dream and Still my favorite Roadster! Super fun with a 6 speed 3.0 and all the bells and whistles!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2004 BMW Z4?

The 2004 BMW Z4 is available in 2 trim levels:

  • 2.5i (1 style)
  • 3.0i (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2004 BMW Z4?

The 2004 BMW Z4 offers up to 21 MPG in city driving and 30 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2004 BMW Z4?

The 2004 BMW Z4 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2004 BMW Z4 reliable?

The 2004 BMW Z4 has an average reliability rating of 4.6 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2004 BMW Z4 owners.

Is the 2004 BMW Z4 a good Convertible?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2004 BMW Z4. 97.2% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 36 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.3
  • Interior: 4.7
  • Performance: 4.8
  • Value: 4.8
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 4.6

BMW Z4 history

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