BMW Z4 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The BMW Z4 is a sports car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 144 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 69 of 442, and 22.8% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is condition (2.1% of tests).
Ranked 69 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 3 of 7 sports cars
In 2024, 34,006 BMW Z4s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 22.8% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the BMW Z4 is 31% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 9.7% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
22.8%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
9.7%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
5,300
Typical age at test: 14 years
BMW Z4 MOT failure rate by age
Most common BMW Z4 MOT faults
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed2.1% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.0% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.8% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken1.7% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.6% of tests
- Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.4% of tests
What the BMW Z4 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 6.2% | ▼ 46% less often |
| Lights and electrics | 6.1% | ▼ 57% less often |
| Tyres | 6.0% | About average |
| Brakes | 5.2% | ▼ 38% less often |
| Visibility | 4.0% | ▼ 28% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 3.2% | ▼ 24% less often |
| Wheels | 1.5% | ▲ 4.1× as often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.4% | About average |
| Body and structure | 0.9% | ▼ 81% less often |
| Steering | 0.4% | ▼ 85% less often |
What MPG does the BMW Z4 do?
Official economy for the BMW Z4 ranges from 23.3 to 41.5mpg across the 60 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2025). A typical petrol version manages 34mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a BMW Z4?
Any BMW Z4 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A BMW Z4 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £275 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carBMW Z4 specs and running costs
Official figures for 60 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2025.
Fuel types
Petrol
Official economy
23.3–41.5 mpg
CO2
159–292 g/km
Power
197–340 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z4 Z4 sDrive20i M Sport197 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 38.6 mpg | 161g | £200 | 37% |
| Z4 Z4 M40i - Automatic340 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 35.3 mpg | 180g | £200 | 37% |
| Z4 Z4 M40i - Manual340 PS · M6 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 32.4 mpg | 197g | £200 | 37% |
| Z4 Series E89 Roadster Z4 sDrive18iM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 41.5 mpg | 159g | £200 | – |
| Z4 Series E89 Roadster Z4 sDrive18iA8 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 41.5 mpg | 159g | £200 | – |
| Z4 Series E89 Roadster Z4 sDrive20iM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 41.5 mpg | 159g | £200 | – |
| Z4 Series E89 Roadster Z4 sDrive20iA8 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 41.5 mpg | 159g | £200 | – |
| Z4 Series E89 Roadster Z4 sDrive28iM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 41.5 mpg | 159g | £200 | – |
| Z4 Series E89 Roadster Z4 sDrive28iA8 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 41.5 mpg | 159g | £200 | – |
| Z4 Series E89 Roadster Z4 sDrive35iM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 30.1 mpg | 219g | £200 | – |
| Z4 Series E89 Roadster Z4 sDrive35iDCT7 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 31 mpg | 211g | £200 | – |
| Z4 Series E89 Roadster Z4 sDrive35isDCT7 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 31 mpg | 211g | £200 | – |
| Z4 Series E89 Z4 sDrive18i RoadsterA8 · listed 2015 | Petrol | 41.5 mpg | 159g | £275 | – |
| Z4 Series E89 Z4 sDrive18i RoadsterM6 · listed 2015 | Petrol | 41.5 mpg | 159g | £275 | – |
| Z4 Series E89 Z4 sDrive20i RoadsterA8 · listed 2015 | Petrol | 41.5 mpg | 159g | £275 | – |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 60 versions.
What a BMW Z4 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 34mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a BMW Z4Buying a used BMW Z4?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the BMW Z4 with other sports cars
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other BMW models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the BMW Z4 reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the BMW Z4 is 31% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 144 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the BMW Z4?
The most common MOT fault is “Condition: has ply or cords exposed”, found in 2.1% of tests. It fails on wheels more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the BMW Z4 do?
Official economy for the BMW Z4 ranges from 23.3 to 41.5mpg across the 60 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2025). A typical petrol version manages 34mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a BMW Z4?
Any BMW Z4 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A BMW Z4 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £275 to £790 a year.
›How many BMW Z4s fail their MOT?
22.8% of BMW Z4s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 9.7% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the BMW Z4 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.