2015 BMW Z4

2015 BMW Z4 Overview

Is the 2015 BMW Z4 a Good Used Car?

A used 2015 BMW Z4 is a good car if you want a luxury sports car or convertible that won't cost you an arm and a leg. It has powerful engine choices, balanced handling, and good seating room, but you may have to hunt around to find a Z4 equipped with modern features like an infotainment system.

Used 2015 BMW Z4 Performance and Interior

The 2015 BMW Z4 comes with a 240-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Two twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engines are also available, with outputs of 300 and 335 horsepower. Both of these engines only come with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy estimates range from 22 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with the base engine to 17 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway with either six-cylinder.

All of the engines available in the Z4 deliver plenty of muscle, and though the six-cylinder engines are more potent, the lighter four-cylinder models feel more agile. An adjustable driving dynamics system – which lets you switch between comfort and sport modes – comes standard, and some models may have an Adaptive M Sport suspension. Despite its comfortable ride and decently agile handling, the rear-wheel-drive Z4 roadster still isn't as athletic as many rivals.

Read more about Z4 performance »

The BMW Z4 seats two on standard leatherette, eight-way power-adjustable seats. Some models may have leather seats, heated seats, or 10-way power-adjustable sport seats. There is plenty of seating space and good visibility for a convertible, and even taller drivers should have enough room with the retractable hardtop up.

Standard features in the Z4 include automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, proximity keyless entry, and HD Radio. Other available features include satellite radio, a premium stereo, navigation, the iDrive infotainment system, and smartphone app integration. The Z4 has intuitive dashboard controls and clear, sharp gauges.

Read more about Z4 interior »

Used 2015 BMW Z4 Prices

Pricing for a 2015 Z4 ranges from about $32,500 for a base sDrive28i to around $43,000 for an sDrive35is model. Actual prices can fluctuate with demand and depend on the car's mileage, condition, features, and location.

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We Did the Research for You: 49 Reviews Analyzed

To help you decide if a used 2015 BMW Z4 is right for you, we compiled and analyzed 49 professional reviews and testimonies. Our research also includes safety scores, reliability data, and cost of ownership estimates.

Why You Can Trust Us

The Best Cars editorial staff at U.S. News & World Report has decades of combined experience in the automotive industry, and we've been ranking and reviewing vehicles for 10 years. We don't accept expensive gifts or incentives from car companies, and another team handles the advertising on our site.

How Reliable Is the 2015 BMW Z4?

J.D. Power and Associates gives the 2015 BMW Z4 a predicted reliability rating of 3.5 out of five. A score of three out of five is considered average for all cars on the road.

Read more about Z4 reliability »

How Safe Is the Z4?

The 2015 Z4 did not undergo any crash testing, which is common for luxury or performance vehicles. Rain-sensing windshield wipers come standard, and you may find other available driver assistance features like front and rear parking sensors, adaptive headlights, and automatic high beams.

See Z4 safety scores »

Should I Consider Another Used Z4?

The 2015 Z4 is part of the car's second generation, which spans the 2009 through 2016 model years. The Z4 ceased production with this model year. The roadster saw few changes in the previous couple of years, so you could likely save money and get a similar car by shopping for an older model.

Compare the 2013, 2014, and 2015 Z4 »

Which Used BMW Z4 Is Right for Me?

The 2015 BMW Z4 is available in three trim levels: sDrive28i, sDrive35i, and sDrive35is. Standard and available features are mostly the same throughout the lineup, so your choice will come down to powertrain. If you want a manual transmission, you'll have to stick with the base sDrive28i. It has plenty of power and feels livelier around turns than the heavier BMW Z4 sDrive35i and sDrive35is.

You may also want to consider a certified pre-owned BMW. The BMW CPO program has three levels based on the vehicle’s age and the number of miles on the odometer: Certified Pre-Owned Elite, Certified Pre-Owned, and Pre-Owned. Each level receives the balance of the original new-car warranty. Certified Pre-Owned Elite vehicles get an additional one-year/25,000-mile warranty, while Certified Pre-Owned models receive an additional two-year/50,000-mile warranty. Pre-Owned BMWs receive no additional coverage. Each BMW undergoes an inspection before earning CPO status. Additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance may be available, so read the BMW warranty page carefully.

Read more about certified pre-owned vehicles »

Read more about the BMW certified pre-owned program »

2015 BMW Z4 and Other Cars to Consider

Which Is Better: 2015 BMW Z4 or 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class?

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class gets higher reliability ratings than the Z4, which earns it a slight overall edge. The base SLK-Class model can't match the Z4's spry acceleration, but if you move up a trim level, these cars stack up more evenly. Both roadsters feature an upscale and elegant cabin, but the SLK-Class is a little more modern when it comes to amenities. An infotainment system is standard in the Mercedes, and it has available advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane keep assist.

Which Is Better: 2015 BMW Z4 or 2015 Audi TT?

The 2015 Audi TT has lower average sale prices than the Z4, which means you'll get more for your money. The TT is available in four-seat hardtop or two-seat roadster configurations, both with standard all-wheel drive. Features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, and satellite radio also come standard, so you won't have to go hunting for them. Conversely, the TT's base engine is weak compared to the Z4's turbo four-cylinder, and merely average predicted reliability hurts the TT in our rankings.

Which Is Better: 2015 BMW Z4 or 2015 Porsche Boxster?

A used 2015 Porsche Boxster will likely cost you much more to buy and own than a used Z4 would, but it's a much better car. The soft-top Boxster has class-leading predicted reliability, a lineup of brutish engines, and racecar-like handling. The standard infotainment system is user-friendly and complements the first-rate cabin design. When shopping for a used luxury sports car, it's hard to do better than a Boxster. 

Compare the Z4, SLK-Class, and TT »