BMW Z4 I
The BMW Z4 I (2003–2008): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 33 versions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Model codes: E85, E86
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,090 mm RDW | 4,090 mm |
| Width | 1,780 mm RDW | 1,780 mm |
| Height | 1,280–1,300 mm RDW | 1,285–1,300 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,500 mm RDW | 2,495 mm |
| Front track | 1,473–1,488 mm ASTRA | – |
| Rear track | 1,516–1,558 mm ASTRA | – |
| Weights and towing | ||
| Kerb weight | 1,225–1,295 kg RDW | – |
| Mass in running order | 1,325–1,395 kg RDW | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 1,550–1,650 kg RDW | – |
| Towing, braked trailer | 890–1,550 kg RDW | – |
| Towing, unbraked trailer | 692–712 kg RDW | – |
| Seats and space | ||
| Seats | 2 RDW | – |
| Doors | 2 RDW | – |
| Boot space | – | 240 L |
| Fuel tank | – | 55 L |
| Performance | ||
| Top speed | 221–250 km/h RDW | – |
| Torque | 200–365 Nm ASTRA | – |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 225/40R18, 225/45R17, 255/35R18, 255/40R17, 225/50R16, 205/55R16
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia (en, fr), ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 75.5% (75.1–75.9) | 69.2% | 45,076 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 38.3% | 36.4% |
| Suspension | 31.9% | 41.6% |
| Tyres | 24.4% | 31.2% |
| Lights and electrics | 18.0% | 28.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 16.9% | 17.1% |
| Visibility (glass, mirrors, wipers) | 9.1% | 11.8% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
1,157 complaints for model years 2003–2008. 12 crashes · 7 fires · 5 injuries · 2 deaths
- Steering 957
- Airbags 89
- Electrical system 52
- Engine 35
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 33 versions of the BMW Z4 I
Show all 33 versions
United Kingdom 17 versions
New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–2009Z4 2.0i Roadster | 2.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 7.4–7.5 L/100 km NEDC | 176–181 g/km |
| 2006–2009Z4 3.0si Coupé | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 8.8–9.0 L/100 km NEDC | 209–216 g/km |
| 2006–2008Z4 2.5i Roadster | 2.5 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 8.2 L/100 km NEDC | 197 g/km |
| 2006–2008Z4 2.5i Roadster | 2.5 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 8.4 L/100 km NEDC | 202 g/km |
| 2006–2008Z4 2.5si Roadster | 2.5 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 8.3–8.4 L/100 km NEDC | 199–202 g/km |
| 2006–2008Z4 2.5si Roadster | 2.5 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 8.7–9.0 L/100 km NEDC | 207–216 g/km |
| 2006–2008Z4 3.0si Roadster | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 8.5–8.6 L/100 km NEDC | 204–207 g/km |
| 2006–2008Z4 3.0si Roadster | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 8.8–9.0 L/100 km NEDC | 211–217 g/km |
| 2006–2008Z4 3.0si Coupé | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 8.7–8.9 L/100 km NEDC | 207–213 g/km |
| 2006–2008Z4 M Roadster · Z4 M Coupé | 3.2 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 12.1 L/100 km NEDC | 292 g/km |
| 2004Z4 2.2i Roadster | 2.2 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 9.3 L/100 km NEDC | 226 g/km |
| 2004Z4 2.2i Roadster | 2.2 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 8.8 L/100 km NEDC | 214 g/km |
| 2003–2004Z4 2.5i Roadster - SSG · Z4 2.5i Roadster - SMG | 2.5 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 8.9 L/100 km NEDC | 216 g/km |
| 2003–2004Z4 2.5i Roadster | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 9.5 L/100 km NEDC | 231 g/km |
| 2003–2004Z4 2.5i Roadster | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 8.9 L/100 km NEDC | 216 g/km |
| 2003–2004Z4 3.0i Roadster · Z4 3.0i Roadster - SSG · Z4 3.0i Roadster - SMG | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 9.1 L/100 km NEDC | 221 g/km |
| 2003–2004Z4 3.0i Roadster | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 9.5 L/100 km NEDC | 231 g/km |
United States 8 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003–2008 | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km |
| 2007–20083MODE CLKUP | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA | 251 g/km |
| 2006–2008MOTORSPORT | 3.2 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 17–18 MPG (13.1–13.8 L/100 km) EPA | 307–325 g/km |
| 2003–20064MODE · 3MODE CLKUP | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km |
| 2003–20053MODE CLKUP | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km |
| 2003–2005 | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km |
| 2003–20053MODE CLKUP | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
| 2003–20044MODE | 2.5 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km |
Canada 8 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007–2008Two-seater | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 10.7–10.8 L/100 km 5-cycle | 246–248 g/km |
| 2004–2008Two-seater | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 10.7–11.1 L/100 km 5-cycle | 246–255 g/km |
| 2003–2005Two-seater | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 11.2 L/100 km 5-cycle | 258 g/km |
| 2003–2005Two-seater | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.4 L/100 km 5-cycle | 262 g/km |
| 2004–2005Two-seater | 2.5 L | Petrol | 6-speed automated manual | 10.4 L/100 km 5-cycle | 239 g/km |
| 2003–2005Two-seater | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 11.3–11.9 L/100 km 5-cycle | 260–274 g/km |
| 2004–2005Two-seater | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automated manual | 10.4 L/100 km 5-cycle | 239 g/km |
| 2003Two-seater | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.0 L/100 km 5-cycle | 253 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.