# BMW Z4 — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the BMW Z4 on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/bmw-z4

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2021
- **Ideal trim**: sDrive20i M Sport
- **Target mileage**: 30,000–50,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £26,249

## Why this model

The BMW Z4 (G29 generation) is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a stylish, engaging, and comfortable two-seater roadster. It blends BMW's renowned driving dynamics with a premium interior and a sleek design. It's a great car for weekend blasts or even comfortable longer journeys, offering a good balance of sportiness and refinement. Plus, being a BMW, it holds its value reasonably well for a sports car.

## What you should pay

Based on current UK market data (February 2026), a 3-4 year old BMW Z4 sDrive20i M Sport from 2021 with around 30,000-50,000 miles typically sells for around £26,249. This price reflects a good sweet spot where the initial depreciation hit has been absorbed, but the car is still relatively new and has plenty of life left. Prices can vary by a few thousand pounds depending on exact mileage, condition, and optional extras.

## Which trim to buy

The sDrive20i M Sport trim is the sweet spot for the Z4. The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine offers a healthy 197hp, which is plenty for UK roads and provides a great balance of performance and fuel economy. The M Sport trim adds a more aggressive look with M aerodynamic styling, larger 19-inch M alloy wheels, and a sportier interior with M Sport seats and steering wheel. It also comes with M Sport suspension, which enhances the driving experience without being overly harsh for daily use. It gives you the sporty feel and looks without the higher running costs and purchase price of the more powerful sDrive30i or M40i models.

## What to check before you buy

- Minor electrical glitches (infotainment system)
- Soft-top mechanism (check for smooth operation and leaks, though rare on G29)
- Tyre wear (can be accelerated due to performance nature)
- Brake wear (especially on M Sport models)

## Running costs

For a 2021 BMW Z4 sDrive20i M Sport:
- Fuel: With an average of 40 mpg and petrol at roughly £1.50 per litre, you're looking at about £0.17 per mile.
- VED (Road Tax): For a 2021 model, it's £190 per year (standard rate for cars registered after April 2017).
- Insurance: As a premium sports car, insurance can be higher, typically ranging from £600 to £1200 per year, depending on your age, location, and driving history.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Petrol
- **Horsepower**: 197 hp (sDrive20i)
- **Mpg**: Around 40 mpg
- **Reliability Score**: 7/10
- **Safety Rating**: 5-star Euro NCAP (2019)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| sDrive20i Sport | £38,000 | £24,500 | 18-inch light alloy wheels; LED headlights; BMW Live Cockpit Professional |
| sDrive20i M Sport | £40,000 | £26,249 | 19-inch M light alloy wheels; M Sport suspension; M aerodynamic body styling |
| sDrive30i M Sport | £44,000 | £29,500 | More powerful 258hp engine; M Sport brakes; All M Sport features from sDrive20i M Sport |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £26,249 | 0% |
| 2027 | £23,624 | 10% |
| 2028 | £21,507 | 19% |
| 2029 | £19,786 | 25% |
| 2030 | £18,391 | 30% |

Buying a 3-4 year old Z4 like the 2021 model means you've bypassed the steepest part of its depreciation curve. The initial significant drop in value has already occurred, so while it will continue to depreciate, the rate will be much slower. This makes it a smart purchase for retaining more of its value over the next few years compared to buying new.

Total value lost since new: 30%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Porsche 718 Boxster](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/porsche-718-boxster.md)
- Audi TT Roadster
- [Mercedes-Benz SLC](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/mercedes-slc.md)

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.