BMW Z4 2009–2016 car dimensions: 4239 mm long, 1790 mm wide and 1291 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,480 kg. Boot space with the seats up is 310 litres.
Two-zone automatic climate control is standard, along with a Professional radio/CD player, multi-function sports leather steering wheel, on-board computer and Drive Dynamic Control. Cruise control with brake function and front/rear parking sensors are optional. Navigation with an 8.8-inch iDrive display is also optional. the screen is controller-operated rather than touch on most cars. No factory smartphone mirroring or advanced driver aids like AEB, blind-spot or lane systems appear in the equipment lists.
Boot space measures 310 litres with the hardtop raised and 180 litres with it stowed. An optional through-loading system with transport bag lets longer items pass into the cabin.
Payload is listed at 255 kg. Sports or adaptive M suspension is available on higher trims or as an option but is not standard on the base sDrive23i.
The cabin feels driver-focused and refined with quality materials and a low seating position. Standard seats offer manual height adjustment. Optional sports seats add electric side bolsters for better cornering support. Heated front seats and electric multi-way adjustment with memory are available as options. The retractable hardtop gives a quiet, coupe-like feel when closed, with a heated glass rear window. Dual-zone automatic climate control is optional over the standard air conditioning.
Combined fuel use 8.5 l/100 km, CO2 199 g/km
Euro NCAP 3 stars (adult 69%, child 61%, pedestrian 91%, assist 46%)
Standard DSC, ABS, front and side airbags, active rollover bars
Condition-based service. oil and filter every 12,000-15,000 km or 1 year
The 2.5-litre naturally aspirated six-cylinder returns 8.5 l/100 km combined on the EU cycle, with urban figures of 12.4 l/100 km and extra-urban 6.2 l/100 km. The 55-litre tank supports a range around 640 km.
BMW uses condition-based servicing. Oil and filter changes fall every 12,000 to 15,000 km or once a year. Brake fluid is due every two years and coolant every four years. The automatic gearbox benefits from a fluid change around 80,000 km.
Euro NCAP awarded three stars under 2015 rules. Adult protection scored 69% and pedestrian protection 91%. Standard equipment covers DSC with ABS and brake assist, dual front airbags, seat-integrated side airbags for head and thorax, belt tensioners, and active rollover bars behind the seats.
The aluminium hardtop mechanism needs regular checks to avoid hydraulic or electrical faults. Runflat tyres are standard. Cabin storage is limited to 180 litres with the roof down and 310 litres with it up.
Length 4239 mm, Width 1790 mm, Height 1291 mm, Wheelbase 2496 mm (Z4 2009–2016)
Sources: manufacturer data, BMW Medieninformation, Technische Daten BMW Z4 , August 2009, valid from September 2009, ACEA markets, The sDrive23i manual column, automatic in brackets, BMW Group press information The new BMW Z4 states 310 litres with the roof closed and 180 litres with it open.