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BMW Z4 Roadster (2003-2008) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 3.5 out of 53.5

Written by David Ross Updated: 28 September 2023

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

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Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 29 - 38 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

View mpg & specs for any version

The BMW Z4 is a sports car, but its running costs aren’t as bad as you might think, especially if you go for the 2.0-litre version. This model offers the best fuel economy figure of 38mpg. But there’s a trade-off, because insurance isn’t particularly cheap and nor are tyres. Plus if you get it serviced at a BMW dealer, be prepared for hefty bills.

The Z4 doesn’t performs awfully on the eco front, which is surprising considering it’s a sports car. It offers an average CO2 output of 209g/km across the model line-up, while the lowest emissions come from the 2.0-litre model which emits 176g/km of CO2. You can even drive the Z4 into the the London ULEZ without paying!

The Z4 has proved itself to be a reliable car. It’s very mechanically dependable, as it uses lots of technology found on other BMW cars from its era. As we mentioned in the first page of this review, it’s the niggling faults such as electrical gremlins and tatty trim that let the car down.