Which BMW Z4 Version Should You Buy?
The BMW Z4 choice depends on whether you value low fuel consumption, straight-line performance, a manual gearbox, or the lighter feel of an earlier car. The data covers six catalogue periods representing three generations, from the first-generation Roadster of October 2002–December 2005 to the third-generation restyling introduced in September 2022.
The BMW Z4 choice depends on whether you value low fuel consumption, straight-line performance, a manual gearbox, or the lighter feel of an earlier car. The data covers six catalogue periods representing three generations, from the first-generation Roadster of October 2002–December 2005 to the third-generation restyling introduced in September 2022. Most versions are Roadsters, while the first-generation restyling is listed as a Coupe. Every version uses Gasoline, RWD and an Inline engine. The clearest all-round choice on the numbers is the third-generation 30i 2.0AT sDrive Steptronic: its 258 hp and 400 Nm deliver 0–100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, while combined consumption is 7 l/100 km. For maximum performance, the third-generation-restyling M40i 2.0 MT with 382 hp reaches 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. Buyers prioritizing the lowest measured consumption should examine the 2018–2022 sDrive20i AT or sDrive20i MT, both rated at 6.1 l/100 km combined.
BMW Z4 generations compared
The first generation began as a Roadster from October 2002 through December 2005, with seven versions. Its engines span 1995–2979 cc and 150–231 hp. A 5-speed Manual or Automatic appears on most versions, although the 3.0 MT uses a 6-speed Manual. Kerb weight is as low as 1220 kg in the 2.0 MT. The strongest first-generation version is the 3.0 MT, producing 231 hp and 300 Nm and reaching 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.
The first-generation restyling ran from January 2006 through August 2008 and is listed as a Coupe with 17 versions, of which 12 are shown in the supplied records. Power among those records extends from 150 hp in the 2.0 MT to 265 hp in the 3.0 MT and 3.0 AT. Compared with the earlier 231 hp 3.0 MT, the 265 hp 3.0 MT adds 34 hp and reduces the 0–100 km/h time from 5.9 to 5.7 seconds. This period also offers both 95 and 98 fuel specifications, depending on the version.
The second-generation Roadster ran from January 2009 through February 2013. The catalogue reports 15 versions and supplies specifications for 12. This generation broadened the choice to naturally aspirated and Turbo engines, with 4 or 6 Inline cylinders and Manual, Automatic or Robotic transmissions. The range represented here runs from 184 to 340 hp. Its quickest version is the 3.0 DSG with 340 hp and 450 Nm, which reaches 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.
The second-generation restyling covered March 2013 through April 2017 and contains nine versions. Its entry point is a 156 hp 2.0 MT or 2.0 AT, while the strongest 3.0 DSG develops 340 hp and 450 Nm. The 2.0-litre choices combine lower measured consumption with outputs from 156 to 245 hp; the 3.0-litre versions provide 306 or 340 hp but use 9 or 9.4 l/100 km combined.
The third-generation Roadster before restyling ran from August 2018 through August 2022 and has four versions. Outputs range from 197 hp in the sDrive20i AT and sDrive20i MT to 340 hp in the M40i AT. All four are Turbo, use direct injection and have front, longitudinal engines. The M40i AT is 1.3 seconds quicker to 100 km/h than either 197 hp version, but its combined consumption is 1.3 l/100 km higher.
The third-generation restyling began in September 2022 and has six versions. It includes 197 hp and 258 hp 4-cylinder choices and 340 hp or 382 hp 6-cylinder choices. Manual and Automatic transmissions are available in the supplied data. The 382 hp M40i 2.0 MT has the best acceleration figure in the complete catalogue at 4.2 seconds to 100 km/h.
BMW Z4 engine specs and transmissions
Repeated version names are separated below by generation and horsepower so that each specification remains unambiguous.
| Generation and exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation — 2.0 MT | 150 hp | 200 Nm | 1995 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation — 2.2 MT | 170 hp | 210 Nm | 2171 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation — 2.5 MT | 192 hp | 245 Nm | 2494 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation — 3.0 MT | 231 hp | 300 Nm | 2979 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation — 2.2 AT | 170 hp | 210 Nm | 2171 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First generation — 2.5 AT | 192 hp | 245 Nm | 2494 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First generation — 3.0 AT | 231 hp | 300 Nm | 2979 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First-generation restyling — 3.0 MT, 265 hp | 265 hp | 315 Nm | 2996 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| First-generation restyling — 3.0 AT | 265 hp | 315 Nm | 2996 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First-generation restyling — 2.0 MT | 150 hp | 200 Nm | 1995 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| First-generation restyling — 2.5 MT, 177 hp | 177 hp | 230 Nm | 2497 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| First-generation restyling — 2.2 AT | 170 hp | 210 Nm | 2171 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First-generation restyling — 2.2 MT | 170 hp | 210 Nm | 2171 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| First-generation restyling — 2.5 AT, 192 hp | 192 hp | 245 Nm | 2494 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First-generation restyling — 2.5 MT, 192 hp | 192 hp | 245 Nm | 2494 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| First-generation restyling — 2.5 MT, 218 hp | 218 hp | 250 Nm | 2497 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| First-generation restyling — 3.0 MT, 231 hp | 231 hp | 300 Nm | 2979 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| First-generation restyling — 2.5 AT, 218 hp | 218 hp | 250 Nm | 2497 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation — 2.0 MT, 245 hp/1997 cc | 245 hp | 350 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation — 2.5 MT, 204 hp | 204 hp | 250 Nm | 2497 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation — 3.0 MT, 258 hp | 258 hp | 310 Nm | 2996 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation — 2.0 AT | 245 hp | 350 Nm | 1995 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation — 2.0 MT, 245 hp/1995 cc | 245 hp | 350 Nm | 1995 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation — 2.5 AT, 218 hp | 218 hp | 250 Nm | 2497 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation — 2.5 MT, 218 hp | 218 hp | 250 Nm | 2497 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation — 2.0 MT, 184 hp | 184 hp | 270 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation — 2.5 AT, 204 hp | 204 hp | 250 Nm | 2497 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation — 3.0 MT, 306 hp | 306 hp | 400 Nm | 2979 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation — 3.0 DSG | 340 hp | 450 Nm | 2979 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | Turbo | 7-speed Robotic | RWD |
| Second generation — 3.0 AT | 258 hp | 310 Nm | 2996 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second-generation restyling — 2.0 MT, 184 hp | 184 hp | 270 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second-generation restyling — 2.0 MT, 245 hp | 245 hp | 350 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second-generation restyling — 3.0 MT | 306 hp | 400 Nm | 2979 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second-generation restyling — 3.0 DSG, 340 hp | 340 hp | 450 Nm | 2979 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | Turbo | 7-speed Robotic | RWD |
| Second-generation restyling — 2.0 MT, 156 hp | 156 hp | 240 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second-generation restyling — 2.0 AT, 156 hp | 156 hp | 240 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second-generation restyling — 2.0 AT, 184 hp | 184 hp | 270 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second-generation restyling — 2.0 AT, 245 hp | 245 hp | 350 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second-generation restyling — 3.0 DSG, 306 hp | 306 hp | 400 Nm | 2979 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | Turbo | 7-speed Robotic | RWD |
| Third generation — sDrive20i AT | 197 hp | 326 Nm | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third generation — sDrive30i AT | 258 hp | 408 Nm | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third generation — M40i AT | 340 hp | 501 Nm | 2998 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third generation — sDrive20i MT | 197 hp | 326 Nm | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Manual | RWD |
| Third-generation restyling — 20i 2.0 MT sDrive | 197 hp | 320 Nm | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Third-generation restyling — 20i 2.0 AT sDrive Steptronic | 197 hp | 320 Nm | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third-generation restyling — 30i 2.0AT sDrive Steptronic | 258 hp | 400 Nm | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third-generation restyling — M40i 2.0 AT Steptronic | 340 hp | 500 Nm | 2998 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third-generation restyling — M40i 2.0 MT, 340 hp | 340 hp | 500 Nm | 2998 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Third-generation restyling — M40i 2.0 MT, 382 hp | 382 hp | 500 Nm | 2998 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
Power per litre clarifies what each engine delivers from its displacement. The 2013–2017 156 hp 2.0 versions produce about 78 hp per litre, the 245 hp 2.0 versions about 123 hp per litre, and the third-generation 258 hp 2.0 versions about 129 hp per litre. The 382 hp M40i 2.0 MT reaches about 127 hp per litre from 2998 cc. Despite its exact database name containing “2.0,” its recorded displacement is 2998 cc.
BMW Z4 performance and fuel economy
The first-generation 150 hp 2.0 MT needs 8.2 seconds for 0–100 km/h and reaches 220 km/h. At the other end of the catalogue, the 382 hp M40i 2.0 MT records 4.2 seconds and 250 km/h. That makes it 4 seconds quicker to 100 km/h than the early 2.0 MT.
For a balance of pace and consumption, the third-generation sDrive30i AT is notable: 5.4 seconds to 100 km/h, 250 km/h and 6.1 l/100 km combined. Its third-generation-restyling counterpart, 30i 2.0AT sDrive Steptronic, matches the 5.4-second acceleration and 250 km/h top speed, with measured combined consumption of 7 l/100 km.
The 2018–2022 sDrive20i AT and sDrive20i MT each record 6.6 seconds to 100 km/h, 240 km/h and 6.1 l/100 km combined. Their city and highway figures are 7.4 and 5.4 l/100 km. The contemporary M40i AT cuts acceleration to 4.5 seconds and raises top speed to 250 km/h, while consumption rises to 9.2 l/100 km city, 6.3 highway and 7.4 combined.
Among the third-generation-restyling models, the 20i 2.0 MT sDrive uses 7.1 l/100 km combined; city and highway consumption are not measured. The 20i 2.0 AT sDrive Steptronic uses 6.9 l/100 km combined; city and highway consumption are not measured. The M40i 2.0 AT Steptronic uses 7.9 l/100 km combined, while the 340 hp M40i 2.0 MT uses 8.7 l/100 km combined; their city and highway figures are not measured. Combined consumption for the 382 hp M40i 2.0 MT is not measured.
Earlier figures vary substantially. The first-generation 2.0 MT combines 150 hp with 7.5 l/100 km, whereas the first-generation 3.0 MT combines 231 hp with 9.5 l/100 km. The second-generation 245 hp Turbo 2.0 versions use 6.8 l/100 km combined and reach 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. The second-generation 340 hp 3.0 DSG uses 9 l/100 km and takes 4.8 seconds. It therefore saves 0.9 seconds over the 245 hp 2.0 versions but consumes 2.2 l/100 km more.
BMW Z4 dimensions, weight and wheels
Weight is another useful buying filter. The first-generation 2.0 MT weighs 1220 kg, equal to about 8.1 kg per hp. The 231 hp first-generation 3.0 MT weighs 1315 kg, or about 5.7 kg per hp. In the second generation, the 340 hp 3.0 DSG weighs 1600 kg, equivalent to about 4.7 kg per hp. The third-generation M40i AT weighs 1610 kg, also about 4.7 kg per hp, while the 382 hp M40i 2.0 MT weighs 1594 kg, approximately 4.2 kg per hp.
Gross weight is 1520 kg for the first-generation 2.0 MT, 1855 kg for the second-generation 3.0 DSG and 1860 kg for the third-generation M40i AT. Gross weight for every supplied third-generation-restyling version is not measured.
Ground clearance varies from 108 to 130 mm in the listed first-generation-restyling and second-generation cars. The 2018–2022 sDrive20i and sDrive30i versions have 117 mm, while the M40i AT has 114 mm. Every listed third-generation-restyling version has 117 mm.
The fuel tank holds 55 litres in the first and second generations. It holds 52 litres in the third generation, before and after restyling. Wheel sizes are not measured for most versions. Where recorded, second-generation 3.0 MT versions use 225/45 R17 and 255/40 R17, while the 340 hp 3.0 DSG uses 225/40 R18 and 255/35 R18. Wheel sizes for all third-generation versions are not measured.
Which BMW Z4 version to choose
Choose the third-generation 30i 2.0AT sDrive Steptronic if you want the strongest numerical compromise among the newer cars. Compared with the 20i 2.0 AT sDrive Steptronic, it adds 61 hp and 80 Nm, reduces 0–100 km/h from 6.6 to 5.4 seconds and raises top speed from 240 to 250 km/h. The measured combined-consumption difference is only 0.1 l/100 km: 7 versus 6.9.
Choose the 2018–2022 sDrive20i AT or sDrive20i MT when measured economy matters most. Both provide 197 hp, 326 Nm, 6.6-second acceleration and 6.1 l/100 km combined consumption. The database lists 8 speeds for both, even though one is Automatic and the other Manual.
Choose the third-generation M40i AT if you want the 6-cylinder engine without giving up the Automatic gearbox. Relative to the sDrive30i AT, it adds 82 hp and 93 Nm and cuts the 0–100 km/h time by 0.9 seconds. The trade-off is 7.4 rather than 6.1 l/100 km combined, 105 kg more kerb weight and 3 mm less ground clearance.
Choose the 382 hp M40i 2.0 MT for the best power-to-weight ratio and quickest acceleration. It offers 42 hp more than the 340 hp M40i 2.0 MT while torque remains 500 Nm, reducing the 0–100 km/h time from 4.6 to 4.2 seconds. Its combined consumption is not measured, so the data cannot support an economy comparison between those two Manual versions.
Among earlier cars, the second-generation 245 hp Turbo 2.0 MT is the efficiency-performance choice: 5.7 seconds to 100 km/h and 6.8 l/100 km combined. The 340 hp 3.0 DSG is the performance choice: 4.8 seconds and 250 km/h, with 9 l/100 km combined. For a lighter, naturally aspirated option, the first-generation-restyling 265 hp 3.0 MT weighs 1325 kg and reaches 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. Its 8.8 l/100 km combined figure is higher than that of the 245 hp second-generation 2.0 MT, but it is 150 kg lighter.
Price, listings, reliability, engine-swap suitability and repair history are not measured in the supplied data. Those factors therefore cannot be used to rank versions here. On specifications alone, the 30i 2.0AT sDrive Steptronic is the balanced newer choice, the 382 hp M40i 2.0 MT is the outright performance choice, and the 2018–2022 sDrive20i versions deliver the lowest measured combined consumption in the catalogue.