why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2010 BMW Z4

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 4 photos

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 BMW Z4

Overview

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2010 BMW Z4 Review

By KBB.com Editors

While some premium roadster drivers are serious about power, handling and feel, a good many are more interested in style and fresh-air fun. In a segment that includes the Porsche Boxster, Mercedes-Benz SLK and Audi TT, no car can appeal to both camps more so than the latest Z4. Inside, outside and underneath, the Z4 has the makings of one of the all-time great roadsters.

You'll Like This Car If...

If your desire for a premium roadster is driven by both performance and style considerations, you won't find a more satisfying car in the category than the 2010 BMW Z4.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The 2010 BMW Z4 may offer more power than a Porsche Boxster or Cayman, but those who place a higher importance on balance and driving feel are likely to prefer the Porsches. If rear-drive performance is less than a primary consideration, you might find the Audi TT and its significantly lower sticker prices especially appealing.

What's New for 2010

Since the latest version of the Z4 was just introduced in the second half of in 2009, there are no significant updates for 2010.

Driving the Z4

Driving Impressions We like driving BMWs. We like driving roadsters. Surprise, surprise; we've had a blast in the latest, greatest Z4. It's comfortable on the highway - far more so than the...

last model - but also delivers the goods when the going gets twisty. Steering feel is good, if not Porsche-perfect, and the new dual-clutch transmission shifts smoothly (important in auto mode) and quickly (important in manual mode). And we could hardly ask for anything more from the strong and responsive twin-turbo six (which is the only engine we've sampled in the latest Z4 to date). From a balance and feel and driving intangibles perspective, the mid-engine Boxster remains the category's gold standard. But throw power and style into the mix and the new Z4 just may take the crown.

Favorite Features

Adaptive M Suspension
For a buyer who wants a Z4 softer, stiffer or both, the new Z4 offers an optional, three-setting "Sport Package featuring Adaptive M Suspension with Electronic Damping Control." "Normal" mode is softer than the standard suspension, "Sport+" mode is stiffer than the previous model's, and "Sport" mode splits the difference.

Dual-clutch Transmission
The transmission that made its debut on BMW's latest, world-beating M3 is yet another nail in the clutch pedal's coffin. In the 2010 BMW Z4, BMW's dual-clutch transmission shifts quickly and seamlessly, and engages more smoothly than the similar units we've experienced in VW, Audi and Mitsubishi vehicles.

2010 BMW Z4 Details

Interior

The Z4's interior was also designed by a woman. While some of us have grown bored with BMW's slowly evolving interior design, settling into the 2010 BMW Z4 - especially one lined in lighter leather - might actually evoke stronger images of a chic hotel than the first BMW 3 Series you ever rode in. In addition to styling and materials quality, noteworthy interior bits include an available trunk pass-through for short skis, usable storage space behind the front seats and two more inches of interior width compared to its predecessor. Navigation-equipped cars enjoy the best version of BMW's iDrive central control to date, enhanced by a retractable, glare-resistant widescreen display.

Exterior

When we saw the first pictures of the newest BMW Z4, we thought it looked good. When we saw it in person, we fell in love. The newest BMW drop-top combines perfect proportions and gorgeous lines in a roadster that's both classic and contemporary at once. Visual highlights include the wide front end, long, bulging hood, strong character line sloping upward from the rear wheel and a light, well-integrated hard top. We find it interesting that the newest Z4 looks more like an offshoot of the first Z3, than its immediate predecessor. BMW notes the Z4 is one of the few cars in history with sheetmetal designed by a woman, and we're hoping more are on the way.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Standard equipment on a 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive 30i includes 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine, six-speed manual transmission, three-mode Driving Dynamics Control, Xenon Adaptive Headlights, Dynamic Cruise Control, rain-sensing wipers and an AM/FM/CD/SAT/AUX audio system. Some of the features you might be surprised to find on a vehicle costing more than $45,000 are manually adjustable seats, manual climate control and leatherette upholstery. Standard safety equipment includes front and side airbags, electronic stability control and adaptive brake lights, which activate more prominently during panic stops.

Optional Equipment

In addition to a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged, six-cylinder engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, a fully loaded 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive 35i includes a navigation system, iDrive, keyless entry and start, rear parking sensors, premium audio with iPod integration, trunk pass-through, Adaptive M Suspension, leather sport seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and power seats with driver-side memory.

Under the Hood

The 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive 30i's 255-horsepower engine is another fine BMW inline-six engine, but the sDrive 35i's twin-turbocharged, 300-horsepower version is widely considered one of the best engines ever built. For some, any mention of turbocharging brings to mind words like "lag" and "surge" - both of which are virtually nonexistent here (and in many other modern turbos, thanks in large part to direct-injection technology). A six-speed manual is standard on both vehicles, a six-speed automatic is available on the sDrive 30i, but the standout transmission is the dual-clutch seven-speed unit available only on the 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive 35i.

3.0-liter in-line six (Z4 sDrive 30i)
255 horsepower @ 6600 rpm
220 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged in-line six (Z4 sDrive 35i)
300 horsepower @ 5800 rpm
300 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1400-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 (manual), 17/24 (dual-clutch auto)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used BMW Z4 vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2010 BMW Z4 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.6

Out of 10

Based on 18 Ratings for the 2009 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

9.1/10

Quality

9.8/10
Reliability

9.8/10

Performance

9.7/10
Comfort

9.4/10

Styling

9.8/10

Good car ruined by run flat tires.

By Bono on Saturday, February 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 16,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "Looks great"

Cons: "Noisy tires"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Noisy run flat tires take fun out of driving. Do NOT buy this car with run flats. BMW does not care or try to make it right. Will never buy another BMW. Back to Lexus!"

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

This is my best sport car !!

By Rebel (LA) on Monday, November 12, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 26,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive,great navagation system !"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"My Z is one of the best Sport cars I own ! Fun to drive and very comfortable on long trips . I love the looks and the hard top works great ! I own a Mercedes SLK, Lexus SD 350, Nissan 370Z ,Corvette Z1 and a Ford T bird ! This Z4 tops them all ! My Infiniti G37s coupe is Great and has the best ride but not considered A 2 seat sport car !"

10 people out of 11 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Excellent quality, fun to drive. Exciting

By Jack (CT) on Friday, June 29, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Fun, responsive, good tech (with nav system)."

Cons: "Price, but still has good value."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Just got it 1 month ago. A 35i with bluetooth, navigation, satellite radio, and 'bmw connect'. When I plug in my Ipod i can scroll through my different playlists, pick groups. The professional radio is outstanding. It has the 'm-sport' suspension and is very responsive. Finally, the navigation system is superb. Can be adjusted by the passenger while driving, audio directions (can be muted). Technology is very good - as good as anywhere."

12 people out of 12 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Best Vehicle Ever

By jeb (FL) on Friday, April 06, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 26,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: Not Rated

Pros: "I agree with the Pros"

Cons: "Yes the cup holder is in a very bad spot."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I own a 2003 BMW Z4 that I purchased new. This car is fantastic and built like a sherman tank. Recently I was sitting at a red light and got hit hard from behind. The guy that hit me took off before I could get any information. Can you believe the only damage to the rear end of the 4 was it lost a few little spots of paint the car didn't bend at all. I definitely will buy another one at some time. I love that car."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Good Car

By LilZ4 (FL) on Monday, February 13, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 100,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "fun to drive, good customer service, good looking"

Cons: "expensive, not enough cup holders, no technology"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Good car. Not enough technology to compare with competing cars. Sharp look and well designed convertible roof. Sports car design without adequate comfort or technology. I would have loved to see a better entertainment system."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Perfect Summer Car

By LuckyDom (PA) on Sunday, February 05, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Quality, fun to drive, very comfortable"

Cons: "Cup holders"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The ultimate roadster. Fun to drive yet incredibly comfortable with plenty of headroom with the top up for those of us 6'2" and taller. Hard top convertible gives you the best of both worlds. As always the BMW approach to cup holders is laughable but if that is an issue then you shouldn't be buying a BMW in the first place."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 18 reviews