BMW Z4 G29 (2018–2026)
Generation-specific owner insights from 105+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2018–today Z4?
13
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2018–2026
20
recall campaigns
engine
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the G29 Z4 are overwhelmingly positive, describing it as underrated, a future classic, and one of BMW's best current offerings.
6 problems reported (3 recurrent, 3 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentApple CarPlay connects and disconnects intermittently, resolved by a dealer iDrive software update
- RecurrentHarman Kardon sound system quality considered mediocre
- RecurrentSoft top rather than hardtop seen as a drawback by some
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedSteering feel described as lacking or numb
- IsolatedRoad noise and potential rattles inherent to the convertible top
- IsolatedWind buffeting noted as a reason some chose this car over the Supra
The version owners recommend
The M40i with the six-speed manual (Handschalter) is the clear owner favorite, repeatedly called the best driver's car BMW currently sells and a future classic. Owners note the manual comes with different suspension, steering feel, and wheel sizes versus the automatic, and that the B58 pairs "heavenly" with the manual. The 30i is regarded as sufficient for many, while the 20i is considered slow by several owners.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota Supra, Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman, Mazda MX-5 Miata, BMW M2 and BMW M240i.
Is a 2018–2026 Z4 right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Owners of the G29 Z4 are overwhelmingly positive, describing it as underrated, a future classic, and one of BMW's best current offerings. Praise centers on the rigid chassis with minimal cowl shake, the punchy B58 engine in M40i form, the exhaust note, exterior design, and the open-air experience. Criticism is narrower: the Harman Kardon sound system is repeatedly called mediocre, steering feel is noted as lacking by some, and the soft top (versus a hardtop) draws mixed feelings. Later model years, especially the 2025 Handschalter with its six-speed manual, generate the strongest enthusiasm, with owners calling the manual a significantly different and better driving experience than the automatic.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the Z4 as a more livable, better-looking, and better-value alternative to the Supra, citing the Supra's wind buffeting and claustrophobic cabin as reasons to choose the Z4, while acknowledging both share the same platform and BMW mechanicals. Against the Boxster, owners see the Z4 as the more reasonable price for comparable open-top fun, though some concede the Boxster is the purer sports car. Versus the Miata, owners frame the Z4 as the heavier, more luxurious, faster grand tourer while the Miata is the lighter, more connected, more reliable driver's car. Against the M2, owners describe the Z4 as more of a comfortable GT with similar point-and-shoot cornering and abundant torque, while the M2 is the true M track-focused machine. The Golf R is positioned as the more practical, nearly-as-fun daily alternative.
Recommended configurations
Owners strongly recommend the M40i with the Handschalter manual package for driving engagement, and advise getting the M Sport Pro package with adaptive dampers for a compliant ride. The B58 engine is praised for its flexibility, delivering strong performance or relaxed highway cruising. For those not needing the six-cylinder, the 30i is described as sufficient and fun. Owners advise against the 20i if performance matters, and note the manual is nearly impossible to find on dealer lots, requiring a factory order.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers who will drive with the top down regularly, value open-air touring, and want a comfortable yet capable roadster; owners explicitly say if you won't use the convertible top, buy a Supra instead. The manual Handschalter is recommended for enthusiasts and is expected to depreciate less and become collectible. Buyers should verify the iDrive software is updated to resolve Apple CarPlay connectivity problems, and should confirm adaptive dampers are fitted. Owners suggest a good independent repair shop over dealer service for cost reasons. Those wanting maximum practicality or track focus are steered toward the M2 or M240i.
Remarks
Owners frequently note the Z4 is overlooked and underrated, with very few seen on the road and low production volumes expected for the manual, fueling future-classic predictions. Many wish a hardtop or a true M (S58) version existed. The matte/frozen paint options prompt advice to add paint protection film. Interior is praised as more modern than prior-generation BMWs. Analysis based on approximately 105 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 0 | engine |
| 2022 | 1 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2021 | 1 | 5 | unknown or other |
| 2020 | 5 | 6 | electrical system |
| 2019 | 5 | 6 | engine |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2022 · visibility:power window devices and controlscampaign 23V099000
BMW of North Americal, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 8 Series Coupe (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, Alpine B8 xDrive), 2 Series Coupe (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i xDrive, M2), and 2022-2023 Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i vehicles. When the digital key is removed from the vehicle, the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software may still allow the power windows and sunroof to be closed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-operated Window Systems."
2022 · electrical system:starter assembly:relaycampaign 25V636000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
2022 · electrical system:starter assemblycampaign 26V056000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.
2021 · seat beltscampaign 21V554000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible (430i, M440i), BMW X1 sDrive28i, xDrive28i, 2 Series Gran Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i xDrive), M2 Competition Coupe, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, M3 Competition, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, CooperS, JCW), X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X2 M35i, Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper SE), MINI Convertible (Cooper, Cooper S, JCW), MINI Clubman (Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW), MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), Rolls Royce Ghost, MINI Countryman (Cooper S E All4), Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and Toyota Supra vehicles. The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2021 · fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assemblycampaign 20V700000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Z4 and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. The weld between the fuel tank halves may have been insufficiently welded, causing the weld to fail.
2021 · enginecampaign 21V598000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.
2021 · electrical system:starter assembly:relaycampaign 25V636000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
2021 · electrical system:starter assemblycampaign 26V056000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.
2020 · exterior lighting:headlightscampaign 19V850000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 Z4 M40i, Z4 sDrive30i, 330i and 330i xDrive vehicles as well as 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The headlight control units may fail causing a loss of one or both of the headlights.
2020 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 19V684000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
2020 · fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assemblycampaign 20V700000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Z4 and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. The weld between the fuel tank halves may have been insufficiently welded, causing the weld to fail.
2020 · enginecampaign 21V598000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.
3 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.