DecodedCars2008 BMW Z4
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 3.0i / 3.0si 2dr Conv RWD, M 2dr Conv RWD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.2L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 161–161.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,020–3,197 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 22 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2008 two seaters (18.6 MPG).
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 BMW Z4 is a two seaters offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl and 3.2L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 161 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 98-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,020 lb (3.0i / 3.0si 2dr Conv RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 28 highway), 18% better than the 2008 two seaters average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Z4 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Z4 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0i / 3.0si 2dr Conv RWD | 161 in | 70.1 in | 51.2 in | 98 in | 58.3 / 59.8 in | 3,020 lb | 50/50 |
| M 2dr Conv RWD | 161.8 in | 70.1 in | 51.2 in | 98 in | 58.3 / 57.9 in | 3,197 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z4 3.0i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | +18% | $3,750 | 404 |
| Z4 3.0si | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | +18% | $3,750 | 404 |
| Z4 Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | +18% | $3,750 | 404 |
| Z4 3.0i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | +13% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Z4 3.0si | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | +13% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Z4 Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | +13% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Z4 M Coupe | 3.2L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -3% | $4,550 | 494 |
| Z4 M Roadster | 3.2L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -3% | $4,550 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 BMW Z4 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 BMW Z4 (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Porsche Boxster | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Audi TT Roadster | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv) · Mar 2, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V119000 · 917,106 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
- Fix
- This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv) · Oct 30, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V683000 · 740,561 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2008 BMW Z4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 BMW Z4 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 8 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 4 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Steering — 1 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 75,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 BMW Z4. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Z4 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Z4 | 28 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 Z4 | 28 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 Z4 | 28 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 Z4 | 28 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 Z4 | 28 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 1 |
| 2021 Z4 | 28 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Z4 | 27 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 6 | 5 |
| 2019 Z4 | 28 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 6 | 5 |
| 2016 Z4 | 26 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 4 |
| 2015 Z4 | 26 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2014 Z4 | 26 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 7 |
| 2013 Z4 | 26 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 7 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →