The BMW Z4 is a 2-door, rear-wheel-drive sports car in Roadster convertible and Coupe body styles. The Z4 Roadster replaced the Z3 for 2003 and the Z4 Coupe joined the lineup for 2006. The Z3 was the first of a new wave of German roadsters that was introduced in early 1996 and the first BMW roadster to be sold in America since 1959, when the legendary 507 was discontinued. The Z4 Roadster is available in two trims: 3.0i and 3.0si, whereas the Z4 Coupe comes only in a single trim: 3.0si. The Z4 comes with a basic warranty of 48 months/ 50,000 miles.

The Z4 convertible models received fresh styling in 2006. For 2008, the Z4 models receive a 3.0-liter Inline-six-cylinder engine that generates 215 hp for the 3.0i Roadster trim and 255 hp for the Roadster and Coupe 3.0si trim. All Z4 models come with a standard six-speed manual transmission; an optional six-speed automatic that replaces last year's five-speed automatic transmission is available. Fuel economy rates at 20/30 mpg (city/highway) with the manual transmission, and 21/30 mpg with the automatic transmission.

In 2008, the coupe gets better looking than the convertible with its reworked back end and sloping, shapely, rigid metal roof offering a stiffer structure and better feel. Convertibles have a fabric top with a glass rear window. All Z4 models are well-equipped, the upgraded material and the well spaced dashboard are part of the new Z4 cockpit. For 2007, BMW Z4 receives a standard tire-pressure monitor and an auxiliary audio input. Saddle Brown is a new color introduced for the Extended High Performance Leather package and the Premium Package now includes a 4-year subscription to BMW Assist.

The BMW Z4 earned four stars (out of five) in the frontal-impact occupant protection crash tests of the NHTSA. It has a three-star rating for side-impact safety. An advanced Dynamic Stability Control system, knee airbags, side-impact airbags, rollover protection, child-seat anchor points for the passenger seat, and four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard features across all trims.