Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The E85 BMW Z4 is a sharp, characterful roadster from BMW's naturally aspirated era, and the five-speed manual 2.5i is the enthusiast's pick. This 2005 example wears attractive Merlot Red over Beige and shows low mileage. It is on Bring a Trailer at no reserve, bid to $8,000 with six days to go, so it sells this week.2005 BMW Z4 RoadsterBring a TrailerWhat it's worth right nowThe Z4 2.5i sits at the affordable end of the modern-roadster market. According to Classic.com, the E85 2.5i averages around $11,617, with typical higher-mileage cars trading in the $7,000 to $12,000 range and exceptional low-mile examples reaching a high of about $21,500. Notably, this same car sold on Bring a Trailer for $17,250 in March 2025.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat prior sale is the key context, because it was listed then as a 15,000-mile car and now shows 19,000, which affects the value story detailed below. The manual gearbox and attractive color are genuine pluses.2005 BMW Z4 RoadsterBring a TrailerWeighing the low indicated mileage and desirable manual against the odometer question, fair value realistically lands in the $11,000 to $17,000 range, most likely the mid-teens. At $8,000 with six days remaining and no reserve, the bidding will climb into that band.Condition and detailsThe car presents well and is nicely specified. Finished in Merlot Red Metallic over Beige leather with the Premium Package, it wears 18-inch wheels and has heated power seats, and the 2.5-liter M54 inline-six drives through the five-speed manual. The window sticker, owner's manual, and service records accompany it.2005 BMW Z4 RoadsterBring a TrailerThe central point concerns the mileage. This same selling dealer sold the car on Bring a Trailer as a 15,000-mile example in March 2025, and it now shows 19,000 about five months later, while the current listing states only a handful of miles were added by the dealer. That roughly 4,000-mile increase is inconsistent with the handful claim and undercuts the verified-low-mile premium these cars can command, so treat the mileage as a shown figure, seek the service records and prior-sale details, and price accordingly.2005 BMW Z4 RoadsterBring a TrailerBeyond that, verify the usual E85 items: the electric power steering, cooling-system components, and convertible-top operation. Note also that the dealer's terms require payment by wire with no inspection contingency, so arrange any inspection before bidding.2005 BMW Z4 RoadsterBring a TrailerAdvertisementAdvertisementThe offerSpecificationDetailMakeBMWModelZ4 Roadster 2.5iYear2005Mileage19,000 miles shownEngine2.5-liter inline-sixPower184 hp and 175 lb.ft of torqueTransmission5-speed manualDrive typeRear wheel driveExterior colorMerlot Red MetallicInterior colorBeige leatherCurrent bid$8,000, no reserve, with six days leftInterested in this 2005 BMW Z4 Roadster 2.5i? View the listing here.What makes the Z4 uniqueThe first-generation Z4 marked a bold styling departure for BMW, its sharp, controversial-at-the-time flame-surfaced lines aging into something genuinely distinctive. Beneath the long hood sits a naturally aspirated inline-six, the smooth, free-revving M54 that defines the pre-turbo BMW driving experience, and paired with the five-speed manual it delivers exactly the kind of communicative, top-down fun the roadster format promises. It is a proper driver's car, rear-wheel drive and mechanically honest, from an era enthusiasts increasingly prize.2005 BMW Z4 RoadsterBring a TrailerThat combination of a characterful naturally aspirated six, a manual gearbox, and classic roadster proportions is what makes the Z4 2.5i so appealing, particularly at its current accessible values. With BMW having ended Z4 production, these analog-feeling early cars represent an affordable slice of the marque's roadster heritage.My takeI have a lot of time for these cars. A manual-equipped Z4 with the sweet naturally aspirated six is genuinely fun, and in Merlot Red over Beige this one looks great and represents affordable open-top motoring from a era BMW enthusiasts look back on fondly. For a weekend roadster that will not break the bank, it makes a strong case.AdvertisementAdvertisementFair value sits in the $11,000 to $17,000 range, and the manual and low indicated mileage support the upper part, but the odometer inconsistency is the thing to resolve, because the low-mile premium depends entirely on verified miles. Dig into the service records and the prior-sale history, treat the mileage as shown, and get a pre-purchase inspection before the wire-only terms kick in. Sort that out, and you have a characterful, affordable manual roadster to enjoy.Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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