The BMW Z cars have a special place in the hearts of many fans of the German brand. With their quirky design and unique character, they have occupied a distinct place in the brand’s lineup. Spanning across decades, from the late 1980s to the present day, the Z models have showcased BMW’s creativity on both the design and performance fronts.Today, the most recent addition to the family, the third-generation Z4, has been discontinued without a direct successor. The situation leaves us with questions about where the Z series is headed and, indeed, whether it has a future in an ever-changing automotive world.In the absence of a new BMW Z to look forward to (at least for now), we are looking back at the series’ past, specifically the Z3 and Z4 roadsters. These two models are popular choices among enthusiasts looking for a used sports car. Here is what each offers and how much you can expect to pay.For this article, we have chosen to focus on the roadster variants of these models, although both the Z3 and the first-gen Z4 also offered a coupe version. We are also setting aside the M models for this report. Specs refer to the base trim level for each model at the time of its launch. The Z3 BMWThe Z3 was the first mass-produced model in BMW’s “Z” series of sports cars. Its predecessor, the Z1, had a limited three-year production run from 1989 through 1991, with a total of 8,000 units built. The Z3 hit the market in 1995 and went on sale for the 1996 model year.The Z3 was notable as the first-ever BMW model to be manufactured entirely outside Germany. The automaker assembled it in the United States at BMW’s manufacturing facility in Greer, South Carolina.Its introduction included a major marketing boost when it appeared in GoldenEye, the seventeenth movie in the James Bond franchise. The car’s role in the movie also inspired a special edition of the model, the 1996 James Bond Edition. Originally set for a 20-unit production run, this edition ended up with 100 examples produced, featuring a 007 plaque, unique interior trim, and an Atlanta Blue paint finish that matched the car in the movie.BMW The Z3 was powered by a range of inline-four and inline-six engines, which varied in size and power output nearly every year of the Z3’s life. The transmission lineup included a five-speed manual, four-speed automatic, and a five-speed automatic.Today, the most affordable examples of the Z3 Roadster can be found for around $4,000. The most expensive ones reach around $25,000. The First-Generation Z4 (E85) BMWWhile the limited-run Z8 was produced at the same time as the Z3, the next full-scale Z model to arrive on the market was the first-generation Z4. Launched for the 2003 model year, the Z4 was initially available exclusively as a roadster (E85). It represented a considerable jump forward compared to the Z3, thanks to a stiffer chassis, electric power steering, and a multi-link suspension. Although the Z4’s design initially got a mixed reception, it has since grown to be widely loved by BMW enthusiasts.Power came from a selection of two inline-six engines: a 2.5-liter unit and a 3.0-liter one. Later on, after a mid-cycle facelift, both engines received a power boost. The transmission lineup also changed. While the pre-facelift models offered five- and six-speed manual transmissions as well as five- and six-speed automatic transmissions, after the facelift only the two six-speed options remained.BMW The first-gen Z4 remained on the market until the 2008 model year, after which its second-gen E89 successor replaced it. Today, the E85 Z4 makes a fantastic entry point for drivers seeking a cheap way into the world of convertibles. The most affordable examples would set you back as little as $5,000, while the most expensive ones can cost up to $25,000.However, with the earliest examples now over 20 years old, you should be wary when considering some of the most affordable options, as repairs and bills are likely lurking around the corner. If spending some time working on your car or setting aside some money for repairs is not an obstacle, then even the cheapest examples could be a good purchase. The Second-Generation Z4 (E89) BMWThe second generation of the Z4 arrived on the market for the 2009 model year. It was notable in BMW’s history as the company’s first model designed entirely by female designers: Juliane Blasi and Nadya Arnaout. Unlike its predecessor, which offered separate roadster and coupe models, the E89 blended them by adopting a retractable hardtop.Power came from a selection of three engines, varying across model years. The offerings included the 3.0-liter inline-six carried over from the first generation, a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, which arrived two years into the model’s lifespan. Transmission options included six- and seven-speed automatic transmissions, plus a six-speed manual.BMW In 2013, the model underwent a facelift that included reworked headlights, new option packages, and interior changes. However, no changes were made to the powertrain lineup. The model remained on the market until 2016.If you’re looking for a second-gen Z4 on the used market today, the cheapest examples will set you back around $10,000, while the most expensive ones can reach around $40,000. The CarBuzz Marketplace currently shows an average sale price of about $18,000 in the last 90 days. The Third-Generation Z4 (G29) BMWThe third-generation Z4 was released in 2018 for the 2019 model year. Unlike its predecessors, it was developed as part of a collaborative effort. BMW and Toyota entered a partnership that resulted in the Z4 on the German side and the GR Supra on the Japanese side.This iteration of the Z4 was available with the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder known as the B48 and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with the internal designation B58. The transmission lineup was also shared, including an eight-speed automatic and a six-speed manual.BMW The Z4’s Toyota counterpart, the Supra, has also been discontinued. However, unlike the BMW, it has a successor in the planning stages. That being said, a few changes are coming. There is reportedly no manual transmission on the horizon for this future model, and Toyota may pursue some form of electrification.BMW recently discontinued the Z4, and there are still some new examples available from dealers. There are also plenty of cars from this generation on the used market because this model was around for nearly a decade. Prices for the third-gen Z4 range from around $20,000 to $75,000. The CarBuzz Marketplace puts the current average at around $31,500. Which Of These Models Is The Best Purchase Out There? BMW The BMW Z car family is full of models that would make a fantastic addition to your garage. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and, of course, personal preference is also a major factor. However, if we had to pick one model, we would go with the E89-generation (second-gen) Z4. Specifically, the sDrive35i model with the six-speed manual transmission is the sweet spot. The 35i was equipped with the most powerful engine in the E89-gen Z4’s lineup, the N54 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six.BMW Unfortunately, this model is tough to find. One reason for the rarity is that the manual transmission is only available until the 2014 model year. The 2015 and 2016 models, the last two years in this generation, only have the seven-speed automatic. Another factor is that, even when on sale, relatively few customers selected the manual transmission. If you're able to find a manual-equipped sDrive35i, expect to pay between around $15,000 and $28,000 for the car. Although that number is likely to go up as this model's value is rising.Whichever Z car you choose, it would no doubt provide endless driving enjoyment and add a touch of BMW style to your garage. For some examples of the older models, this will mean spending a bit of time and money getting your pride and joy back into shape, but if you’re on the hunt for a new project car, this could just be the way to go.Sources: BMW
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