Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 BMW Z4
The 2021 BMW Z4 is a sports that earns a Carivo score of 7.6/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.7/10, while Reliability at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 6.6/10 for reliability, this sports trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 7.9/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Few rivals match it for performance: 8.7/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining sportss to actually drive. On technology it rates 8.2/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $54,099–$72,199, 24 MPG, seating 2, the BMW Z4 sits in the premium tier of the sports category. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2021 BMW Z4 will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on value and reliability if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good sports should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sportss
The 2021 BMW Z4 ranks #176 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 45% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $54,099 starting price is about 17% above the segment's median of $46,090.
$0 — 5 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Z4 Year Should You Buy?
Across the Z4 model years we've scored, the 2021 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing
NHTSA Recalls — 2021 BMW Z4 (5 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Seat belts 21/07/2021 · 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…
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.
Engine 02/08/2021 · 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…
Electrical system / Starter assembly / Relay 23/09/2025 · 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…
Electrical system / Starter assembly 30/01/2026 · 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…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2021 BMW Z4 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2021 BMW Z4
Is the 2021 BMW Z4 reliable?
We rate the 2021 BMW Z4's reliability 6.6/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2021 BMW Z4 have?
5 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2021 BMW Z4 worth buying?
It scores 7.6/10 overall, ranking #176 of 316 sportss in our database (better than 45% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2021 BMW Z4 cost?
The 2021 BMW Z4 starts at $54,099 and ranges up to $72,199 across trims (MSRP when new). At 24 MPG, expect roughly $2,188/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Z4 years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 8 Z4 model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.8/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2021 BMW Z4 have?
The documented issues for the 2021 BMW Z4 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Seat belts, Fuel system, gasoline, Engine, Electrical system (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — BMW Z4
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More BMW Reviews
Explore the full lineup of BMW models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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