Retractable hardtops have largely gone out of fashion with sports car manufacturers, the reason being that the weight penalty of such a complex mechanism is not conducive to engaging dynamics.
That’s a shame, really, because such an option allows you to switch at will between coupé and cabriolet yet suffer none of the noise or fragility penalties of a regular soft-top. This was demonstrated perfectly by the previous BMW Z4, which succeeded both roadster and fixed-roof models.
Happily, this model, codenamed E89 and produced between 2009 and 2016, maintains a strong showing on the second-hand market, and buying one need not make you blow your top.
The Z4 is an enticing prospect as an all-weather sports car, and its diverse array of drivetrains serves to enhance its appeal. There was no all-guns-blazing Z4 M this time, but pleasingly potent straight-six options came in the form of the 204bhp sDrive23i, the 258bhp sDrive30i, the 306bhp sDrive35i and the top-rung sDrive35iS, which made a Porsche Boxster-rivalling 335bhp so could send the Z4 from 0-62mph in 4.8sec.
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However, the Z4 is equally at home as a relaxed Sunday driver, and it can be had with less demanding 2.0-litre four-cylinder powertrains, ranging in output from 152bhp to 238bhp.
You might consider buying a BMW sports car with a turbo four nothing short of a sin, but if you plan on using a Z4 daily – which you no doubt could do – these slightly more frugal four-bangers will let you pass more petrol stations, albeit while emitting a somewhat less attractive engine note.
As for the Z4’s party piece, the roof could be raised or lowered in 20 seconds – a feat that you should ensure is still possible with any potential purchase. Trouble here isn’t to be trifled with: dodgy sensors and inaccurate parameters can cause all sorts of issues, potentially leaving you top-down in the rain and with a sizeable repair bill on the cards.
Find a good example, though, and the Z4 is a thoroughly usable sports car with a decent-sized boot (aftermarket luggage racks can be found from around £200 if you ever have big loads to lug), palatable fuel economy and a wealth of support.
Facebook pages and forums dedicated specifically to the E89- generation Z4 are gold mines of information on the model’s most common failures and how to rectify them, while replacement parts aren’t prohibitively expensive, particularly if you’re willing to trawl scrapyards.
