Skip to main content
Check

BMW Z4 E89 (2009-2016) reliability

At a glance

BMW Z4 E89 built around 2016: more dangerous faults than average

Testers find a dangerous fault on BMW Z4 E89 models built around 2016 more often than on similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Looking at a BMW Z4 E89?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

8% of MOT tests on BMW Z4 E89 models built around 2016 found a fault the tester marked as dangerous, against 4% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on BMW Z4 E89 models built around 2016 involves the tyres.

BMW Z4 E89
2009-2016ConvertiblePETROL

Based on 17,179 tests of Z4 models registered 2009-2016.

About 1 in 25 Z4 E89 MOTs (3.8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2016 (9 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,587 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 12 Z4 E89 MOTs (8.2%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2016 (9 years old).

Based on 1,587 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

E89 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
60313.1%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
1,58715.4%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
2,16116.0%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
2,06916.1%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
2,04116.6%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
2,38016.1%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
2,12916.3%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
2,80016.6%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,40918.3%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 16 years old.

How the Z4 E89 compares

At each age below, see how the Z4 E89 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 160,988 tests across 18 BMW models, built around 2016 (9 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateBMW average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
60313.1%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
1,58715.4%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
2,16116.0%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
2,06916.1%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
2,04116.6%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
2,38016.1%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
2,12916.3%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
2,80016.6%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,40918.3%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other convertibles to compare

Other convertibles, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Z4 E89.

  1. 1

    Porsche Boxster

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    6.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.5%
    Dangerous
    2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    97.9%

    Lower fail rate: 6.5%, against 15.4% for the BMW Z4 E89, both built around 2016.

    1,302 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  2. 2

    Mazda MX-5

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3%
    Dangerous
    3.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    97.6%

    Lower fail rate: 12.4%, against 15.4% for the BMW Z4 E89, both built around 2016.

    4,540 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  3. 3

    Mercedes-Benz Slc

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.2%

    No clear edge over the BMW Z4 E89 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,244 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  4. 4

    Mercedes-Benz SLK

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.1%
    Dangerous
    5.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    92.7%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 5.4%, against 8.2% for the BMW Z4 E89.

    3,439 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

96%of all BMW Z4 cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

14 recalls in all

6 of the 14 Z4 E89 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 5 more

Top concerns

  • Plug in contact cable may malfunction
  • Replace VANOS bolts N51 N52 N55
  • Driveshaft universal joint may break

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How Z4 E89 cars have aged

How Z4 E89 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%579111315Age at MOTBuilt around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.8% (962 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.8% (912 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.7% (902 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 14.4% (861 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 16.7% (844 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.9% (1,287 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.9% (1,219 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 12.9% (1,164 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 14.0% (1,149 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 16.3% (1,130 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.3% (1,342 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 14.8% (1,297 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 14.0% (1,289 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 15.2% (1,237 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 15.3% (1,226 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.2% (1,174 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 14.5% (1,107 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 16.6% (1,125 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 16.1% (1,040 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 15.8% (1,039 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 15.3% (1,348 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 13.4% (1,285 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 16.1% (1,257 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 16.9% (1,258 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (1,186 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 14.5% (1,244 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 15.3% (1,229 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 15.7% (1,149 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 16.6% (1,162 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 16.1% (1,117 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 17.0% (1,463 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 15.8% (1,399 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (1,416 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 16.7% (1,332 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 17.2% (1,310 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (1,661 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 17.2% (1,572 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 18.4% (1,540 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 18.5% (1,467 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 18.3% (1,409 tests, 2025 data)2009
First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013
E89 variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on BMW Z4 models of this age

This list covers every BMW Z4 built around 2016, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the E89 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    14.9%
    Advisory: 346Fail: 28 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    11.2%
    Advisory: 203Fail: 74 (27% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    8.9%
    Advisory: 201Fail: 4 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    6.4%
    Advisory: 119Fail: 5 (4% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords

    4.0%
    Advisory: 45Fail: 44 (49% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,587 tests

Looking at a BMW Z4 E89?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2016 (9 years old), the BMW Z4 E89 (2009-2016) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,587 9-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 17,179 MOT tests on BMW Z4 models first registered between 2009-2016. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.