The 2014 BMW Z4 convertible is a bit of a weirdo in the car world. Most purists will tell you it isn't "sporty" enough because it lacks the razor-sharp edge of a Porsche Boxster or the lightweight simplicity of a Miata. They’re missing the point. Honestly, if you want a car that makes you feel like a movie star on a weekend trip to the coast without breaking your back or your bank account, this is basically the sweet spot.
It’s a grand tourer in a tiny suit.
Back in 2014, BMW was right in the middle of the E89 generation. This was the era of the folding hardtop. It’s heavy. It’s complex. But man, does it make the car look gorgeous. Unlike the older Z3 or the later G29 models with their fabric roofs, the 2014 model looks like a sleek coupe when the top is up. Then, in about 20 seconds, the hydraulics do their dance and you’ve got the wind in your hair. It’s two cars for the price of one.
What you actually get under the hood
You’ve got three main choices here, and picking the wrong one is a mistake you’ll regret every time you hit an on-ramp.
The base model is the sDrive28i. It uses the N20 four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Is it efficient? Sure. Is it fast enough for most people? Probably. But it sounds like a sewing machine. If you’re buying a BMW roadster, you really want that signature inline-six howl. That’s where the sDrive35i comes in. It uses the legendary N54 twin-turbo 3.0-liter engine. It’s smooth. It’s punchy. It makes 300 horsepower and feels much faster than the numbers suggest on paper.
If you’re feeling spendy, the sDrive35is (notice the extra 's') bumps things up to 335 horsepower and adds an overboost function. This version only came with the 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch transmission). It’s snappy. It pops on the downshifts. It’s a riot.
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The N54 engine reality check
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: reliability. The N54 engine in the 2014 BMW Z4 convertible is a masterpiece of engineering, but it’s also a bit of a diva. By 2014, BMW had fixed many of the early issues that plagued the 2009-2011 models, like the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures. However, you still have to watch out for leaking fuel injectors and cooling system plastic that gets brittle over time.
If you find a car with 60,000 miles and no record of a water pump replacement, just assume you’re going to be doing that job in the first six months. It’s not "if," it’s "when."
Driving a 2014 BMW Z4 convertible vs. the competition
Driving this car is an exercise in relaxation. The steering isn't as communicative as an old hydraulic rack, and the suspension—even in Sport mode—is tuned for comfort. It glides over bumps that would make a Mazda MX-5 shudder.
You sit almost over the rear axle. The hood stretches out for miles in front of you. It’s a classic long-nose, short-deck silhouette that just works. Inside, the 2014 update brought some nicer materials to the cabin. The iDrive system from this year is actually usable, though it lacks modern Apple CarPlay. Most owners just buy a $300 MMI Prime retrofit kit to get wireless CarPlay on the original screen. Problem solved.
- Mercedes-Benz SLK: More "grandpa" vibes, less engaging drive.
- Porsche Boxster (981): Better handling, but the engine is mid-mounted so you lose the trunk space, and maintenance costs are double.
- Audi TT Roadster: Front-wheel drive based, which just feels wrong in a sports car.
The Z4 is the middle ground. It's the "just right" porridge of the German roadster world.
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That folding hardtop magic
The 2014 BMW Z4 convertible features a two-piece aluminum roof. It is a marvel of German over-engineering. Because it’s a hardtop, the car is remarkably quiet on the highway. You can actually have a conversation at 80 mph without screaming.
The downside? Trunk space. When the top is down, you have enough room for maybe two small backpacks and a baguette. If you’re planning a weekend getaway, you have to pack light or leave the top up until you get to the hotel. Also, those hydraulic lines for the roof can leak. Check the trunk for moisture. If the carpets are damp, run away. A failing roof motor is a multi-thousand-dollar headache that involves removing half the interior.
The maintenance "Hidden Costs" nobody mentions
Buying a used 2014 BMW Z4 convertible for $22,000 feels like a steal until the first service light comes on. You aren't buying a Toyota.
Oil changes take about seven quarts of synthetic. Tires are staggered, meaning the rears are wider than the fronts, so you can't rotate them to save tread. Most of these cars came with Run-Flat tires from the factory. They ride like bricks. Honestly, the first thing you should do is swap them for a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The difference in ride quality is staggering. It feels like a different car.
Then there are the gaskets. BMW engines from this era love to leak oil from the oil filter housing and the valve cover. If you smell burning oil after a spirited drive, that’s what it is. It’s a DIY-friendly job if you’re handy with a wrench, but a dealership will charge you $1,500 for the privilege.
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Is it a collector's item?
Probably not. Not in the way a Z8 or a Z4 M Coupe is. But the E89 is widely considered the most beautiful Z-car ever made. As the world moves toward EVs and four-cylinder hybrids, a twin-turbo straight-six roadster with a metal roof starts to look very appealing. Prices have stabilized. A clean, low-mileage 35i or 35is is likely to hold its value well over the next five years.
You’re buying it for the experience, not the investment.
Common misconceptions about the 2014 model year
People often think the 2014 model is exactly the same as the 2009. It’s not. 2014 was the first full year after the "Life Cycle Impulse" (LCI) or facelift. You got the updated LED headlight rings (Angel Eyes) that look crisp and white rather than that dingy yellow. You also got side gill turn signals that are much sleeker.
Another myth: "The DCT transmission is unreliable."
Actually, the Getrag 7-speed unit in the 35i and 35is is remarkably stout. It can handle way more power than the stock engine puts out. Just make sure the fluid is changed every 50,000 miles, even though BMW claims it’s "lifetime" fluid. There is no such thing as lifetime fluid.
Actionable steps for buyers
If you’re seriously looking at a 2014 BMW Z4 convertible, don't just buy the first shiny one you see on Facebook Marketplace.
- Prioritize the Engine: If you can afford the 35i, get it. The N20 four-cylinder in the 28i is fine, but it doesn't offer the "BMW experience" you're likely looking for.
- The Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI): This is non-negotiable. Spend the $200 at an independent BMW specialist. Have them check the roof hydraulics, the oil filter housing gasket, and the condition of the coolant hoses.
- Check the Roof Operation: Cycle the roof three times in a row. Listen for any straining, clicking, or hesitation. It should be smooth and silent.
- Inspect the "Salmon" Relays: In the trunk, there are two orange relays that control the roof pump. They cost about $20. If they fail, they can fry the $3,000 hydraulic pump. If you buy the car, replace these immediately as preventative maintenance.
- Interior Wear: Check the bolster on the driver's seat. The Kansas leather is soft but prone to wear. If it's cracked, it means the previous owner didn't condition it, which might tell you how they treated the rest of the car.
The 2014 BMW Z4 convertible is a fantastic way to get into a luxury roadster. It’s mature. It’s fast. It looks like it costs double what it actually does. Just keep a small "emergency fund" for the occasional German sensor tantrum and you’ll love every mile of it.