BMW Z4 (2010)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 3,917 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,808
£234/month
MOT Pass Rate
87%
Good
Road Tax
£445
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 25-38
2497cc Petrol
Solid Option
87% pass rate, £2,808/year to run. 5 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
87% of MOT tests on BMW Z4s from 2010 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 14 years old. That's based on 3,917 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 72,537 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
72,537
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2010 BMW Z4 had 72,537 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 78%. The 2010 scores 87%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
BMW Z4 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 97% | 190 | 16,859 mi | |
| 2021 | 95% | 3,193 | 18,645 mi | |
| 2020 | 94% | 4,507 | 22,507 mi | |
| 2019 | 93% | 5,476 | 26,551 mi | |
| 2017 | 92% | 281 | 36,527 mi | |
| 2016 | 88% | 2,559 | 41,764 mi | |
| 2015 | 90% | 3,403 | 47,388 mi | |
| 2014 | 89% | 3,837 | 52,736 mi | |
| 2013 | 88% | 3,369 | 58,294 mi | |
| 2012 | 87% | 4,094 | 65,038 mi | |
| 2011 | 88% | 4,148 | 66,482 mi | |
| 2010 | 87% | 3,917 | 72,537 mi | |
| 2009 | 87% | 5,341 | 75,050 mi | |
| 2008 | 81% | 3,803 | 80,859 mi | |
| 2007 | 83% | 6,508 | 87,843 mi | |
| 2006 | 81% | 6,617 | 89,752 mi | |
| 2005 | 78% | 4,523 | 96,092 mi | |
| 2004 | 81% | 6,308 | 95,043 mi | |
| 2003 | 79% | 5,310 | 98,016 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2010 BMW Z4
The 2010 BMW Z4 is a premium car. Our records list a 2497cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 3,917 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 18% of all 2010 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 72,537 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW Z4 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2010 BMW Z4 Fuel Costs
The 2497cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2010 BMW Z4?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,808 (£234/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW Z4 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW Z4s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 8 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2010 BMW Z4
At 16 years old, the BMW Z4 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 95%.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 16 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2010 BMW Z4 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW Z4(2010) | 87% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 25-38 | £2,808 |
| Nissan Qashqai(2011) | 69% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,711-£97 |
| Renault Clio(2010) | 69% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,711-£97 |
| Vauxhall Insignia(2011) | 77% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,958+£150 |
| Mercedes E(2012) | 81% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 25-38 | £2,808same |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2010 BMW Z4
Is the 2010 BMW Z4 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 87% of MOT tests on 2010 BMW Z4s ended in a pass, from 3,917 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2010 BMW Z4 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,808 a year (£234 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2010 BMW Z4?
87% of 3,917 MOT tests on the 2010 BMW Z4 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 95th of 558 models first registered in 2010 (top 18%).
Which year BMW Z4 has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 BMW Z4 has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 2005 the lowest at 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2010 BMW Z4?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2010 BMW Z4 is 72,537 miles, which is below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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