BMW Z4 (2011)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 4,148 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,045
£170/month
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Good
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2497cc Diesel
Solid Option
88% pass rate, £2045/year to run. 6 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2497cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%.
At 15 years old, 88% of BMW Z4s from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 4,148 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 66,482 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
66,482
Average miles
111,000
Expected for age
The average 2011 BMW Z4 has 66,482 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-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?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 78%. The 2011 sits between the two at 88%.
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 2011 BMW Z4
The 2011 BMW Z4 is a premium with a 2497cc diesel engine. 4,148 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 22% of all 2011 cars for reliability.
With an average of 66,482 miles at 15 years old, BMW Z4 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2011 BMW Z4 Fuel Costs
The 2497cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2011 BMW Z4?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,045 (£170/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW Z4 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW Z4s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2011 BMW Z4
At 15 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 97%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2011 BMW Z4's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
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 2011 BMW Z4 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW Z4(2011) | 88% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 25-38 | £2045 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2012) | 82% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1577-£468 |
| FORD TRANSIT(2013) | 74% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050+£5 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2009) | 74% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050+£5 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER EVOQUE(2012) | 85% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £1900-£145 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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