BMW Z4 (2016)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,559 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,361

£197/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1997cc Petrol

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £2,361/year to run. 6 points above average.

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Petrol1997cc10 years old2,559 tests42k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1997cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,361

Per month£197/mo

Per week£45/wk

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

88% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

88% of MOT tests on BMW Z4s from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 2,559 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 41,764 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 models257th of 539(top half)

Rank among BMW models899th of 1,548(bottom half)

vs average of all models+6%(82% avg)

vs 2016 models average+3%(85% avg)

vs BMW average+0%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

41,764

Average miles

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2016 BMW Z4 had 41,764 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-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 2016 scores 88%. 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

Ford Focus

2014 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,078/year

80%

-8%

Nissan Qashqai

2014 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,228/year

78%

-10%

Ford Kuga

2018 · 1499cc Petrol

£1,853/year

90%

+2%

BMW 3 Series

2015 · 1499cc Petrol

£2,078/year

88%

same

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About the 2016 BMW Z4

The 2016 BMW Z4 is a premium car. Our records list a 1997cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,559 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 41,764 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW Z4 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2016 BMW Z4 Fuel Costs

The 1997cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 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 2016 BMW Z4?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,361 (£197/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 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 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 2016 BMW Z4

At 10 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 out

At 10 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.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 risk

Always 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 2016 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(2016)	88%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361
Ford Focus(2014)	80%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078-£283
Nissan Qashqai(2014)	78%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133
Ford Kuga(2018)	90%	£1,398	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,853-£508
BMW 3 Series(2015)	88%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078-£283

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 2016 BMW Z4

Is the 2016 BMW Z4 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 2016 BMW Z4s ended in a pass, from 2,559 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2016 BMW Z4 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,361 a year (£197 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 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 2016 BMW Z4?

88% of 2,559 MOT tests on the 2016 BMW Z4 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 257th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (top half).

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 2016 BMW Z4?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 BMW Z4 is 41,764 miles, which is below the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.