Used car guide

2017 BMW Z4: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the BMW Z4 first registered in 2017: we looked at the 428 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 428 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

428MOTs of 2017 cars, done in 2023–2025
84%pass first time (all 2017 cars: 80%)
5,000typical miles a year
26%had tyres flagged

Common 2017 BMW Z4 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 BMW Z4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    26% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    14% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    6% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Lights and electrics
    6% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Suspension
    2% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    1% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 BMW Z4

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a BMW Z4?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the BMW Z4 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023–Too new for MOT data
2022998Tyres 23%
20212,215Tyres 23%
20204,561Tyres 25%
20196,012Tyres 24%
20163,653Tyres 26%
20154,744Tyres 26%
20145,719Tyres 26%
20134,699Tyres 28%
20125,590Tyres 27%
20115,886Tyres 25%
20105,896Tyres 25%
20097,403Tyres 24%
20085,479Suspension 30%
20079,463Brakes 32%
20069,140Brakes 39%
20056,283Brakes 41%
20049,235Brakes 40%
20037,544Brakes 40%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of BMW Z4 cars first registered in 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score