The NCT record
BMW Z4
Convertible. Measured from 1,704 NCT tests in Ireland.
Reliability · measured from test data
Reliability: About average
About average for its age. A sensible buy if the inspection and history check out.
NCT pass rate: 70% (Well above average for its age)
Fails the NCT more often than average, but mostly on things like bulbs and tyres, not the engine or suspension.
70 in 100 pass the NCT first time at ten years old. Mechanical faults: 0.88× the average car of the same age.
Version research
Known problems for this version
Based on published reliability sources and recall notices, not NCT data. Answer what you know and the verdict gets firmer.
Checking published reliability sources…
How it holds up with age
More than half still pass first time up to 14 years old — a 2012 or newer is the oldest we would suggest.
| Year | Age | Passes first time | Average car |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 8 | 72% | 64% |
| 2017 | 9 | 52% | 57% |
| 2016 | 10 | 71% | 53% |
| 2015 | 11 | 53% | 50% |
| 2014 | 12 | 65% | 46% |
| 2013 | 13 | 57% | 42% |
| 2012 | 14 | 58% | 38% |
| 2011 | 15 | 47% | 36% |
| 2010 | 16 | 47% | 35% |
What tends to fail on it
Emissions
DPF and EGR condition, service history, oil quality
€100–400 for a service, or a catalytic converter — up to €1,200 at worst.
Braking equipment
pad and disc wear, corroded brake lines, handbrake travel
€100–400 for pads and discs — up to €680 at worst.
Wheel alignment (side-slip)
wheel alignment, steering pulling, uneven front tyre wear
€40–70 for alignment, or the worn part causing it — up to €400 at worst.
Steering & suspension
worn ball joints, track rod ends, shock absorbers, bushings
€100–600 for joints, bearings and arms — up to €900 at worst.
What the repairs cost
€75–120 in NCT-related repairs is typical for a car this age. It is a figure for comparing models, not a quote.
Irish garage prices for the common jobs are on the repair costs page.
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Other convertible options
- AMercedes-Benz SLK Series(Well above average)
- AMazda MX 5(Well above average)
- COpel Tigra(About average)
- BVolkswagen Eos(Above average)
Other BMW models
- CBMW 520(About average)
- CBMW 320(About average)
- CBMW 318(About average)
- CBMW 316(About average)
- BBMW 116(Above average)
- CBMW X5(About average)
See every model we have measured
Where these figures come from
Test and failure figures: National Car Test statistics published by the Road Safety Authority and the National Car Testing Service, 12.5 million tests, 2015 and 2017–2025. Repair prices: Irish garage quotes and The AA Ireland servicing guides, reviewed September 2026 — see our repair cost guide. Motor tax bands: motortax.ie.
Based on published NCT results and typical Irish repair prices for this model and age. It reflects the condition of cars presented for test, not manufacturer build quality, and cannot tell you about a specific vehicle's history. Repair figures are estimates, not quotes.