BMW hadn’t manufactured a sporty roadster for 30 years when the Z series was introduced in 1989. The achingly desirable 507 had been discontinued in 1959, and since then there had been a roadster-shaped void in BMW’s model line. After launching the Z series with the unconventional Z1, BMW soon perfected the formula for a popular mass-market sports car and the Z3 was a strong seller through the 1990s.

The Z4 replaced the Z3 in 2002, and rectified many of the criticisms which had been levelled at its predecessor. The first generation lasted in production until 2008, and then a new-look Z4, designated E89, appeared for 2009. If the first Z4s weren’t long enough and low enough already, the E89 exaggerated the effect to create something with a rather formidable presence on the road.

Unlike the first generation, which had been available as a roadster or a coupé, the E89 was both a roadster and a coupé, courtesy of an electrically-operated retracting hardtop. Also unlike its predecessor, there was no M version of the new Z4, and all models carried the sDrive badge (although certain M Sport trim items were optional). Instead, the flagship was the sDrive35i, with a twin-turbocharged, 302 b.h.p. six-cylinder engine.

The sDrive30i may have been relegated to second-best in the power stakes, having the same three-litre N54 straigh-six but unturbocharged and only producing 255 b.h.p., but it had all the other features that made the 35 a desirable luxury roadster, plus it gave better fuel economy. It could be had with either a six-speed manual Getrag GS6-17BG gearbox or a six-speed automatic ZF 6HP19.

As the E89 was dropped in 2016 to make way for the third-generation Z4, it’s coming to be appreciated as a future classic and examples which remain in excellent condition are becoming increasingly desirable.

This BMW was built in the week beginning 16th April 2010 and was first registered with the London number LC10 SFU on 22nd May 2010. It was destined for BMW’s flagship Park Lane dealership, resplendent in Deep Sea Blue Metallic with a Canberra Beige Kansas leather interior, 19-inch double-spoked 326M alloy wheels and automatic transmission. Other optional items included heated seats, an M Sport steering wheel with gearshift paddles, and the Media Package, Comfort Package and Connectivity Package.

The vendor of this car is its fourth registered keeper, having purchased it in 2016 from the BMW dealership Marshall of Bournemouth. The vendor transferred his private number S6 GEB onto the car, and that number is included in the sale.

The vendor describes the Z4 as his ‘pride and joy’. He has used it sparingly over the past six years, it being strictly a car for pleasure, and has maintained it wonderfully. Not only has it been kept in peak mechanical health, the vendor has also gone to the trouble of having it detailed to ensure it always looks its very best.

In addition to the current V5C and two historic ones, the car comes with some invoices pertaining to its purchase by the vendor from Marshall of Bournemouth. 

A current M.o.T. certificate is valid until 20th July and displays no advisories, and there is a certificate from 2017. Additionally, the car retains its original service book and also the results of a specification enquiry which details how it was originally supplied.

The BMW has just been detailed and the result is that, wherever you look, it looks outstanding. The interior is no exception and, if only it weren’t for a few cracks in the leather of the driver’s seat, you might very easily take it to be brand-new. The Canberra Beige leather is a very attractive colour and has a lovely texture. Apart from the cracks referred to in the driver’s seat, the condition of the leather is astounding.

The dash is neatly and attractively designed, and also happens to be in virtually pristine condition. We could not find anything to fault with its appearance. The various controls reveal all the little luxuries which are a feature of the car, from power windows, heater and radio-CD player to the large-screen satellite navigation system which conceals itself in the dash when not in use. The car also benefits from having a wind deflector. 

As you’d expect, a car with such a pristine interior also has a pristine boot. You could honestly believe it has never had to carry so much as a bag of shopping, so clean is it.

On the outside, the BMW continues to defy all the expectations we would have of a 12-year-old car. Now that it’s been detailed, any blemishes which may once have existed have vanished, and we are left with something which looks just like a brand-new car.

The Deep Sea Blue Metallic paint looks fantastic even under the rather dull skies of our photoshoot; the finish really is as deep as its name suggests. As for the alloy wheels, we’re not sure we’ve ever seen a better set. Usually, no matter how good they appear, you will find some little chip or scuff, but fault-finding with these wheels is extremely difficult. One of them does exhibit some superficial damage, but the other three are very close to perfection.

Of course, the folding hardtop works beautifully, raising and lowering itself in a matter of seconds. The windows and lenses are all in excellent condition, although we did spot a few small scratches on the glass of the offside rear light. Some of the BMW badges display a little bit of superficial wear, but aside from that this car really is not far off brand-new condition.

Having been regularly serviced and maintained, it’s hardly surprising that this car should be in excellent mechanical order. With its automatic gearbox and all the creature comforts one expects from a modern car, such as super-light power steering, the Z4 can be a very tame car when you want it to be. There’s a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde thing going on, though: plant your foot to the floor and it accelerates with such ferocity that you get thrust firmly into the back of your seat. And that’s before you try it in Sport mode…

Obviously, this is a car in which you can have an awful lot of fun, but it can also be a sensible car for running errands around town. As it passed its M.o.T. last July with no advisory points, we are satisfied as to its all-round roadworthiness and, if it were ours, we’d be itching to get out on the road right away.

A lot of two-seat roadsters have been built in recent years which have sporty looks, but which aren’t suited to much more than wafting around and posing with the top down. The Z4 sDrive30i is not one of those cars. It goes like rocket and very much demands to be treated with respect, but give it that respect and prepare to enjoy a whole new motoring experience.

This example is one of the nicest ones out there. Unless you get a magnifying glass out, you will find it difficult to spot the slightest blemish, and you can’t say that about many 12-year-old cars. It’s obviously been cherished by the vendor, and the effort he’s put into keeping it in tip-top form is plain for us all to see. Z4s have reached the point now where they’re going to start heading up in value, especially when they’re as good as this one, so don’t let it slip away.