BMW · BMW Z8 · Cars
BMW Z8 Rare
As of 2025 Q4, 108 BMW Z8s remain registered in the UK — a genuinely rare sight on today's roads. Numbers are at their highest recorded level since the model first appeared in our data in 2014 Q3. Unusually, the numbers are actually rising — up 5 (4.9%) over the past year, as imports and barn-finds rejoin the register faster than cars leave it. Tellingly, 63% are declared SORN — kept off the road in garages and barns rather than driven, the signature of a car being looked after rather than used up. In all, the BMW Z8 is rarer than 58% of the 2,408 UK car models we track.
Survivors over time
How rare is it?
Rare — fewer than 1,000 remain (108 in the latest data).
Rarer than 58% of the 2,408 UK car models we track.
Trend
About the Z8
The BMW Z8 is a roadster produced by German automotive manufacturer BMW from 1998 to 2003. The Z8 was developed under the codename "E52" between 1993 and 1999, through the efforts of a design team led by Chris Bangle from 1993 to 1995. The exterior was designed by Henrik Fisker and the interior by Scott Lempert. The Z8 originally was designed as a styling exercise intended to evoke and celebrate the 1956–1959 BMW 507. Prototypes were spotted testing between 1996 and 1999. A concept was later developed to preview the Z8, called the Z07 and was showcased in October 1997 at the Tokyo Motor Show.
BMW Z8 — questions & answers
How many BMW Z8 are left in the UK?
As of 2025 Q4, 108 BMW Z8 were still registered in the UK — 40 licensed and on the road, plus 68 declared SORN (off-road). The figures come from official DVLA vehicle licensing data.
Is the BMW Z8 rare?
The BMW Z8 is rare — fewer than 1,000 remain (108), making it rarer than 58% of the 2,408 UK car models we track.
Is the BMW Z8 increasing or decreasing?
Over the last year the number of BMW Z8 on UK roads rose by 5 (4.9%).
What fuel do most BMW Z8 use?
Most BMW Z8 run on petrol — about 100% of those still registered.
When did the BMW Z8 peak?
The BMW Z8 peaked at 108 registered in 2021 Q4, and was first recorded in the data in 2014 Q3.