The life cycle of the E89 BMW Z4 generation is approaching its end. In August 2016, the latest BMW Z4 will roll off the production line in Regensburg. The end of production follows the original schedule for the BMW E89 Z4 and tears – at least for a few months – a gap in the model portfolio of BMW. In recent years, the Z4 was mostly a low volume car, a decline that was in sync with the premium market for roadsters.
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During its production cycle, perhaps the greatest change took place under the hood where the naturally aspirated straight-six from BMW Z4 sDrive23i and sDrive30i were replaced by the then brand-new turbo four-cylinder N20. The new engine served models like the sDrive20i and sDrive28i, and later the Z4 sDrive18i. The only remaining models with six cylinders were the 300-hp variants Z4 sDrive35i and sDrive35is.
Before the end of this decade, a new BMW Z4 Roadster (G29) will close the resulting gap in the model range. The jointly developed roadster returns to a traditional fabric roof – as the first Z4-generation (E85). The emphasis will be on a little less comfort and luxury, but noticeably more agility and purism.
It’s still a treat every time I see one on the street… which is way too seldom, but maybe that’s a good thing.
The end of EXX models era
<<o. ✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤:::::::!gq585p:….,…..
As much as BMW neglected the E89, it’s going to be sad to see it go. Forget about the Cayman/Boxster. Out of the TT, SLK & Z4, I thought the Z4 was best out of the 3 because it was the total package (aesthetics and performance).
What’s wrong with the Cayman/Boxster?
The TT, SLK, Z4 not really in the same league so wouldn’t be fair. LOL
The Boxster/Cayman is the gold standard to what a roadster should be. At least to me.
Boxster is all wheel drive. True sports cars are rear wheel.
Huh? Boxster is RWD not AWD…
My bad, you are correct. I watched Top Gear, they showed the Boxster S as not slipping out on turns, while the Z4 M version was able to spin out on the rear wheels, making it more fun to drive. Will need to review the episode, maybe it was the traction control doing it.
Nothing, probably the best performer. However, it was about $10K-$15K higher initial cost. Also, maintenance costs- for example, oil change in Porsche is $1K. BMW offers 4 year/50K mile warranty all covered, except tires.
I have 2014 Z4…bought off lease with 6.6K miles. Got a third off sticker price, BMW pre-owned certified warranty extended to 75K.
Bought gap ins, tire.wheel warranty and put in Dinan software upgrade. Now has 376 HP.
I’ll suffer for a little while longer. Meanwhile, not loving the spy photos of the updated version.
I guess you get more snow and ice than we do — mine’s a daily driver year round. We haven’t had much snow in the last few years and rear wheel drive with the right tires does fine.
Yeah, me too! The Z4 is really a very good looking car and because it’s a BMW, it drives a lot better than the TT (because FWD) and SLK (because Merc, so more luxury than performance) as well. I hope BMW will have a replacement ready soon, and I hope they don’t change it too much in terms of looks, because I love both the E85 and E89. I think those lines are magnificent!
What a sad death of an amazing BMW! :( I hope the replacement will be here very soon!
Ahhh man hope BMW nails the successor, not every car will sell in high volumes…they are not phones by the way :-/
One of the best looking modern BMWs.
This car still turns heads no matter it’s age !! This will become a classic. Too sad BMW ignored it for most it’s life. It’s one of the better looking BMW’s they have.
I love mine, however one of the main reasons i bought it was the folding hardtop (not a fan of cloth-top convertibles).