Kintsugi is a Japanese art of fixing broken pottery with lacquer that’s mixed with powdered gold or silver. The thick lacquer that fills in the cracks and holds the broken pieces together then shines and stands out from the rest of the pottery, proudly displaying its broken places. The reason for this is to highlight the piece’s imperfections in a beautiful way, not hide them. The reason for this is that things are more beautiful because of their flaws. Nothing that’s absolutely perfect is truly beautiful. The Leaning Tower of Pisa wouldn’t be as incredible if it was perfectly straight, Picasso’s paintings wouldn’t be beautiful if all of the faces were perfectly symmetrical and Cindy Crawford wouldn’t be as gorgeous if she didn’t have her trademark mole.
BMW’s E89 Z4 can relate to such imperfection. In fact, the current BMW Z4 is far from perfect and incredibly flawed. It’s also seriously showing its age and in desperate need of an upgrade if BMW wants to continue to compete in the segment. But we’re still going to be sad to see it go when production finally ends in August.
But such is life. Out with the old, in with the new. The old die off to make room for the young and life goes on. In most cases, this is a good thing. That’s progression and how things improve. And while the next-generation BMW Z4 will likely be an improvement in nearly every single way, that doesn’t mean we aren’t going to miss all of the old Z4’s charms.
For being the oldest car in its segment by far, the current-generation BMW Z4 is still a gorgeous car. That long, low-slung hood and those big wide headlights are reminiscent of ’50s sports cars and roadsters. The short rear deck makes the driver of feel like they’re sitting directly on the rear axle, which makes the car feel like it’s swiveling around the driver’s hips. The cabin is unique to BMW, being the only car in the Bavarian lineup to have a cabin like it. Personally, I think the taillights are the best looking in the BMW lineup and are simply gorgeous. It’s still a beautiful car that looks like it’s great to drive.
Unfortunately, its drive doesn’t quite match its looks. It’s certainly fast enough, with either engine option, though. In sDrive28i form, the Z4 packs the familiar N20 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 240 hp. This is the engine to get because it’s the only one available with a six-speed stick. The sDrive35i model is much faster, though, using the N55 3.0 liter turbocharged I6 engine that develops 300 hp, but is only available with the ZF eight-speed. An sDrive35is is also available with a 335 hp variant of the N55 engine and is mated to BMW’s seven-speed DCT.  The latter model is obviously the fastest, but it’s not the most fun. That title goes to the lowly sDrive28i with the six-speed.
I recently had the six-speed Z4 sDrive28i as a week-long press car, which came in Valencia Orange with a two-tone orange and black, leather/alcantara interior. It was by far one of the most interesting press cars I’ve ever had. I’ve driven some very cool BMWs since having this job, BMW’s that are faster than the Z4, handle better than the Z4, are more advanced than the Z4 and just overall better than it, the Z4 was one of the most memorable for me. For both good and bad reasons.
The Z4’s steering is numb and overly light, its interior ergonomics are a mess, its iDrive system is dated and it’s not the sharpest car in the world. However, there’s something about driving it that made me happy. It was fun, despite its flaws. I’ve always said that when reviewing cars, us journalists come to either one of two final conclusions: We either like a car despite its faults or hate it because of them, because no car is perfect. The Z4 was one of the former for me, because every time I drove someone around, they would complain about something in the car and I would make an excuse for it. “Yea, that’s dumb, but it’s just so enjoyable to drive.” Or “Sure, it’s completely impractical but look at how pretty it is!” I would say.
So yes, the E89 BMW Z4 was a flawed car, even when it first debuted, and is seriously getting old now. I’m sorry to say, BMW, but the Z4 is worse than almost every single car in its class at the moment, objectively speaking. But despite that, I still would think about getting it over its rivals. It’s just such a lovable little car. It has character, it seems happy when you drive it and it seems like it wants to please. The Z4 is like a funny looking Bulldog with the underbite that technically isn’t cute or particularly good at anything, but you love it anyway and want to play with it.
The current BMW Z4 will die next month, as BMW will finally stop production on it and begin working on the production for the next-generation. The next Z4 will be built alongside Toyota’s upcoming sports car and the two even will share components. It will also be technically superior to its predecessor in every way. It will be faster, lighter, sharper and filled with better technology. But there’s no guarantee that it’s as enjoyable to drive. The E89 Z4 is a flawed car but that doesn’t mean we’re not sad to see it go.
The Z4e89 it’s perfect! motor 6 cylinders 23i and 30i are extra!
And the problems towards the steering wheel it’s a because very bad tyre BMW/Bridgestone Run of Flat.!
Without these bad tires, the Z4 is light , fun to drive!!
And the weight :
Z4e8923i 1405kg
Z4e8930i 1410kg
Z4e8935is 1605kg
The weight it’s because motor N54, is really a heavier engine…
For me, the best of the best, Z4e89 30i manuel gear box.
Who ever wrote this should get their facts straight before talking about a car as if the know what they are talking about. Hopefully the editor will correct this. The Z4 35i and 35is never shipped with an N55. The 335is carried the N54 till 2013 and the Z4 till 2016. But who am I to argue with a writer who knows everything and nothing about this car. By the way… the Z4 35i & 35is DCT make over 400 HP with nothing more than a flash tune. A few more modification and this car is capable of over 600 whp… yes it is lacking from the manufacturer, but what other car comes from the factory with less than 300 whp and with less then 10k in mods can put down over 600 whp… ??? I don’t know about you, but this is a diamond in the ruff and a perfect mid life crisis sleeper…
The Z4 gets more inane criticism than most cars for one simple reason. Automotive pundits only approve of the latest and supposedly greatest. All they understand is the BUZZ of newness. I could go on and on but the E89 withstands the test of time and for me is the perfect sports car. (I have owned, tracked auto crossed and driven most of them since 1968 including Ferrari, Porsche and Jaguar and Corvette
Listen to a motor journalist or listen to someone thats put their hard earned where their mouth is ? Always feel that those that have not put a decent number of miles in a Z4 wont get it… 1. it has to be manual. 2. it has to be a six cylinder. 3. if its not raining you get the roof down. its a car that never fails to make me smile, its raspy and goes well, mine is a 23i so it has 200hp, thats not a low power, it does 150 and will crack 60 in under 7s. Yes its a great car and I dont plan on getting rid of mine anytime so Put decent tyres on it and junk the runflats. it holds the road well enough to be hassled through the corners.