BMW Z4 (E89) - Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Roadster |
| Released At | 2009 North American International Auto Show |
| Built At | Regensburg, Germany |
| Engine | 3.0 L Twin-Turbocharged Inline-6 (N54) / Turbocharged Inline-4 (N20) depending on model |
| Position | Front-Engine, Longitudinal |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged / Twin-Turbocharged |
| Block Material | Aluminum |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder |
| Fuel Feed | Direct Fuel Injection |
| Displacement | 2979 cc / 181.8 in³ (N54) / 1997 cc / 121.8 in³ (N20) |
| Bore | 84 mm / 3.31 in (N54) / 84 mm / 3.31 in (N20) |
| Stroke | 89.6 mm / 3.53 in (N54) / 90.1 mm / 3.55 in (N20) |
| Compression | 10.2:1 (N54) / 10.0:1 (N20) |
| Power | 250 kW / 335 hp (sDrive35i) / 180 kW / 241 hp (sDrive28i) |
| Specific Output | 112 hp per liter (N54) / 121 hp per liter (N20) |
| BHP/Weight | 217 bhp per tonne (sDrive35i) |
| Torque | 450 Nm / 332 lb-ft (sDrive35i) / 350 Nm / 258 lb-ft (sDrive28i) |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h / 155 mph (Electronically Limited) |
| 0 – 60 mph | 5.0 seconds (sDrive35i) / 5.5 seconds (sDrive28i) |
| 0 – 100 km/h | 5.1 seconds (sDrive35i) / 5.6 seconds (sDrive28i) |
| Body / Frame | Steel and Aluminum Construction with Retractable Hardtop |
| Driven Wheels | RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) |
| Wheel Type | Alloy Wheels |
| Front Tires | 225/45R17 (Standard) / 225/40R18 (Optional) |
| Rear Tires | 255/40R17 (Standard) / 255/35R18 (Optional) |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs with 4-Piston Calipers |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Discs with Single-Piston Calipers |
| Front Wheels | 43.2 x 22.9 cm / 17 x 9 in (Standard) / 45.7 x 22.9 cm / 18 x 9 in (Optional) |
| Rear Wheels | 43.2 x 24.1 cm / 17 x 9.5 in (Standard) / 45.7 x 25.4 cm / 18 x 10 in (Optional) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut with Coil Springs and Anti-Roll Bar |
| Rear Suspension | Multilink with Coil Springs and Anti-Roll Bar |
| Curb Weight | 1525 kg / 3362 lbs (sDrive35i) |
| Weight Distribution | 49 % Front / 51 % Rear |
| Wheelbase | 2496 mm / 98.3 in |
| Length | 4239 mm / 166.9 in |
| Width | 1790 mm / 70.5 in |
| Height | 1291 mm / 50.8 in |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual / 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 8.4 L/100 km or 28 mpg-US (sDrive28i) / 9.0 L/100 km or 26 mpg-US (sDrive35i) |
| Fuel Capacity | 55 liters or 14.5 gallons |

First BMW Z4 with a Retractable Hardtop – Unlike its predecessor, the E89 Z4 (2009-2016) was the first Z4 to feature a power-folding hardtop, replacing the traditional soft-top and offering both coupe and convertible experiences in one car.
Designed by Two Women – The exterior design was led by Juliane Blasi, while the interior was designed by Nadya Arnaout, making the E89 one of the few cars primarily styled by female designers.
Larger and More Luxurious Than Its Predecessor – The E89 was longer and wider than the previous Z4 (E85), with a more refined and premium interior, aimed at making it a comfortable grand tourer rather than a hardcore sports car.
First Z4 Built in Germany – While the previous E85 Z4 was manufactured in the U.S. (Spartanburg, South Carolina), the E89 Z4 was built in Regensburg, Germany, aligning with BMW’s European production.
No More M Version – Unlike the E85 Z4, which had a Z4 M version, BMW decided not to offer an M variant for the E89, instead introducing the Z4 sDrive35is, which was tuned by BMW’s M division but not a full M car.
Twin-Turbocharged Straight-Six in the sDrive35is – The most powerful version, the Z4 sDrive35is, came with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 (N54 engine) producing 335 hp (340 PS) and 450 Nm of torque, making it the fastest E89 model.
7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) in Performance Models – The sDrive35i and sDrive35is models featured BMW’s 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), providing quicker shifts and better performance than the standard automatic.
First BMW Z4 Without a Naturally Aspirated Engine – Unlike previous Z4 generations, which offered naturally aspirated engines, all E89 Z4 models were turbocharged, marking a shift in BMW’s approach to performance.
Last BMW Z4 with Hydraulic Steering – The E89 was the last Z4 to use hydraulic power steering, before BMW switched to electric steering in the G29 Z4, giving it a more connected and traditional driving feel.
Replaced by the G29 Z4 in 2018 – The E89 was discontinued in 2016, and after a brief hiatus, BMW introduced the G29 Z4 in 2018, which returned to a soft-top convertible and was co-developed with Toyota (leading to the Supra A90).

The E89 Z4 is BMW’s last straight-six roadster with a retractable hardtop—a rare blend of elegance and performance. Prices are now rising for low-mileage, late-model examples, especially in 35iS and manual configurations.
1. Price Ranges (EUR, Mid-2024)
Base Models (4-cylinder/sDrive30i)
High-Mileage (>150k km): €10k – €15k(Warning: N20 4-cylinders have timing chain issues.)
Well-Maintained (80k–120k km): €18k – €25k(Full service history required.)
Collector-Grade (<50k km): €30k – €40k(2015–2016 models are most desirable.)
Performance Models
35i (N54/N55 3.0L Twin-Turbo): €20k – €35k(N54 (2009–2011) has better tuning potential.)
35iS (DCT, 340hp): €35k – €50k(Rare in manual—dealers charge €5k extra.)
2. Key Value Drivers
✅ Provenance Matters
BMW Service History: +15% value
Functional Hardtop: +€3k
✅ Value-Adding Options
M Sport Package: +€4k
Harmon Kardon Sound: +€1.5k
Adaptive Suspension: +€2k
⚠️ Critical Watch-Outs
Hardtop Leaks: €2k+ repair
Turbo Issues (N54): Budget €5k for rebuilds
Rust in Wheel Arches: Check rear wheels
3. Where to Buy in the EU?
Official Channels
BMW Premium Selection (Germany/Netherlands)
BOVAG Dealers with Warranty
Private Sales
Mobile.de / Autoscout24: Filter for "LHD + low km"
Z4 Forums (bimmerforums.com)
Pro Tip: Avoid UK RHD models: harder to resell in mainland Europe.
4. Market Trends
📈 35iS and Manuals Rising
+10% annually since 2022 for <50k km 35i
N54 models popular with tuners
⚠️ Trap Warning
"Barn Finds": Often need €3k+ rubber replacements
Tuned Cars: Lose value unless professionally done
5. Must-Do Checks
🔧 Mechanical:
Hardtop Operation Test: Should open/close smoothly
Turbo Boost Leaks (N54): Check all hoses
DCT Transmission: Jerking = €5k rebuild
📄 Paperwork:
BMW VIN Decoder (free via bimmer.work)
Import Tax Docs: Avoid surprise €5k+ bills
Fun Fact: The E89’s design was inspired by the Z8—but cost 1/3 the price!
E89 Z4 Buying Cheat Sheet
✅ Best Buy:2015 35iS with DCT ❌ Walk Away:2009 sDrive23i (weak 4-cylinder) 🔧 First Fix:Replace timing chain (N20) 🎨 Most Desirable:Deep Sea Blue Metallic
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