BMW Z4 E85 vs BMW Z4 E89
BMW Z4
E85 · 2002 – 2008
The first-generation Z4 (E85), on a shortened E46 platform.
BMW Z4
E89 · 2009 – 2016
The second-generation Z4 (E89), with a retractable hardtop.
BMW Z4
Pick the E85 for the raw, light original Z4 with the eager 3.0si (N52) — but check the electric water pump and VANOS.
BMW Z4
Pick the E89 for the year-round-usable hardtop Z4 — the N52 30i is reliable, the N54 35i the quick one.
Performance
3.0si · Petrol vs sDrive35i · Petrol
| BMW Z4 | BMW Z4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
265 hp
|
306 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
315 Nm
|
400 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
5,7 s
|
5,1 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
250 km/h
|
250 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
191,3 hp/t
|
201,3 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
210 g/km
|
210 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
8,6 L/100km
Winner
|
9,0 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW Z4 | BMW Z4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
240 L
Winner
|
180 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
240 L
Winner
|
180 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,50 m
|
2,50 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,09 m
|
4,24 m
|
| Ground clearance |
12,0 cm
|
12,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
9,8 m
Winner
|
10,7 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
0 kg
|
0 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW Z4 | BMW Z4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | E46 base (E85, rear-wheel drive) | E82/E93 base (E89, rear-wheel drive) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Engine family | M54/N52 2.2–3.0 petrol · S54 (Z4 M) | N52 2.5–3.0 · N20 2.0 turbo · N54 3.0 twin-turbo petrol |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual · 6-speed automatic | 6-speed manual · 7-speed DCT |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 4 | Euro 5 |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- Electric water pump and cooling system (N52)
- VANOS issues and oil leaks (valve cover/oil-filter housing)
- M54: cooling system and DISA valves
- N54: HPFP, injectors and turbo/wastegate (35i/35is)
- Electric water pump and oil leaks (N52)
- N20 timing chain and tensioner
Pros
- 3.0si (N52) and 2.5si are the best non-M picks
- Raw, light and pure driver feel
- Z4 M (S54, 343 hp) is the coveted range-topper
- Naturally aspirated N52 sixes are the safest choice
- Retractable hardtop: more refined and secure than the E85
- sDrive35is (N54, 340 hp) is the coveted range-topper
Cons
- 2.0i (N46) is less desirable — avoid unless very cheap
- Soft-top and snug cabin limit year-round use
- N20 turbo (18i/20i/28i) carries the known chain risk
- Boot shrinks heavily with the hardtop folded
Driving experience
BMW Z4
This is where the E85 shines. Classic BMW rear-drive balance, a low centre of gravity and communicative (if slightly light) electric steering make it enjoyable on twisty roads. The chassis is agile and willing to rotate; it rewards smooth inputs and feels more involving than many later soft-tops. Ride is firm and can feel crashy over poor surfaces or with run-flat tyres — many owners improve it by switching to conventional tyres. The inline-six engines are the highlight: smooth, free-revving and characterful with a distinctive soundtrack. The 2.5i and 3.0i (especially manuals) are the sweet spots. The 3.0si is stronger and more modern-feeling. The 2.0i four-cylinder is less refined and less desirable. Open-top driving is the point of the car — wind noise is present but manageable with the windows up. Overall a genuine driver’s roadster rather than a grand tourer.
BMW Z4
More grand-tourer than pure sports car. The retractable hardtop adds refinement and makes motorway cruising quieter and more comfortable than the E85, but the extra weight dulls the sharp edge of the previous generation. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted, body control is good, and the car feels stable and secure. It is engaging on twisty roads but leans more towards understeer when pushed hard compared with lighter rivals. The N52 naturally aspirated sixes (23i/30i) are smooth, free-revving and characterful. The N54 twin-turbo 35i/35is is properly quick with strong mid-range punch and a more modern turbo character. The N20 four-cylinder (20i/28i) is efficient but less special. Overall a comfortable, refined open-top cruiser that still feels like a proper BMW when you want it to, rather than a hardcore driver’s car.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
