BMW Z4 E85 vs BMW Z4 G29
BMW Z4
E85 · 2002 – 2008
The first-generation Z4 (E85), on a shortened E46 platform.
BMW Z4
G29 · 2018 – 2026
The third-generation Z4 (G29), co-developed with the Toyota Supra.
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 G29 for the modern, driver-focused Z4 with the B58 M40i — the best Z4 yet.
Performance
3.0si · Petrol vs M40i · Petrol
| BMW Z4 | BMW Z4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
265 hp
|
340 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
315 Nm
|
500 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
5,7 s
|
4,1 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
250 km/h
|
250 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
191,3 hp/t
|
221,5 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
210 g/km
|
176 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
8,6 L/100km
|
7,4 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW Z4 | BMW Z4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
240 L
|
281 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
240 L
|
281 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,50 m
Winner
|
2,47 m
|
| Length |
4,09 m
|
4,32 m
|
| Ground clearance |
12,0 cm
|
12,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
9,8 m
Winner
|
11,0 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
0 kg
|
0 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW Z4 | BMW Z4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | E46 base (E85, rear-wheel drive) | G29 (shared with Toyota Supra, rear-wheel drive) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Engine family | M54/N52 2.2–3.0 petrol · S54 (Z4 M) | B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 petrol |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual · 6-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 4 | Euro 6d |
| 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
- Oil-filter housing and valve-cover gasket seepage (B58)
- Electric water pump/thermostat and PCV membrane
- Starter-relay/tie-rod campaigns and iDrive glitches (early cars)
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
- B58 M40i (340 hp) is one of BMW’s most reliable turbo sixes
- Returns to a driver-focused formula after the heavier E89
- Soft-top: lighter and quicker than a hardtop
Cons
- 2.0i (N46) is less desirable — avoid unless very cheap
- Soft-top and snug cabin limit year-round use
- Same Supra architecture but without its closed coupé body
- Suspension bushings and control arms wear (larger wheels)
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
This is a proper driver’s roadster again. Steering is quick, precise and well-weighted. The chassis is agile, balanced and willing to rotate; body control is excellent. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) offers a useful range between firm and acceptable comfort. Ride can feel busy on poor surfaces but is well-controlled for the class. The B58 M40i is the star: strong, refined, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range punch. The B48 20i/30i is smooth and responsive but less special. The ZF 8-speed automatic is excellent; the rare 6-speed manual (available on some 20i and later M40i) adds engagement. Open-top driving is the point — wind noise is present but manageable. Overall one of the more involving modern BMW roadsters, closer in spirit to the E85 than the softer E89.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
