BMW Z4 E89 vs BMW Z4 G29
BMW Z4
E89 · 2009 – 2016
The second-generation Z4 (E89), with a retractable hardtop.
BMW Z4
G29 · 2018 – 2026
The third-generation Z4 (G29), co-developed with the Toyota Supra.
BMW Z4
Pick the E89 for the year-round-usable hardtop Z4 — the N52 30i is reliable, the N54 35i the quick one.
BMW Z4
Pick the G29 for the modern, driver-focused Z4 with the B58 M40i — the best Z4 yet.
Performance
sDrive35i · Petrol vs M40i · Petrol
| BMW Z4 | BMW Z4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
306 hp
|
340 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
400 Nm
|
500 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
5,1 s
|
4,1 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
250 km/h
|
250 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
201,3 hp/t
|
221,5 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
210 g/km
|
176 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
9,0 L/100km
|
7,4 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW Z4 | BMW Z4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
180 L
|
281 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
180 L
|
281 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,50 m
Winner
|
2,47 m
|
| Length |
4,24 m
|
4,32 m
|
| Ground clearance |
12,0 cm
|
12,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
10,7 m
Winner
|
11,0 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
0 kg
|
0 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW Z4 | BMW Z4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | E82/E93 base (E89, rear-wheel drive) | G29 (shared with Toyota Supra, rear-wheel drive) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Engine family | N52 2.5–3.0 · N20 2.0 turbo · N54 3.0 twin-turbo petrol | B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 petrol |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual · 7-speed DCT | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 5 | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- N54: HPFP, injectors and turbo/wastegate (35i/35is)
- Electric water pump and oil leaks (N52)
- N20 timing chain and tensioner
- 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
- 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
- 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
- N20 turbo (18i/20i/28i) carries the known chain risk
- Boot shrinks heavily with the hardtop folded
- Same Supra architecture but without its closed coupé body
- Suspension bushings and control arms wear (larger wheels)
Driving experience
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.
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
