The BMW Z4->ke289 is a relatively young model on the market. Its first generation was announced in 2002, and became a very successful model on the market thanks to its beautiful design language and its relatively cheaper price compared to other sports cars.

At the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, BMW->ke178 brought out the second generation Z4. And, next to a new design language and new engines, the E89 model came with big changes to the line-up: the coupe version was dropped and so was the previous M version. Instead, BMW offered a Z4 sDrive35is version - the most powerful Z4 currently available on the market.

On the US market, the current Z4 line-up includes the Z4 sDrive28i,the Z4 sDrive35i, and the Z4 sDrive35is with prices ranging from $48,650 to $64,200. In Europe, customers can also opt for the sDrive20i, sDrive23i, or sDrive30i.

Hit the jump to read more about the BMW Z4 E89.

bmw-z4-roadster

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: bmw-z4-roadster
Pros
Cons

2009 - 2012 BMW Z4 Roadster

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2009 - 2012 BMW Z4 Roadster
  • Engine/Motor: straight-six
  • Horsepower: 340 @ 5900
  • Torque: 331 @ 1500
  • Transmission: 7-speed Double-Clutch
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

In its short life, the second generation Z4's exterior remain mostly unchanged. The new model continued with the same classic look of the first generation Z4, but added modern, flowing lines. The first changes one may notice is the long and low-slung engine compartment lid, the long wheelbase, and the large wheels.

On the front section, the Z4 features the now famous BMW kidney grille, wide air intakes, and dual round headlights with bi-xenon lights. On the side, the Z4 is dominated by the dynamic flow of the shoulder line connecting the front and rear wheel arches. The car's designers also opted for an extra-large engine compartment lid extending far over the wheel arches, black A-pillars, and gill intakes at the side with integrated LED direction indicators, as well as slender rear lights with three-dimensional LED-fed rows of light units.

The new Z4 measures 167.0 inches in length, 70.5 in width, and 50.6 height, and weighs only 3549 lbs. For the models equipped with an automatic transmission, BMW has managed to obtain an incredible weight distribution of 49.4/50.6 front/rear.

The Z4 sDrive35i version will be distinguished by a striking front bumper with a horizontal trim bar in the outer air intakes finished in matte aluminum, light-alloy rims in spoke design, and a rear bumper with specially accentuated surrounds on the exhaust tailpipes, as well as a two-piece diffuser again created specifically for the Z4 sDrive35is, finished at the top in body color and in black at the bottom.

An M Sport package is available as an option. It adds a more aggressive front fascia with larger air intakes as well as a new rear bumper with integrated diffuser out back. The package can be combined to either a set of M wheels measuring 18 inches in diameter or 19 inch alloys available as an option.

Interior

The sporty and elegant exterior is combined with the stylish ambiance of the interior. The decorative surface on the driver's side was designed in a U shape and includes the controls for the lights and air conditioning to the left and right of the steering wheel. These elements are available in Satin Silver matte, Fine Aluminum long-grain, and Brown Ash grain.

The front passenger has access to the light and the climate control units, which are painted either in Satin Silver matte or dark leatherette. The seats are covered in high-quality leather, with a choice of three different colors.

The Z4 sDrive35is will benefit from an M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, an M footrest, and sports seats. There will also be an "sDrive35is"model designation in the instrument cluster. Other features include Anthracite-colored BMW Individual roof lining, M entry strips, foot-mats with colored piping, and a M interior trim in Aluminum carbon.

The new Z4 is equipped with a fully retractable hardtop that opens and closes elector-hydraulically at the touch of a button within just 20 seconds.

M Sport Package

  • 18" Light alloy Star-spoke wheels style 325M-with performance run-flat tires   
  • 19" Light alloy V-spoke wheels style 296-with performance run-flat tires $1,200
  • M Interior trim Aluminum Carbon Shadow   
  • Ash Grain Wood Trim   
  • M steering wheel   
  • M Sports leather steering wheel with paddle shifters   
  • Increased top speed limiter   
  • Aerodynamic kit   
  • Anthracite headliner   
  • Sport seats   
  • Adaptive M Suspension


Sport Package

  • 18" Light alloy Multi-spoke wheel style 293-with performance run-flat tires   
  • 19" Light alloy V-spoke wheels style 296-with performance run-flat tires $1,200
  • Increased top speed limiter   
  • Adaptive M Suspension   
  • Sport seats

Comfort and Convenience

  • Automatic climate control includes micro-filter, automatic air recirculation, left/right temperature control, MAX A/C function, heat at rest, and recall of individual user settings
  • Vehicle & Key Memory
  • Welcome lights with fade-in/fade-out feature, and actuation from remote control    Glove compartment; storage space in doors and behind seats
  • Dual power external mirrors
  • Through-loading system
  • Center armrest
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers and Automatic headlight control
  • 2 cup holders in the center console beneath the center armrest, plus a clip-in cupholder on the center console
  • Electric interior trunk release

Safety and Security

  • Dual-airbag Supplementary Restraint System
  • BMW's Advanced Safety System for integrated deployment of safety features
  • Automatic safety-belt pretensioners
  • Active Knee Protection
  • Side-impact airbags    Mechanism for disabling the deployment of the front, knee and passenger's-side airbag; includes indicator light (see your BMW Z4 Roadster Owner's Manual for further details)
  • Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
  • Rollover Protection System
  • Central locking system with double-lock anti-theft feature, selective unlocking and interior locking switch
  • Coded Driveaway Protection
  • Adaptive Brakelights
  • Crash sensor that activates Battery Safety Terminal disconnect of alternator, fuel pump and starter from battery; automatically unlocks doors, and turns on hazard and interior lights
  • Anti-theft alarm system with keyhead remote operation and interior motion detector

Engine Lineup

2009 BMW Z4

At its official launch in 2009, the Z4 E89 was offered with a choice of three engines: Z4 sDrive35i, Z4 sDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive23i. The most powerful version used a 3.0 liter straight-six petrol engine with Twin Turbo and direct fuel injection technology. This engine delivers a total of 306 hp at 5,800 rpm and a peak torque of 295 lb-ft from 1,300–5,000 rpm.

The second version used a 3.0 liter straight-six petrol engine with magnesium/aluminum composite crankcase, VALVETRONIC, and double-VANOS. It delivers a total of 258 hp at 6,600 rpm and a peak torque of 228 lb-ft at 2,750 rpm. Finally, the third version uses a 2.5 liter straight-six petrol engine with magnesium/aluminum composite crankcase, VALVETRONIC, and double-VANOS. In this version, the engine delivers a total of 204 hp at 6,200 rpm and a peak torque of 184 lb-ft at 2,950 rpm.

All variants of the new BMW Z4 come standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. As an option, BMW offerers a seven-speed sports automatic with double clutch and six-speed sports automatic with Steptronic.

2010 BMW Z4

In 2010, BMW added the Z4 sDrive35is version. It is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six with increased air flow and more boost pressure. The engine delivers a total of 335 HP at 5,900 RPM and a peak torque of 332 lb-ft from 1,500 RPM to 4,500 RPM and is mated to a 7 speed Double-Clutch Transmission with SPORT and SPORT+ modes for crisper shifts and more performance driving.

This version makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 4.7 seconds, but unfortunately top speed is still limited to 155 mph.

2011 BMW Z4

Early in 2011, BMW announced the Z4 sDrive28i and the Z4 sDrive20i versions. Both versions are powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine featuring a twin-scroll system and all-aluminum crankcase. In the sDrive20i version, the engine delivers a total of 184 HP and 199 lbs-ft of torque, and for the sDrive28i the final output has been increased to 245 HP and 258 lbs-ft. The sDrive28i is the first four-cylinder Z4 offered on the US market.

BMW Z4 sDrive20i

BMW Z4 sDrive28i

Config

Straight-four

Straight-four

Engine technology

BMW TwinPower Turbo with Twin-Scroll turbocharger, direct injection and fully variable valve control

BMW TwinPower Turbo with Twin-Scroll turbocharger, direct injection and fully variable valve control

Capacity, effective cc

1997

1997

Stroke / bore

90.1 / 84.0

90.1 / 84.0

Max output

184 HP @ 5000 rpm

245 HP @ 5000 - 6500 rpm

Max torque

199 lbs-ft @ 1250–4500 rpm

258 lbs-ft @ 1250–4800 rpm

0 to 60 mph sprint time

10.3 seconds

7.8 seconds

Top Speed

146 mph

155 mph


BMW Z4 sDrive35i

BMW Z4 sDrive35is

Config

Straight-six

Straight-six

Engine technology

BMW TwinPowerTurbo with two turbochargers and direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection)

BMW TwinPower Turbo with two turbochargers and direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection)

Capacity, effective cc

2979

2979

Stroke / bore

89.6 / 84.0

89.6 / 84.0

Max output

306 HP @ 5800 rpm

340 HP @ 5900 rpm

Max torque

295 lbs-ft @ 1300-5000 rpm

331 lbs-ft @ 1500 rpm

0 to 60 mph sprint time

6.7 seconds

6.1 seconds

Top Speed

155 mph

155 mph


Handling and Braking

  • Driving Dynamics Control with comfort, sport and sport+ modes
  • Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), including Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant, Brake Drying, and Brake Stand-by features, with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
  • High-rigidity body/chassis unit with aluminum hood
  • Aluminum double-pivot spring and strut-type front suspension
  • Central Link rear suspension with cast-aluminum upper transverse links
  • Vehicle-speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering with Servotronic power assist
  • 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, ventilated front and rear
  • Front and rear anti-roll (stabilizer) bars
  • Twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers

Prices

Z4 sDrive28i

$48,650

Z4 sDrive35i

$55,150

Z4 sDrive35is

$64,200


Packages

Exclusive Canyon Brown Package

$2,300

Cold Weather Package

$850

M Sport/Canyon Brown Package

$5,350

M Sport Package

$3,900

Premium Package

$3,300

M Sport/Citrus Yellow Package

$5,750

Premium Sound Package

$950

Sport Package

$2,300

Exclusive Citrus Yellow Package

$2,550


Options

Heated front seats

$500

Power front seats with driver seat memory

$995

Navigation system

$2,150

Comfort Access keyless entry

$500

6-disc DVD Changer

$600

Satellite radio with 1 year subscription

$350

BMW Apps

$250

BMW Assist with Bluetooth

$650

Park Distance Control

$750

Automatic high beams

$250

BMW Assist Convenience Plan

$199

BMW Maintenance Program Upgrade

$2,095


Competition

When you say BMW Z4, you automatically think of its other German alternative - the Audi TT->ke1081. But while the Z4 is the perfect car for those looking for a more sporty, aggressive drive, the TT is a more elegant, distinctive car. We dare to say the Z4 is the perfect car for any man, while the TT is best left for their wives. Take the Audi TT up a notch to the TT-RS, however, and things get a bit more interesting. The TT-RS is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine with an output of 360 HP and a 0 to 60 mph sprint time of 4.6 seconds.

Another viable competitor is the Nissan Nismo 370Z. It uses a 3.7-liter VQ-series V6 engine that delivers a total of 350hp at 7,400 rpm with 276 lbs of torque at 5,200 rpm. It's also a bit cheaper than the Z4 at $40,830.

These competitors are great, but none offer the same driving feeling of the Z4.