Z4
Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September 2002, the BMW Z4 replaced the Z3 in BMW’s roadster range. This front-engined, rear-wheel-drive two-seater quickly became known for its long bonnet, rear-set seating position and more sharply defined styling than its predecessor. The first generation was offered as the E85 roadster and E86 coupé, while the E89 generation adopted a retractable hardtop that combined convertible and coupé use in one body style. In 2018, BMW revealed the G29 generation, returning to an electrically operated fabric soft-top. Depending on model year and market, the Z4 range included entry versions, sporty six-cylinder models, M-badged cars and several market-specific trims or designations.
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Variants by year
Make: BMW · Model: Z4
8 / 8 versions shown
2018
2010
2009
2006
2005
2003
2002
BMW Z4 photos
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September 2002, the BMW Z4 replaced the Z3 in BMW’s roadster range. This front-engined, rear-wheel-drive two-seater quickly became known for its long bonnet, rear-set seating position and more sharply defined styling than its predecessor. The first generation was offered as the E85 roadster and E86 coupé, while the E89 generation adopted a retractable hardtop that combined convertible and coupé use in one body style. In 2018, BMW revealed the G29 generation, returning to an electrically operated fabric soft-top. Depending on model year and market, the Z4 range included entry versions, sporty six-cylinder models, M-badged cars and several market-specific trims or designations.
History
The BMW Z4 made its public debut at the Paris Motor Show in September 2002, taking over from the Z3. The first generation is generally identified by the E85 code for the roadster and E86 for the coupé, and was built at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. The roadster formed the initial offering; the fixed-roof coupé followed later, in 2006. This period also included the Z4 M Roadster and Z4 M Coupé, which occupy a special place in the model’s history because of their more focused performance character. BMW presented the second generation in December 2008. Known internally as the E89, it was built in Regensburg and entered the market from 2009. Its defining change was a two-piece retractable hardtop operated by an electrohydraulic system. The launch range used several inline six-cylinder engines, with additional powertrains introduced later depending on market and model year. The third generation, known as the G29, was unveiled at Pebble Beach on August 23, 2018. It returned to a more traditional roadster format with an electrically operated fabric soft-top. Production was assigned to Magna Steyr in Graz, with the market launch announced for March 2019.
Generations
The first generation comprises the E85 and E86 Z4 models. The E85 is a two-seat roadster with a fabric soft-top, a rear-set cabin and strongly stretched proportions. Introduced in 2006, the E86 uses a separate coupé body rather than a removable roof panel. Both versions share their basic technical foundation, but their rooflines, rear sections and intended use are clearly different. The M versions gave this generation a more focused performance identity. The second generation, E89, removed the distinction between separate roadster and coupé bodies. It uses a two-piece retractable hardtop, allowing the car to switch between a closed configuration and open-top driving. Its styling is more substantial and its character places greater emphasis on refinement, although rear-wheel drive and inline six-cylinder engines remained central to the initial range. sDrive designations and power outputs vary by market and model year. The third generation, G29, returned to a fabric soft-top and adopted tighter, more contemporary proportions. BMW presented it as a modern interpretation of the classic roadster, with a more central driving position, wider tracks and a clearly defined two-seat layout. The first announced models included the sDrive20i, sDrive30i and M40i.
Key differences
The clearest differences between generations concern the body style. The E85 is the conventional soft-top roadster, while the E86 is a fixed-roof coupé produced over a shorter period. The E89 is identified by its retractable hardtop, and this generation no longer has a separate coupé derivative. The G29 then returned to a fabric soft-top and a more compact overall shape. The mechanical range also changed over time. The first generation is associated mainly with naturally aspirated engines, including dedicated M variants. The E89 launched with inline six-cylinder engines before receiving additional powertrain solutions in later years. The G29 introduced a newer range that included four-cylinder engines and a six-cylinder M40i. Because names, transmissions and outputs can differ by country, dependable identification should combine the model year, body style and internal generation code.
Photo recognition
To identify an E85 Z4, look for its fabric soft-top, strongly rear-set cabin and sharply creased front-end design. The E86 is immediately distinguishable by its fixed roof and two-seat coupé profile; it should not be confused with an E85 fitted with a removable hardtop. Z4 M Roadster and Z4 M Coupé badges indicate the most performance-focused versions of this first family. The E89 is easiest to recognize by its retractable hardtop, visible through its thicker roof structure and articulated panels. Its styling is longer and smoother than the E85’s. The G29 returned to a fabric soft-top and uses tighter proportions, a larger kidney grille and a more contemporary body design. For accurate identification, visual clues should be checked against the vehicle identification number, production year and the relevant internal code: E85, E86, E89 or G29. Equipment and exterior details can vary between markets and model years.
Important versions
Names associated with the early model years include Roadster, Alpina Roadster S, Coupé, M Roadster and M Coupé. The Roadster marks the Z4’s introduction in 2002, while the Alpina Roadster S belongs to the more exclusive derivatives of the first period. The Coupé and the two M versions appear around 2005-2006, depending on the model-year reference used. The following generation is represented by a base version listed from 2009 to 2018 in the available data, together with a GT3 designation dated to 2010. These names do not all describe the same body style or production scale: availability depends on market and period, and individual vehicle documentation should be checked before assigning a precise variant.
The name “Z4” follows BMW naming, with its rules and its exceptions. Decode a BMW name
References
- The new BMW Z4: European debut and technical informationBMW Group PressClub USA
- El BMW Z4 Edición FinalBMW Group PressClub México
- The Roadster reloaded: World premiere of the new BMW Z4 in Pebble BeachBMW Group PressClub Global
- The new BMW Z4BMW Group PressClub Global
- BMW Z4: All generations, new models and road testsauto motor und sport
- https://www.iseecars.com/car/bmw-z4/generationsiseecars.com
Technical specifications
Structured data available for versions linked to this model.
| Version | Power | Torque | Top speed | Drivetrain | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 250 KW @ 5900 RPM340 HP @ 5900 RPM335 BHP @ 5900 RPM | 369 lb-ft @ 1500 RPM500 Nm @ 1500 RPM | 155 mph (249 km/h) | Rear Wheel Drive / 7-speed automatic DCT | Gasoline |
Frequently asked questions
- What years was the BMW Z4 produced?
- ScanRacer's referenced versions cover 2002 - 2018.
- How many BMW Z4 examples are documented on ScanRacer?
- 23 published scans from 22 members, with the latest photo added in September 2026.
- What is the power output of the BMW Z4?
- The sourced technical data lists 250 KW @ 5900 RPM340 HP @ 5900 RPM335 BHP @ 5900 RPM.
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