Background
BMW Z4 (E89) was the second generation of the Z4 and took BMW’s two-seat roadster in a more luxurious and technically sophisticated direction. The new Z4 was first revealed in December 2008, with its world premiere taking place at the Detroit motor show in January 2009. Compared with its predecessor, the E89 was more elegant, spacious and comfortable while retaining the essential BMW roadster formula of a long bonnet, a two-seat cabin positioned close to the rear axle and rear-wheel drive.
Roadster and coupé in one car
The most important innovation of the E89 was its two-piece electrically retractable aluminium hardtop. It was the first BMW roadster to feature a fully retractable hardtop. The roof could be opened or closed in approximately 20 seconds, allowing the Z4 to combine the characteristics of an open roadster with the comfort and appearance of a closed sports coupé. As a result, there was no separate Z4 Coupé in this generation.
A new design
The exterior of the Z4 was designed by Juliane Blasi, while Nadya Arnaout was responsible for the interior. It was the first time at BMW that both the exterior and interior of a new model had been created by female designers. The car retained classic roadster proportions but introduced a longer wheelbase, stronger character lines and a more elegant overall appearance than its predecessor.
Straight-six engines at launch
At its 2009 market launch, the Z4 was offered with three six-cylinder petrol engines. The Z4 sDrive23i produced 204 hp, the sDrive30i 258 hp and the twin-turbocharged sDrive35i 306 hp. Four-cylinder turbo engines joined the range later, while the Z4 sDrive35is became the flagship in 2010 with 340 hp and 450 Nm from its 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six.
Greater comfort
With the E89, BMW placed greater emphasis on everyday usability and long-distance comfort. The cabin became more spacious and refined, while the retractable hardtop improved acoustic comfort and weather protection with the roof closed. At the same time, the low seating position close to the rear axle and driver-oriented cockpit ensured that the Z4 remained clearly focused on the driver.
The 2013 update
The Z4 received a modest model update in 2013. Changes included revised headlights, new exterior and interior details and the introduction of the sDrive18i. By this stage, turbocharged four-cylinder engines had replaced some of the earlier naturally aspirated six-cylinder units, while the 340 hp sDrive35is remained at the top of the range.
116,163 cars
The BMW Z4 E89 was built at BMW Plant Regensburg in Germany. According to BMW’s official production history for the plant, a total of 116,163 cars were produced between 2008 and 2016. The E89 was also the first Z4 generation not to be produced at Spartanburg in the United States, with production returning to Germany. It combined the sporting traditions of the Z Series with greater comfort and a more mature grand-tourer character.
Model in the collection
The BMW Z4 (E89) in my collection was produced by Minichamps. The model box gives the year as 2008, corresponding to the year in which BMW first officially revealed the new Z4; series production and market launch followed in 2009. It is a limited-edition model, with a total production run of 1,008 examples.
Technical data in brief
First revealed: December 2008
Market launch: 2009
Production period: 2008–2016
Production location: BMW Plant Regensburg, Germany
Body style: two-seat roadster with retractable hardtop
Roof: two-piece electrically retractable aluminium hardtop
Roof operation time: approximately 20 seconds
Engines: four- and six-cylinder petrol engines
Launch versions: sDrive23i 204 hp, sDrive30i 258 hp, sDrive35i 306 hp
Maximum output: 340 hp in the Z4 sDrive35is
Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive
Production: 116,163 cars
Exterior design: Juliane Blasi
Interior design: Nadya Arnaout
Special feature: the first BMW roadster with a fully retractable hardtop
Photo of the real car. Source: bmwblog.com