The new Z4, successor to the E85 Z4 Roadster and E86 Z4 Coupe, is the first BMW Roadster to have a retractable hardtop. With its long engine compartment lid, large wheel apertures, long wheelbase and squat overhang it features all typical elements of a BMW Roadster. The vehicle's manufacturing has been moved from Spartanburg, South Carolina to the Regensburg, Germany plant.
These features are further enhanced by the flat front section, the pronounced shoulder line and rear end. In addition, the engine compartment lid that extends over the wheel arches, the large BMW radiator grill, the side gills, the black A-pillar, the contoured roof and rear lights with innovative light technology further cement the characteristic accents.
The two-piece, electrohydraulically operated retractable hardtop made of lightweight aluminum panels takes approximately 20 seconds to open or close fully automatically. The compact stowage of the roof elements in the luggage compartment allows for a flat, Roadster-characteristic rear design and a luggage compartment volume between 180 and 310 liters (6.3 and 10.9 cubic feet). Large window areas together with the heated glass rear window provide an optimum all-round field of view.
All models are equipped with Efficient Dynamics measures and thus no compromise has been made in terms of acceleration, performance and fuel economy. At launch in May 2009, the E89 is offered as tow model variants.
Z4 sDrive35i - N54B30O0 (300 hp/300 lb-ft)
Z4 sDrive30i - N52B30O1 (255 hp/220 lb-ft)
Both model variants come standard with a manual 6 speed transmission but if the automatic transmission option is desired, two transmissions are available. For the Z4 sDrive30i, there is the familiar GA6HP19Z (TU) transmission. For the Z4 sDrive35i, the sports automatic with double clutch (DCT) GS7D36SG transmission that was first utilized in the fourth generation M3 is available.
The new BMW Z4 is equipped with a three level dynamic driving control as standard. This allows the driver to change the accelerator pedal characteristics, gearshift program and shift speed of the optional automatic gearbox, DSC response and the optional adaptive M running gear with the touch of a button.
Head and elbow clearance as well as ease of entry have been greatly improved compared to the predecessor model. The low seat position near the rear axle creates the typical ride experience of a BMW Roadster.
Scheme 146
Scheme 147
Changes when compared to the E85
- Improved interior and comfort
- Retractable hardtop
- Bi-xenon as standard (fog lights discontinued)
- Through-loading facility
- Wheelbase increased by +146 mm (5.75")
- Standard "wheels optional 19" wheels
- Optional adaptive M running gear
- Optional sports automatic transmission with double clutch (only on Z4 sDrive35i)
- Cruise control with brake intervention
- Dynamic driving control
- CIC (with navigation)
Body
The following are some important design objectives in the development of the E89 body
- Harmonious overall impression with extended proportions, coupe-inspired roof line and flat rear end
- Remote controlled, fully automatic retractable hardtop with load help function
- Through-loading capability for carrying skies or a golf bag regardless of top position
- More and easier-to-use storage compartments in the vehicle interior as well as a rear storage area behind the seats
- Greatly improved all-round vision (rear side windows) and a larger rear window
- Compelling impression (driver-orientated), top-quality appearance and functionality of the interior
- Distinctly reduced noise level at higher speeds
Comparison of Body Components
The new Z4 has been designed with very few components actually used from the previous model. The illustration below identifies the components used in both generation Z4.
Scheme 148
| Index | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 1 | New components (newly developed) |
| 2 | Common parts |
| 3 | Modified components (developed with minimum expenditure) |
INDEX EXPLANATION REFERENCE CHART
Dimensions
The E89 has grown compared to the E85. The width is now 1790 mm (+9 mm).
