🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

Z4

Chassis Code:

E85 (Roadster), E86 (Coupe)

Model Years Covered:

2004

Product Identifier:

BMW_Z4_E85_E86_2004_Workshop_Manual

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Premium compact sports convertible/coupe

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts and owners seeking to maintain and repair their BMW Z4.

Competitors 2004:

Porsche Boxster, Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, Audi TT Roadster/Coupe

Design Philosophy:

Rear-wheel-drive, balanced chassis, focused driving experience.

Value Proposition:

Enables DIY repairs, saving significant costs on dealership or independent mechanic labor.

Ease Of Use:

Step-by-step instructions with accompanying pictures for ease of understanding.

📋 Manual Details

Scope:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Models And Trims:

All models, engines, trim levels, and transmission types for the E85/E86 generation

Estimated Pages:

Comprehensive (exact number not specified, but implies full coverage A-Z)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Delivery Format:

Downloadable Digital File

Software Requirements:

Adobe Reader (or compatible PDF viewer)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition), Transmission (manual, automatic), Drivetrain (rear axle, drive shafts)

Chassis:

Suspension (front & rear), Steering system, Brake system (hydraulic, ABS, DSC), Wheels and Tires

Electrical:

Engine management, Body electronics (lighting, wipers, locks), Instrument cluster, Audio system, HVAC controls, SRS (Airbag) system, Cruise control, DME (Digital Motor Electronics) and EGS (Electronic Gearbox Control) diagnostics

Body And Interior:

Body shell repair, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Convertible top mechanism (for E85), Bumpers, Interior trim, Seats, Safety belts

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, Oil changes, Filter replacements, Spark plug replacement, Brake fluid flush, Coolant flush, Inspection procedures

Repair:

Engine component repair/replacement (pistons, valves, head gasket), Transmission overhaul, Clutch replacement, Brake pad/rotor replacement, Suspension component replacement (shocks, bushings), Steering rack repair, Electrical component diagnosis and repair, Convertible top mechanism repair

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Symptom-based troubleshooting guides, Electrical circuit diagrams for diagnosis

Installation:

Component replacement and installation procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and component-level repair.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretations, and troubleshooting trees.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Printable:

High quality, fully printable pages

Searchable:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Accessibility:

Viewable on PC, MAC, Tablets, and Smartphones

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Codes Covered:

N52B25 (2.5L), N52B30 (3.0L), M54B25 (2.5L), M54B30 (3.0L), S54B32 (3.2L - Z4 M)

2.5I Horsepower:

Approx. 184-215 hp (depending on specific N52 variant)

3.0I Horsepower:

Approx. 215-255 hp (depending on specific N52 variant)

Z4 M Horsepower:

330 hp (S54B32 engine)

Torque Delivery:

Emphasis on linear power delivery and responsive torque across the rev range.

Injection Type:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol-based)

Oil Type:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) synthetic engine oil (e.g., 5W-30 or 0W-40)

ECU Type:

DME (Digital Motor Electronics)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 2.5I:

6-speed manual transmission (Getrag GS6-37BZ)

Transmission Type 3.0I:

6-speed manual transmission (Getrag GS6-37BZ) or 6-speed Steptronic automatic

Automatic Transmission:

6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with paddle shifters available on select models

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, specific viscosity recommended in manual (e.g., 75W-90)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

BMW ATF LT-5 (or equivalent specification for ZF 6HP series)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2495 mm (98.2 in)

Length:

Approx. 4092 mm (161.1 in) for E85 Roadster

Width:

Approx. 1777 mm (69.9 in)

Height:

Approx. 1302 mm (51.3 in) for E85 Roadster

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 240 liters (8.5 cu ft) for E85 Roadster

Curb Weight Approx:

1400 - 1550 kg (3086 - 3417 lbs) depending on engine and equipment

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Specific to model and configuration, detailed in manual.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings 2004:

Likely received good ratings for its class, specific data may vary by trim and testing year.

Traction Control:

Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Brakes:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, Side airbags (integrated into seats)

Roll Protection:

Integrated rollover protection system (pop-up bars behind headrests on E85 Roadster)

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

BMW Professional Radio or Business CD player, optional navigation system (CCC generation), optional Harman Kardon audio system.

Display:

Central dashboard display for infotainment and vehicle information, optional high-resolution screen for navigation.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control functionality.

Parking Assistance:

Optional rear park distance control (PDC).

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface.

Aux Input:

Standard auxiliary audio input jack for external devices.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 1-2 years, depending on driving conditions and oil used (as per CBS - Condition Based Service).

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Coolant Change:

BMW Blue Antifreeze is typically a long-life coolant, initial change around 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles or 2 years.

Spark Plugs:

Typically every 60,000 miles for iridium plugs.

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW Central Hydraulic Fluid (CHF 11S or equivalent) for some models, consult manual for exact spec.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 LV (Low Viscosity)

Common Problems General:

Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket), cooling system issues (thermostat, water pump, expansion tank), VANOS system issues, power steering pump leaks, convertible top hydraulic system leaks (E85), VANOS solenoids, oil pan gasket.

Specific Engine Issues:

N52 engines can experience eccentric shaft sensor failures, DISA valve issues. M54 engines are known for oil consumption, CCV system issues.

Cabin Air Filter Part Number Example:

Example: 64116910627 (Consult manual for specific vehicle VIN for accurate part number)

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

Example: 11427541827 (Consult manual for specific vehicle VIN for accurate part number)

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Roadster Legacy:

Builds upon BMW's legacy of producing engaging, driver-focused sports cars, dating back to models like the 507 and Z1/Z3.

Z4 E85 E86 Generation:

The first generation Z4, replacing the Z3. Introduced in 2002 (E85 Roadster) and 2006 (E86 Coupe). Known for its distinct 'flame surfacing' design language.

Manufacturing Location:

Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA

Production Period E85 E86:

2002-2008

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Best Car List:

The Z4 has been featured on Car and Driver's 10Best lists in various years during its production run, recognizing its driving dynamics and design.

Design Awards:

The distinctive 'flame surfacing' design language of the E85/E86 generation received critical acclaim.