Market Position:
The BMW Z4 (E89) is a compact luxury roadster positioned in a segment that emphasizes sporty driving dynamics, premium features, and open-top motoring. It competes with vehicles like the Audi TT Roadster, Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, and Porsche Boxster.
Competitive Analysis:
The Z4's strengths lie in its powerful inline-six engines (especially the 35is), sophisticated retractable hardtop, and driver-focused cockpit. Its rivals often offer different emphasis, with some prioritizing outright performance (Porsche Boxster) or refined luxury (Mercedes-Benz SLK).
Key Features:
Retractable hardtop convertible, rear-wheel drive, potent inline-six engines, premium interior materials, BMW iDrive infotainment system.
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission, exhaust system, fuel system, cooling system.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS, DSC, CBC), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, lighting (interior and exterior), instrument cluster, gauges, warning indicators, fuses and relays.
Body And Interior:
Convertible top operation and maintenance, doors, windows, seats, climate control system (HVAC), safety belts, airbags, interior trim.
Infotainment And Electronics:
iDrive system, audio system, navigation system (if equipped), Bluetooth connectivity, power outlets.
Operation:
Starting and driving the vehicle, convertible top operation, parking, engaging gears.
Maintenance:
Fluid level checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Understanding warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting steps for common issues.
Safety:
Seat belt usage, airbag system explanation, child restraint system installation.
Emergency:
Emergency starting (jump starting), changing a flat tire, spare tire or tire mobility kit information.
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information covering day-to-day operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostics typically found in a service manual.
File Format:
Printed booklet
Print Quality:
High-quality, professional printing with clear text and legible diagrams.
Binding Type:
Stapled or perfect bound booklet, suitable for regular use.
Paper Type:
Durable, glossy or semi-gloss paper suitable for automotive manuals.
Sdrive30I Engine:
3.0L naturally aspirated inline-six (N52B30)
Sdrive35I Engine:
3.0L twin-turbocharged inline-six (N54B30)
Sdrive35Is Engine:
3.0L twin-turbocharged inline-six (N54B30 - higher output)
Sdrive30I Horsepower:
255 hp @ 6600 rpm
Sdrive30I Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Sdrive35I Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5800 rpm
Sdrive35I Torque:
300 lb-ft @ 1300-5000 rpm
Sdrive35Is Horsepower:
335 hp @ 5900 rpm
Sdrive35Is Torque:
332 lb-ft @ 1500-4500 rpm (368 lb-ft with overboost)
Fuel Delivery:
Direct injection (for 35i/35is), multi-point fuel injection (for 30i).
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Sdrive30I Transmission:
6-speed manual
Sdrive35I Transmission:
7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M-DCT) with paddle shifters
Sdrive35Is Transmission:
7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M-DCT) with paddle shifters
Sdrive30I Transmission Optional:
8-speed Steptronic automatic
M-Dct Features:
Launch Control, Drivelogic modes for various driving conditions.
Length:
161.4 inches (4100 mm)
Width:
70.5 inches (1791 mm)
Height:
52.5 inches (1334 mm)
Wheelbase:
98.3 inches (2496 mm)
Cargo Volume Top Up:
13.0 cubic feet (368 liters)
Cargo Volume Top Down:
7.0 cubic feet (196 liters)
Curb Weight Sdrive30I:
Approximately 3,350 lbs (1519 kg)
Curb Weight Sdrive35I:
Approximately 3,510 lbs (1592 kg)
Curb Weight Sdrive35Is:
Approximately 3,510 lbs (1592 kg)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not explicitly rated as a Z4 E89 by NHTSA due to its niche segment and convertible nature. However, BMW vehicles generally perform well in crashworthiness.
IIHS Rating:
Not independently rated by IIHS due to convertible body style.
Active Safety Features:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist, Electronic Differential Lock.
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), side-impact airbags integrated into the seats, rollover protection system (automatically deploying hoops), three-point seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters, active front head restraints.
Infotainment System:
BMW iDrive system (e.g., CIC Professional Navigation System), featuring a central LCD display, rotary controller, and various buttons on the console.
Driver Assistance Features:
Parking Distance Control (PDC) (front and rear), optional rearview camera, adaptive headlights (optional).
Connectivity Features:
Bluetooth hands-free interface, USB audio interface, auxiliary audio input, optional satellite radio.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, based on BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system which monitors driving conditions and oil life.
Brake Fluid Change Interval:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Type And Interval:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant. Replacement intervals vary, typically around 4 years or 60,000 miles for initial fill.
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) compliant synthetic oil, typically 0W-30 or 5W-30. Always consult the manual for specific viscosity recommendations for your climate.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Gear oil, specification depends on transmission type (e.g., BMW G3 / G4 gear oil for manual).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
BMW Drivelogic fluid (for M-DCT), generally considered 'lifetime' but replacement is recommended by many specialists at 50,000-60,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 High Performance brake fluid.
Known Issues:
N54 engine (35i/35is): High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, vacuum leaks, turbocharger issues, ignition coil and spark plug failures. N52 engine (30i): Valvetronic eccentric shaft sensor issues, oil leaks (valve cover gasket), water pump failure. Convertible top hydraulic system leaks or motor failure. Power steering hose leaks.
Brand Heritage:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing sporty, driver-focused vehicles with a strong emphasis on performance and engineering excellence.
Model Evolution:
The E89 Z4 is the third generation of the Z4 roadster, replacing the E85/E86 generation. It marked a significant shift with the introduction of a retractable hardtop, moving away from the previous soft-top design and differentiating it further from its predecessor.
Production Years:
2009-2016 (for E89 chassis)
Manufacturing Location:
Regensburg, Germany
