BMW Z4 E85
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
204–272 PS
3.0L Magnesium Benzin
Best E85 Formula: N52 Meets Soft Top
Fun to Drive!163–170 PS
2.2L 24V Benzin
5 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The BMW Z4 E85 is available with 6 engine variants — from 121 to 272 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The BMW 2.0i (Benziner, 150 PS) has the N46B20 (2.0L) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The BMW 2.2i (Benziner, 170 PS) has the M54B22 (2.2L 24V) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.
The BMW 2.5i (Benziner, 177–218 PS) comes with 3 different engines: M54B25 (2003–2006, Be Careful) und N52B25 (2005–2008, Be Careful) und N52B25 (2006–2008, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.5i!
The BMW 2.5si (Benziner, 211–218 PS) has the N52B25 (2.5L Magnesium) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The BMW 3.0i (Benziner, 231 PS) has the M54B30 (3.0L 24V) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The BMW 3.0si (Benziner, 265 PS) has the N52B30 (3.0L Magnesium) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Top: Hydraulic Pump Corrodes and Fails The hydraulic pump for the Z4 E85 hood is mounted in a poorly protected position. Blocked drains allow water ingress; the pump corrodes and fails. Replacement is labour-intensive and expensive. Symptoms: Roof won't open or close, pump noise without movement, roof stops halfway, smell of damp in the boot from 80,000 km | Medium | |
| Water Ingress Boot / Tail Lights Water enters through leaking tail lights or the boot vent. The expansion rivets on the tail lights become porous, seals age and allow moisture in. Can lead to short circuits and mould. Symptoms: Damp boot floor, condensation inside tail lights, rust in the boot if left unnoticed long-term from 80,000 km | Low |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 41 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW Z4 E85 (2002–2008) — 34 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: M54B22 (2.2L 24V). Typical issues affect Body, Suspension, Electronics, Steering.
Z4 (M54B22, 2003–2006) — Stay Away!: DISA flap valve defective, DISA valve defective, Crankcase ventilation / air leak. Power: 170 PS.
Z4 (M54B25, 2003–2006) — Be Careful: DISA valve defective, Electric thermostat defective, Crankcase ventilation — membrane tear. Power: 192 PS.
Z4 (M54B30, 2003–2006) — Be Careful: DISA valve defective, Double-VANOS O-rings worn, Piston rings coked — high oil consumption. Power: 231 PS.
Z4 (N46B20, 2005–2008) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretched / chain tensioner defective, Valvetronic eccentric shaft / actuator motor defective, VANOS solenoid valve defective. Power: 150 PS.
Z4 (N52B25, 2006–2008) — Be Careful: Electric water pump defective, Eccentric shaft sensor (Valvetronic) failure, Oil filter housing gasket leaking — oil in coolant. Power: 177 PS.
Z4 (N52B25, 2006–2008) — Be Careful: Electric water pump defective, Eccentric shaft sensor (Valvetronic) failure, Oil filter housing gasket leaking — oil in coolant. Power: 211–218 PS.
Z4 (N52B30, 2006–2008) — Be Careful: Electric water pump defective, Oil filter housing gasket — oil into coolant, Eccentric shaft sensor (Valvetronic) failure. Power: 265 PS.
What to watch out for with the BMW Z4? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the BMW Z4 E85 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used BMW Z4 E85? +
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Which BMW Z4 E85 engine is the most fun? +
Is the BMW Z4 E85 worth buying used? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee