🇩🇪 Deutsch
BMW · Convertible / Roadster · 2009–2016

BMW Z4 E89

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
1.7 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

306–360 PS

3.0L Turbo Benzin

Single-Turbo Six: The Civilised One

Fun to Drive!
Problem Engine

306 PS

3.0L Biturbo Benzin

11 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations

Engine Overview

The BMW Z4 E89 is available with 4 engine variants — from 170 to 360 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

sDrive20i · Benziner· 184 PS
2011 2016
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
sDrive28i · Benziner· 245 PS
2011 2016
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
sDrive35i · Benziner· 306 PS Engine Change
2009 2011
Stay Away! 11 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2011 2016
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
sDrive35is · Benziner· 340 PS
2011 2016
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The BMW sDrive20i (Benziner, 184 PS) has the N20B20 (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.

The BMW sDrive28i (Benziner, 245 PS) has the N20B20 (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.

The BMW sDrive35i (Benziner, 306 PS) comes with 2 different engines: N54B30 (2009–2011, Stay Away!) und N55B30 (2011–2016, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the sDrive35i!

The BMW sDrive35is (Benziner, 340 PS) has the N55B30 (3.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Folding Roof Mechanism Fails

The E89 folding hardtop can block after 8–13 years due to faulty micro-switches, broken wiring harnesses or leaking hydraulic lines. Hydraulic pump replacement up to €4,000.

Symptoms: Roof won't open or close fully, fault message on display, motor runs but roof doesn't move
from 120,000 km
Ad convertible top hydraulic pump Z4 E89convertible topcontrol unit E89Mikroschalter convertible top Z4
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
35 complaints · 2009–2016
Wheels
12
Engine
5
Engine & Cooling
5
Electrical
4
Seat Belts
3

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Wheels (12 complaints)
⚠ Engine (5 complaints)
⚠ Engine & Cooling (5 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Same Segment

Mercedes-Benz SL R231

Cabrio/Roadster (2012–2020)

Same Segment

Porsche Boxster 981

Cabrio/Roadster (2012–2016)

Same Segment

Mercedes-Benz SLK R172

Cabrio/Roadster (2011–2016)

Same Segment

MINI MINI R57

Cabrio/Roadster (2009–2015)

Same Segment

MINI MINI Cabrio R57

Cabrio/Roadster (2009–2015)

Same Segment

Volvo C70 II

Cabrio/Roadster (2006–2013)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 35 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW Z4 E89 (2009–2016) — 28 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: N20B20 (2.0L Turbo), N54B30 (3.0L Biturbo). Typical issues affect Other, Body, Suspension, Steering.

Z4 (N54B30, 2009–2011) — Stay Away!: High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, Injector failure (index < 10), Turbocharger bearing failure. Power: 306 PS.

Z4 (N20B20, 2011–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing chain and oil pump chain, Electric water pump failure, Oil pump chain / oil pump sprocket defective. Power: 184 PS.

Z4 (N20B20, 2011–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing chain and oil pump chain, Electric water pump failure, Oil pump chain / oil pump sprocket defective. Power: 245 PS.

Z4 (N55B30, 2011–2016) — Be Careful: Bearing wear from neglected maintenance, Electric water pump failure, High oil consumption. Power: 306 PS.

Z4 (N55B30, 2011–2016) — Be Careful: Bearing wear from neglected maintenance, Electric water pump failure, High oil consumption. Power: 340 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 E89 have? +
The BMW Z4 E89 has 28 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used BMW Z4 E89? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: N55B30 (3.0L Turbo). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the N55B30 (3.0L Turbo). Problem engine: N54B30 (3.0L Biturbo) — stay away!
Which BMW Z4 E89 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the BMW Z4 E89 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 306 hp N55 — more linear than the N54, fewer ancillary headaches, same driving thrill. Metal roof stowed in 20 seconds — then the straight-six howls without restraint.
Is the BMW Z4 E89 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the BMW Z4 E89 — 2 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW Z4 E89? +
The BMW Z4 E89 is available with engine variants from 170 to 360 hp. Petrol: N20B20 (2.0L Turbo), N54B30 (3.0L Biturbo), N55B30 (3.0L Turbo).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee