Models · BMW
BMW Z4 E89 buying guide
The second BMW Z4, built from 2009 to 2016, with a two-piece folding metal hardtop in place of the earlier car's fabric hood and separate coupé. Engines run from four-cylinder turbos to the twin-turbo straight-six of the 35i and 35is.
The versions
- Four-cylinder turbo (N20): sDrive20i (184PS, 2011 to 2016) and sDrive28i (245PS, 2011 to 2016); sDrive18i (156PS) from 2013
- Straight-six, non-turbo (N52): sDrive23i (204PS) and sDrive30i (258PS), 2009 to 2011
- Twin-turbo straight-six (N54): sDrive35i (306PS) and sDrive35is (340PS, from 2010, dual-clutch only)
- Six-speed manual, six or eight-speed automatic, or a seven-speed dual-clutch on the six-cylinder turbos
- Rear-wheel drive; two-seat roadster with a folding hardtop
What to check on a E89 Z4
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
N20 engines: timing chain rattle
What to look for: On an sDrive18i, 20i or 28i, start the engine from cold with the bonnet open and listen at the back of the engine, near the bulkhead, for a rattle or whine, at start-up and at idle. Ask whether the timing chain and guides have been replaced, and for the invoice.
Why it matters: Early production N20 engines were built with plastic timing chain guides that can break down with little warning. A loose chain can jump on its sprockets and seriously damage the engine. Many cars have had the chain and guides renewed, and noise is the warning sign to act on.
35i and 35is: fuel pump and hesitation
What to look for: On the drive, accelerate firmly from low revs through the gears. Note any hesitation, stumble or loss of power, a long crank before it starts, or a drivetrain or engine warning.
Why it matters: The N54 engine's high-pressure fuel pump was the subject of a recall and extended warranty in the US for failures that can make the engine cut power. Many have been replaced with updated parts, and a diagnostic read shows any stored fuel pressure faults.
35i and 35is: misfires and injectors
What to look for: From cold and once warm, the engine should idle evenly. On the drive, watch for a flashing engine lamp or a stutter under load, and ask which injectors are fitted and when they were last changed.
Why it matters: The N54's piezo injectors can fail and cause misfires, and BMW introduced an updated design. Injectors on record to the latest version are a good sign.
Also in the full guide
- 35i and 35is: rattle from the turbos
- The folding hardtop
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the E89 Z4
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with BMW.