BMW Z4 (E89)
The E89 Z4 swapped the E85's fabric roof for a two-piece folding aluminium hardtop and moved the car upmarket into Mercedes SLK territory. UK sales started in May 2009 with the naturally aspirated 23i and 30i sixes; turbocharged four-cylinder 20i and 28i models followed in 2011 and the 18i in 2013. It is a comfortable, quiet cruiser rather than a sharp sports car, and the roof is the defining risk: relays, hall sensors and the hydraulic pump all fail, and water in the boot finishes the job. Early N54-engined 35i cars also carry high-pressure fuel pump and injector risk. Find a garaged car with a roof that has been exercised regularly and a full service history.
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Common Faults & Reliability
These are the most common documented problems for the BMW Z4 (E89), sorted by their typical impact and frequency.
Cracked Alloy Wheels
high severityThe combination of large 19-inch alloy wheels (especially Style 296 and Style 326M), stiff low-profile run-flat tyres, and rigid M Sport damping causes the inner rim barrel to crack under impact from potholes.
High Pressure Fuel Pump (35i)
high severityThe direct-injection twin-turbo N54 engine in 35i and 35is models features a high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) that suffers internal mechanical seal and solenoid failure, causing long cranking times and limp-home mode under load.
Folding Roof Relays/Pump
high severityThe two-piece retractable electro-hydraulic hardtop relies on twin salmon-coloured relays located near the battery. Sticking relay contacts keep the hydraulic pump motor running continuously until it burns out or overheats.
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