The BMW Z4 is a range of two-seat roadster and coupé models which have been produced since 2002. It is the third model in the BMW Z Series and the successor to the Z3.
The first generation (E85/E86) was produced with either a soft-top convertible roof, or as a fixed-roof coupe. The second generation was produced in one body style, using a retractable hardtop roof.
The Z4 has been powered by a range of inline-4 and straight-6 petrol engines. For the first generation (E85/E86), all of the engines were naturally aspirated. For the second generation (E89), the first turbocharged engine became available and by 2011 the entire range used turbocharged engines.
Initially, the Z4 was produced in South Carolina in the United States. In 2008, production was moved to Regensburg Germany.
First generation (E85/E86); 2003â€"2009)
The E85/E86 is the first generation of the BMW Z4, which was produced from 2002 to 2008. Initial models were in the roadster (E85) body style, with the coupe (E86) body style being added in 2006.
As per the Z3, the Z4 was manufactured solely in Greer, South Carolina in the United States.
The M model - the Z4M - is powered by the S54 straight-six engine.
Second generation (E89; 2009â€"2016)
The E89 is the second generation of the BMW Z4, which was produced from 2009 to 2016.
The E89 Z4 is the first BMW Z Series model to use a retractable hardtop roof, unlike the cloth roof used by its predecessors. Since the BMW E89 Z4 had a retractable hardtop, there are no longer separate roadster and coupé versions of the car.
There was no M model (i.e. "Z4 M" ) for the E89 generation.
Third generation (2018 - )
The BMW Concept Z4 was unveiled in August 2017 at the Pebble Beach Concourse.
The concept car is a preview of the production version and the roof is a fabric construction, instead of the retractable metal hardtop used by the E89 Z4.
The Z4 platform will also be used by the new Toyota Supra.
References
Media related to BMW Z4 at Wikimedia Commons
