The BMW E89 is the second generation of the BMW Z4 range of two-door roadsters, and was produced from 2009 to 2016. The E89 replaced the E85/E86 Z4 and is the fourth model in the BMW Z Series.
The E89 Z4 was the first Z Series model to use a retractable hardtop roof, and meant there were no longer separate roadster and coupé versions of the car.
There was no Z4 M model for the E89 generation.
Video BMW Z4 (E89)
Development and launch
The E89 was the first BMW to be designed by two female designers - Juliane Blasi (exterior) and Nadya Arnaout (interior) in 2006.
The BMW E89 Z4 was officially announced on 13 December 2008 and was unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, alongside the MINI Convertible. The BMW E89 Z4 was then launched in markets on May 2009.
A total of EUR130 million was spent from 2007-2009 in expanding the Regensburg plant for production of the BMW E89 Z4. Although its E85/E86 predecessor was produced in the Spartanburg plant in the United States, the E89 was produced in the BMW's Regensburg plant alongside the E93 3 Series convertible.
Maps BMW Z4 (E89)
Design
The E89 Z4 was offered with the base level sDrive or optional M Sport trim. The M Sport trim included 18" alloy wheels, leather upholstery, sports seats, redesigned front and rear bumpers, sports steering wheel, and sports suspension. An optional Design Pure Impulse package was also offered, featuring colour matching Alcantara or Nappa leather, and BMW Individual anthracite roof lining.
The 2013 facelift also introduced the Design Pure Traction and Pure Fusion Design package, which featured exclusive Valencia Orange and Sparkling Brown metallic paintwork respectively (alongside regular colours), and colouring matching interior design elements. The Design Pure Traction package also featured a black hardtop roof.
Equipment
E89 Z4 models came standard with BMW EfficientDynamics technologies, such as regenerative braking and electric power steering. Models also feature an electric parking brake, engine start-stop system, directional headlights, and a driving mode selector with Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes adjusting throttle and gearbox behaviour, power steering weighting, and the adjustable dampers (with the optional 'Electronic Damper Control'). E89 models can also be ordered with iDrive with BMWConnected services and keyless entry.
Transmissions
The available transmissions are:
- 6-speed manual Getrag GS6-17BG (Z4 18i / 20i / 23i / 30i)
- 6-speed manual Getrag GS6-53BZ (Z4 35i)
- 6-speed automatic ZF 6HP19 (Z4 23i / 30i)
- 8-speed automatic ZF 8HP45 (Z4 18i / 20i / 28i)
- 7-speed dual-clutch Getrag GS7-D36SG (Z4 35i / 35is)
Models
Since summer 2013, all Z4 models met Euro 6 (EU6) exhaust emission standards.
No diesel or all-wheel drive (xDrive) models were offered for the E89 Z4.
sDrive35is
The Z4 sDrive35is is only available with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) in the M Sport trim, and uses an upgraded version of the N54 engine also found in the 1 Series M Coupé. The engine features a computer-controlled overboost function for the 3rd to 7th gears. The boost function activates after each gear change with full throttle, and lasts for 7 seconds between 1500 and 4500rpm. Peak torque during overboost is 500 N?m (369 lb?ft), compared to 450 N?m (332 lb?ft) without overboost.
Concept cars
Zagato Coupé (2012)
The Zagato Coupé was a concept car based on the E89 Z4 made in collaboration with Zagato, and was unveiled at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on 25 May 2012. As Adrian van Hooydonk and Zagato chief designer Norihiko Harada were friends, the decision was quickly made when Andrea Zagato proposed a collaboration with BMW. The body of the Zagato Coupé was built entirely by hand and includes a double-bubble roof, and Rosso Vivace paint which changes colour depending on the lighting, ranging from a near black to a bright red. The Zagato Coupé also incorporates the letter "z" in its design, with the kidney grille composed of small matt "z" letters, with "z" letters embroidered into the seats.
Zagato Roadster (2012)
The Zagato Roadster was the roadster version of the Zagato Coupé that was unveiled three months earlier, and was introduced at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on 19 August 2012. The Zagato Roadster was created in six weeks, from the first design idea to the finished model. Similar to the Zagato Coupé, the paint colour of the Roadster changes appearance according to the lighting, ranging from dark grey to a light silver. The tonneau cover also incorporates a double-bubble shape, and features a black interior, with a strip of brown leather trim extending to the roll-over hoops.
Model year changes
2011
- Six-cylinder sDrive23i and sDrive30i models replaced by turbocharged four-cylinder sDrive20i and sDrive28i models.
2012
- Roof mechanism can now be operated at up to 40 km/h (25 mph).
2013 facelift
The Z4 facelift (also known as LCI) models were released in March 2013. Major changes are:
- Redesigned headlights (now using LED lamps), tail-lights and side indicators.
- Interior changes including black surrounds for the central air vents, and revised higher quality switches, control panel, and buttons.
- sDrive18i model introduced, powered by the 115 kW (154 bhp) N20 turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
- "Pure Balance Design" and "Pure Traction Design" options packages introduced.
Safety
The E89 Z4 comes with electronic stability control, cornering brake control, emergency brake assist, rollover hoops, and airbags for the driver and passenger.
The 2015 Z4 18i received three stars overall in its Euro NCAP test.
Production volumes
The E89 Z4 was produced at the Regensburg BMW plant.
Yearly production volumes are as follows:
Awards
- 2009 International Design Excellence Award (IDEA)
- 2009 Eyes on Design Award for best production vehicle
- 2009 Red Dot Design Award
- Scottish Drop Top of the Year 2009
Motorsport
BMW Z4 GT3 (2010-2015)
The Z4 GT3 was an FIA GT3-specification model available to private teams. It is powered by the P65B44 V8 engine based on the production engine used in the E92 M3 and produces approximately 515 bhp (384 kW). The weight of the Z4 GT3 is approximately 1,190 kg (2,624 lb).
In its 2010 debut season, the Z4 GT3 won the Dubai 24 Hour GT3 endurance event and finished second at the 2011 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps event by the Need For Speed Team Schubert. The Z4 GT3 achieved several victories in the FIA GT3 Championship and Blancpain Endurance Series.
In the 2011 Super GT season, Nobuteru Taniguchi and Taku Bamba won the GT300 class in a Z4 GT3. Tatsuya Kataoka and Nobuteru Taniguchi repeated this in 2014.
In 2013, the Z4 GT3 finished second at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
In 2016, the Z4 GT3 was replaced by the M6 GT3.
BMW Z4 GTE (2012-2015)
The Z4 GTE competed in the 2013 American Le Mans Series GT, the 2014-2015 United SportsCar Championship GTLM and the 2014-2015 European Le Mans Series. It is also powered by the P65B44 V8 engine.
Turner Motorsport won the inaugural 2014 Tudor United SportsCar GT-Daytona Championship with an altered version of the Z4 GT3.
References
Source of article : Wikipedia
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