Although there are slight exterior and interior alterations, the U.S. version is regrettably not getting a manual transmission like its Toyota Supra sibling.
- This middle of the third generation facelift gives the BMW Z4 a little more aggressive appearance.
- One of the lesser adjustments is the addition of the Sport body trim, which was previously exclusive to the M40i, to the sDrive 30i.
- The pricing of the 2023 Z4 will be $53,795 for the sDrive 30i and $66,295 for the M40i when it launches in November.
BMW deserves praise for continuing to sell its roadster despite the segment’s ongoing decline because a few convertibles are still in production. One of them is the BMW Z4, which just two years ago entered its third model generation (fourth if you consider the Z3). Surprisingly, it is already due for an upgrade, but this is more of a simplification than a mid-cycle refresh (at least, we hope we aren’t there yet).
Since the Z4 is a serious sports vehicle, it is one of our favorites. We suspect this is in part due to Toyota’s involvement in the collaborative effort that produced both the Z4 and the Supra. We gather that Toyota had its sights set on the Porsche Cayman, whilst BMW was happy with a roadster that would build upon the strengths of the forerunner. The fact that the collaborative project only began to take off after Herbert Diess departed BMW for the greener pastures of Wolfsburg is telling; the Japanese insisted on a purist approach despite his enthusiasm in working on a hybrid with Toyota. What resulted were two incredibly capable vehicles—the Z4 and the Supra—with pronounced distinctions.
In This Article...
Overview
Even inexperienced drivers will smile while driving the 2023 BMW Z4 convertible down a winding road. There are two smooth-running turbocharged engines available, a 382-hp turbo-six and a 255-hp turbo-four. The larger engine is fierce. The Z4’s ride comfort and opulent interior make it simple to enjoy, even though its handling isn’t as precise as rivals like the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman or the mechanically comparable Toyota Supra coupe’s (the two share their engines and chassis). The Z4’s cabin is quiet enough to be comfortable for a long highway journey even with the soft top folded, giving you a feeling of freedom while driving. If you’re seeking for a manual transmission or all-wheel drive, the Z4 might not be for you since all models come standard with an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive.
What aspects of the upcoming model year will change?
To set the 2023 BMW Z4 apart from the 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 model years, styling changes are most likely to be made. The new Z4 appears to have much of the same lighting qualities as earlier model years, according to recent spy pictures. It does, however, seem to have a slightly altered lower-front fascia.
Additionally, according to Edmunds, BMW lacks sufficient sales incentives to continue updating the Z4. That implies that the future vehicle will resemble the 2022 model year quite a bit.
A mid-life update for BMW’s two-seat roadster was made, although the improvements aren’t significant.
The third-generation BMW Z4 debuted in 2019, thus a mid-life update is almost due. With a combination of four and six cylinder engines, the revised vehicle will continue to compete with models like the Porsche 718 Boxster and the Audi TT.
Since the roadster segment is one of the least lucrative for automakers and several of the Z4’s competitors have disappeared in recent years (think Alfa Romeo 4C and Mercedes SLK), it’s not surprising that BMW has restricted the amount of development work on the updated Z4.
The headlights and lower intake have not altered, and the general shape has not changed, but the large kidney grilles now have a fresh appearance. The side air intakes have also undergone minor renovation.
Since BMW has made the M Sport package standard on all Z4 vehicles, most people won’t be able to tell the aesthetic distinctions between each type. Trapezoidal exhaust tips are still exclusive to the top-of-the-line M40i model. New double-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels are also available as an option in addition to optional diamond-cut 19-inch wheels.
The engine lineup for the Z4 hasn’t changed. The entry-level model in the lineup is the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged sDrive20i, which has 194 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The 0-62 mph time for this entry-level model is 6.8 seconds. You may locate the sDrive30i above that. The sDrive20i’s engine is used, but it has been tweaked to produce 255 horsepower and 400 Newton meters of torque, allowing a 0-62 mph time of 5.4 seconds.
The M40i, which has the same 3.0-liter straight-six turbocharged gasoline engine as the Toyota Supra and generates 335 bhp and 500 nm of torque, continues to be the top model. It takes 4.5 seconds to reach 62 mph, which is 0.2 seconds longer than its Japanese cousin.
The Z4 should drive similarly to the outgoing model. Two transmission options are available for the sDrive20i: a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The six-cylinder vehicles only have an eight-speed auto because the manual transmission from the new three-pedal Supra hasn’t reached it to Munich (or Austria, given that the Z4 is constructed by Magna Steyr).
Variable sport steering is now standard on all Z4 variants, and the M Sport suspension, with its stronger dampers and springs, is now standard on the sDrive30i.
The M40i receives an optional M Sport differential and adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers. Across the entire range, the launch control feature has been made standard.
The interior of the new Z4 will resemble the existing model very closely. The roadster lacks the curved infotainment screen featured on the most recent 3 Series. Instead, you’ll discover BMW’s “Live Cockpit” system on two 10.25-inch screens. Front collision warning, lane departure warning, and a speed limit info function with a no-overtaking sign are further standard safety features.
According to BMW, the new version will go on sale in November 2022. Although the starting price isn’t known yet, it will likely be higher than the PS40,745 entrance price of the existing automobile.
The little LCD panel on the BMW Z4 Facelift is most likely to remain.
The Z4 Roadster will receive a minor update from BMW the following year. According to rumors, the BMW Z4 Facelift will begin production in March 2023. Recently released spy photos have given us a closer look at the cosmetic changes. As you can see, the BMW Z4 Facelift will only receive minor, if any, exterior alterations. The post-LCI automobile looks exactly like the present pre-LCI car when you look at the headlights, taillights, wheels, exhausts, and even the back bumper.
When was the latest BMW Z4 released?
On August 23, 2018, the G29 Z4 made its debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
The vehicle was created by Australian-born Calvin Luk and was created in tandem with the fifth-generation Toyota Supra thanks to BMW’s cooperation with Toyota. It is based on the Z4 Concept, which was unveiled a year earlier. The Z8 served as the model for the design. The fifth-generation Supra and the Toyota-BMW collaborative sports vehicle architecture serve as the foundation for the G29 Z4, which has a 50:50 weight distribution and can weigh up to 50 kg (110 lb) less than its predecessor. Instead of the retractable hardtop of its predecessor, the Z4 (G29) featured a soft-top convertible roof. At speeds up to 50 km/h, the roof may be raised or dropped in 10 seconds (31 mph). The boot has a capacity of 281 liters and is 50% bigger than its predecessor (9.9 cu ft). The rear suspension is a multi-link system.
The G29 Z4 was formally unveiled in October during the 2018 Paris Auto Show. In March 2019, the automobile was obtainable for purchase.
Due to a shortage of parts following the ongoing 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine event, Magna Steyr temporarily stopped manufacture of the BMW Z4 (along with the 5-Series) on March 11, 2022.
Is the Z4 being phased out by BMW?
The convertible contributed to 2,941 of the Z4’s sales in 2019, the model’s finest year. BMW sold 2,412 Z4s last year. According to Motor.es, BMW will update the Z4 slightly in 2023, giving the convertible a new digital instrument panel. Production of the Z4 will thereafter stop in October 2025.
Is the BMW Z4 destined to become classic?
Future Classic: BMW Z4 M40i There’s no denying that the Z4 M40i is a future classic when you combine open-top driving with classic sports car dimensions and a BMW with an inline-six.
The BMW Z4 is it rare?
Over the years, BMW has produced some of the most remarkable performance vehicles to originate from Germany, frequently competing with Porsche. Additionally, BMW vehicles frequently come with convenience features that we don’t see in Stuttgart vehicles until a few years later.
Additionally, while high-performance Porsche road cars have a tendency to appreciate in value rather quickly, vehicles like the M-series from BMW are often available for more affordable prices.
Only 1,815 Z4 M coupes were produced by BMW for North America between 2006 and 2008, which is less than half the quantity of Z4 M roadsters. This makes the Z4 M coupe a rare vehicle.
These Z4 M coupes have attractive fastback style, a high level of exclusivity, and performance that is hard to match at this price point. The 3,246cc inline-6 BMW S54 engine, which debuted in the US-spec E46 M3 automobiles, has undergone its last iteration in the engine. It produces 330 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque at 4,900 revolutions per minute.
The car’s 0-60 time is 4.6 seconds, quarter-mile time is 13.8 seconds, and its top speed is electronically regulated at 155 mph.
This combined with the astounding chassis dynamics of a BMW model results in a real performance vehicle. Happily, a 6-speed manual is the sole transmission available.
These magnificent fastback BMWs were practically forgotten a few years ago, and you could purchase one for for $20,000. Since then, it appears that the world has “woken up” and “found” these exceptional and powerful BMW M vehicles. Prices have increased, and there are now fewer vehicles available for purchase.
The asking price of $29,990 for this Z4 M coupe is what I consider to be reasonable. Given that really low-mileage models are currently quietly selling for between $60,000 and $75,000, prices are not expected to decrease any time soon.
You would be wise to purchase one of these as soon as possible because it is the ideal illustration of a future classic that is still available to purchase for a fair price.
At the age of 15, Andy Reid bought his first car, a 1968 Fiat 124 coupe. His second was a 1966 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2, which he bought with money from his college savings. Since then, he has possessed over 150 vehicles, none of which were common or reasonable, in addition to a large number of vintage motorcycles and scooters. Reid, a seasoned writer who has experience in advertising, film, television, and other media, was a columnist for Classic Motorsports magazine for 12 years and has contributed to a number of other publications. He is regarded as a concours judge and an authority on European sports and luxury automobiles. In Canton, Connecticut, he resides.
How long will the BMW Z4 operate?
With regular care, a BMW Z4 will normally last 200,000 miles, though some can survive much longer. Some have even exceeded 250,000 miles, albeit these are the exceptions. You can anticipate 13 years of dependable servicing if you drive 15,000 miles annually before needing costly repairs.
Will the Z4 be updated?
Without a doubt, the transmission of choice is the most significant BMW Z4 modification. The BMW Z4 M40i will be the first vehicle to provide a six-speed manual as an option. There is no information on which markets will receive the manual gearbox, but the United States is almost certainly one of them.
Since the Toyota Supra, the Z4’s sibling, has a six-speed gearbox, adding one to the Z4 is technically possible. Toyota revealed earlier this year that the manual transmission Supra is coming to North America and would be offered across the model lineup. Therefore, it is not surprising that BMW is doing the same with the Z4.
Therefore, the BMW Z4 lineup will undoubtedly become more exciting thanks to the six-speed manual. The updated model, which has a very slight design improvement, is anticipated to show up in late 2022. The usual practice of starting U.S. manufacturing a few weeks later means that the first six-speed manual Z4 M40 cars won’t reach this side of the Atlantic until 2023.