- BMW has formally ended manufacturing of the BMW Z4.
- The ultimate convertible rolled off the manufacturing line earlier this month.
- BMW presently has no plans for a successor.
We’ve recognized this was coming for some time, however now it’s official: The BMW Z4 has rolled off the manufacturing line for the final time at Magna’s plant in Graz, Austria. It brings an finish to a mannequin run that began in 2002 because the successor to the Z3.
With the Z4 gone, BMW is right down to only one convertible mannequin line with a retractable delicate high: the 4 Collection. Convertibles have by no means been an enormous a part of the market, however it’s nonetheless a bit unhappy to see one other one disappear.
Underneath The Z Badge
Over time, BMW’s Z lineup has had a reasonably attention-grabbing evolution. It began with the unique Z1, launched in 1991 and remembered largely for its wild doorways that slid down into the bodywork. That intelligent (and dramatic) function disappeared with the arrival of the Z3 in 1995, which was larger, extra highly effective, and finally provided with as much as 325 hp within the hardcore Z3 M. BMW additionally gave it a unusual coupe variant—principally a tiny two-seat capturing brake that later grew to become one thing of a cult favourite.
Photograph by: RM Sotheby’s
Photograph by: BMW
Then got here the BMW Z8 in 1999—arguably probably the most stunning and unique mannequin of the whole Z lineup. It additionally had its Hollywood second alongside James Bond, performed on the time by Pierce Brosnan, within the movie The World Is Not Sufficient. The Z8 took over from the Z3, which had appeared within the earlier Bond movie, GoldenEye. Underneath its lengthy hood sat a 4.0-liter V8 producing 400 horsepower, shared with the legendary E39 M5.
The primary-generation BMW Z4 (E85/E86) arrived in 2003, adopted by the E89 in 2009 and the present G29 in 2018. Throughout these three generations, the Z4 was provided not solely as a roadster, however at occasions as a coupe as nicely, together with high-performance M variations with as much as 343 hp.
Lengthy Stay The Z4
Whereas the primary two generations of the BMW Z4 have been intently associated in each design and engineering—each closely based mostly on the BMW 3 Collection—the third era took issues in a really totally different path. The newest Z4 shares its platform and engines with the Toyota Supra, though the BMW remained completely out there as a roadster.
The hardcore full-fledged M model disappeared this time round, however efficiency was by no means actually missing. The lineup provided three engine choices, topped by a 3.0-liter inline-six producing 340 hp.
Now the large query is whether or not the Z4 will get a successor. BMW isn’t saying a lot, and there’s been no official phrase from Munich up to now. Given immediately’s market situations, the corporate could merely determine to place the Z household on maintain for some time. What we do know is that Toyota is already engaged on a brand new Supra, so one other partnership between the 2 manufacturers positively isn’t out of the query.
Motor1’s Take: We’re unhappy to see the BMW Z4 go. The lovable convertible seemed nice, was good to drive, and later in life, lastly provided a handbook transmission. Hopefully, the nameplate does not keep gone for lengthy.
