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BMW E89 Z4 buyer's guide
2009–2016 · sDrive30i, sDrive28i, sDrive35i, sDrive35is (N52, N20, N54)
Last updated
Engines by year Model-year changes Known problems Other issues Warranty extensions Recalls Inspection checklist Red flags Specs Paint codes Coding Ownership costs Production Sources
Models and engines by year
| Model | US model years | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| sDrive30i | 2009–2011 | N52 |
| sDrive28i | 2012–2016 | N20 |
| sDrive35i | 2009–2016 | N54 |
| sDrive35is | 2011–2016 | N54 |
US-market models. Chassis codes: E89. Not sure which one you have? The VIN check decodes year, model and engine.
Model-year changes
| Model year | What changed |
|---|---|
| Launch | Unveiled at the January 2009 Detroit show, on sale May 2009; built in Regensburg, Germany, unlike the US-built E85. No xDrive was offered.12 |
| 2009 | US lineup in the EPA listings: 3.0L 6-cyl: Z4 sDrive30i; 3.0L 6-cyl turbo: Z4 sDrive35i.13 |
| Four-cylinder turbo | Wikipedia dates the switch from the six-cylinder sDrive30i (and Europe's sDrive23i) to the turbocharged four-cylinder sDrive28i (and sDrive20i) to the 2011 model year; the EPA rows show the US timing.12 |
| 2011 | New: Z4 sDrive35is (3.0L 6-cyl turbo).13 |
| 2012 | New: Z4 sDrive28i (2.0L 4-cyl turbo). No longer listed: Z4 sDrive30i.13 |
| Facelift (LCI) | Facelift introduced March 2013.12 |
| 2015 | Manual gearbox no longer listed: Z4 sDrive35i.13 |
US model years unless noted. "LCI" (Life Cycle Impulse) is BMW's name for a mid-cycle facelift.
Known problems and when they show up
Mileages are what the cited shops, specialists and owner forums report. They are typical ranges, not predictions for any one car.
N52 engine
sDrive30i (2009–2011) · N52 bulletins
| Problem | When it shows up | What to know | Repair prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric water pump and thermostat | about 60,000–100,000 miles | Overheating and limp mode. Replace the thermostat at the same time.1,2,3 | N52 / N54 / N55 electric water pump + thermostat |
| VANOS solenoids | about 70,000–130,000 miles | Rough cold idle, loss of power and codes 2A82/2A87.1,2 | VANOS solenoids (intake / exhaust) |
| Hydraulic lifter tick | usually 50,000 miles and up; 2008 and earlier | A tick on cold starts. It is annoying rather than harmful. BMW changed the lifters and head in December 2008, which fixed it.1 | No price yet |
| Valve cover and oil filter housing gasket leaks | about 60,000–100,000 miles | Oil smell and residue on top of the engine. A leaking oil filter housing can soak the belt.2,1 | No price yet |
N20 engine
sDrive28i (2012–2016) · N20 bulletins
| Problem | When it shows up | What to know | Repair prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing chain guides and oil pump drive chain | any mileage; BMW warranty extension is 7 years/70,000 miles | A whine from the front of the engine that rises with rpm, or a cold-start rattle. A broken guide can destroy the engine. BMW revised the chain parts from January 2015 production. Its warranty extension (SIB 11 03 17) covers listed 2012–2015 N20/N26 cars built up to mid-2015, for 7 years/70,000 miles from in-service. A class-action settlement (SIB 11 02 21) covers cars built through February 2015.4,5,6,7 | N20 timing chain replacement Owners paid: indie shop $2,375–$2,832 · dealer $3,550–$5,000 |
| Oil leaks and electric water pump | not tied to a mileage in our sources | Valve cover, oil filter housing gasket leaks and electric water pump failures also come up on higher-mileage N20s. | No price yet |
N54 engine
sDrive35i (2009–2016), sDrive35is (2011–2016) · N54 bulletins
| Problem | When it shows up | What to know | Repair prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric water pump and thermostat | about 60,000–100,000 miles; failures before 50,000 are reported | The electric pump usually fails without warning and the engine overheats quickly. Specialists suggest replacing the thermostat with it.8,9,10 | No price yet |
| High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) | any mileage; most common on early cars | Long cranks, stumbling and stalling. BMW extended HPFP coverage to 10 years/120,000 miles on 2007–2010 N54 cars, and later pumps are more reliable. That extension has expired on almost all cars by age.8,9 | N54 high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) replacement |
| Piezo fuel injectors | any mileage | Misfires and rough running. BMW revised the injector many times; owners treat index 11 and 12 as the reliable versions. BMW extended injector coverage to 10 years/120,000 miles on some cars.9,8,11 | No price yet |
| Turbo wastegate rattle | from about 40,000 miles, often by 80,000 | A metallic rattle off-throttle or on cold start. Rattle alone is mostly noise, but a failed wastegate means new turbos.9,8 | No price yet |
| Valve cover and oil filter housing gasket leaks | about 60,000–100,000 miles | Oil from a leaking oil filter housing can soak the drive belt. A belt that shreds can be pulled into the front main seal.9 | No price yet |
| VANOS solenoids | around 100,000 miles | Rough idle and cam timing faults.9 | VANOS solenoids (intake / exhaust) |
Known E89 issues beyond the engine
Retractable hardtop. The mechanism was built to last if maintained, but faulty sensors or parameters can stop the roof working, and moisture around the roof mechanism and battery is a bigger worry. The roof should open or close in about 20 seconds.14
Water ingress at the brake lights. Brake-light seals can deteriorate and let water in.14
Cracked 19-inch wheels. The 10-spoke 19-inch alloys often crack and slowly lose air.14
Engine choice. An owner Autocar spoke to rates the N52 six (sDrive30i) as the most reliable; the N54 (sDrive35i/35is) has injector and fuel-pump issues and the N20 (sDrive28i) timing-chain issues. See the engine section.14
Warranty extensions and service campaigns 13
Warranty extensions (13)
- SIB 01 20 16 Electrical system service information Electrical system service information on BMW E46/E70/E71/E72 and other models (2006–2014); BMW extended coverage for eligible cars. Warranty extension · May 2026
- SIB 11 03 17 Timing chain warranty extension Timing chain warranty extension on BMW E84/E89/E92/E93 and other models (2011–2018); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Oct 2021
- SIB 11 02 21 Electrical class-action settlement Electrical class-action settlement on BMW E84/E89/E92/E93 and other models (2012–2018); covers eligible repairs and reimbursement under the court settlement. Service bulletin · Sep 2021
- SIB 01 13 21 Electric water pump class-action settlement Electric water pump class-action settlement on N54/N55 engines (2007–2019); covers eligible repairs and reimbursement under the court settlement. Service bulletin · May 2021
- SIB 01 10 14 VANOS warranty extension VANOS warranty extension on BMW E60/E70/E82/E88 and other models (2009–2013); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Feb 2018
- SIB 11 11 16 Turbocharger warranty extension Turbocharger warranty extension on N20 engines (2012–2013); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Feb 2018
- SIB 01 01 16 Thermostat warranty extension Thermostat warranty extension on N20/N52/N55 engines (2012–2017); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Dec 2017
- SIB 01 07 17 Thermostat warranty extension Thermostat warranty extension on BMW E89/F10/F30 models (2012–2014); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Jun 2017
- NHTSA 10215024 Engine warranty extension Engine warranty extension on BMW E60/E70/E71/E72 and other models (2011–2013); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Jun 2017
- SIB 01 02 15 Fuel injectors warranty extension Fuel injectors warranty extension on N54 engines (2010–2012); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Jan 2016
- SIB 01 17 15 Fuel injectors warranty extension Fuel injectors warranty extension on BMW E82/E89/E90/E92 and other models (2011–2012); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Jan 2016
- SIB 01 02 12 Turbo wastegate warranty extension Turbo wastegate warranty extension on BMW E46/E60/E61/E71 and other models (2006–2014); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Jun 2013
- NHTSA 10149587 High-pressure fuel pump warranty extension High-pressure fuel pump warranty extension on N54 engines (2007–2013); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · May 2013
Filed by BMW with NHTSA. Extensions usually follow the car to later owners and can reimburse earlier repairs; a BMW dealer can confirm by VIN.
NHTSA safety recalls 10
- Recall 24V608: water pump, plug connector 228I, 328I, 428I, 528I, X1, X3, X4, X5, Z4, 2012–2018. BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 201
- Recall 23V707: vanos bolt 1 SERIES, X3, X5, Z4, 2010–2012. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
- Recall 22V119: PCV valve heater 128I, X3 SAV, X5 SAV, Z4, 2006–2013. 0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5
- Recall 17V683: crankcase (PCV) 128I, 328I, 525I, 528I, 530I, X3, X5, Z4, 2007–2011. 0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles.
- Recall 17V067: constant velocity joint 1 SERIES M, 135I, 335D, 335I, 535I, 535I GRAN TURISMO, 550I GRAN TURISMO, 740I, 740LI, Z4, 2011–2012. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
- Recall 14V627: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings 320I, 328I, 428I, 528I, X1 SAV, X3, Z4, 2012–2014. BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X
- Recall 14V176: engine 128I, 135I, 328I, 335I, 528I, 535I, 535I GRAN TURISMO, 640I, X3 SAV, X5 SAV, X6 SAV, Z4, 2010–2012. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
- Recall 13V454: vacuum 320I, 328I, 528I, X1 SAV, X3, Z4, 2012–2014. BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014
- Recall 13V044: fuses and circuit breakers 128I, 135I, 328I, 335I, Z4, 2007–2012. BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-
- Recall 12V302: electric power assist system Z4, 2012. BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 1-SERIES ACTIVE E AND MODEL YEAR 2012 Z4 VEHICLES.
Matched from NHTSA's public recall file by model and model year. A recall may cover only some cars from a year, and it may already have been done on yours. Check by VIN →
Test drive and inspection checklist
- Run the VIN for open recalls. Open safety recalls are free at any BMW dealer. Check on NHTSA's site or our recall page before you buy.15
- Scan for stored fault codes with a BMW-capable tool. A generic OBD reader misses most BMW modules. Specialist guides recommend a BMW-level scan (ISTA or similar) to catch faults that have been cleared from the dash but still stored.16,17
- Start it from cold. Ask the seller not to warm the car up first. Chain rattle, VANOS rattle, lifter tick and rough idle show most clearly in the first seconds after a cold start.16,18,19
- Ask a BMW dealer about warranty extensions and campaigns. Several BMW warranty extensions follow the car, not the owner, and some reimburse earlier repairs. A dealer can check the VIN. The list for this chassis is below.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from a BMW specialist. A few hundred dollars for an independent BMW specialist is the usual advice, especially for M cars and high-mileage turbo engines.20,16
- Cycle the roof several times. Check it completes smoothly in about 20 seconds and look for damp around the roof storage and the battery in the trunk.14
- Cabin rattles. The firm ride can make trim rattle, most on early, high-mileage cars.14
- Cold and warm starts on the sDrive35i. Check how long the N54 takes to start and for hesitation under acceleration (fuel pump).14
Engine items to listen and look for are in the known problems section.
Service-history red flags
- Oil changes only at the long computer interval. Several guides advise changing oil more often than the onboard service indicator (CBS) suggests, especially with lots of city driving.19,21
- Gaps in the records around known failure mileages. If the engine section below lists a job that usually comes due at the car's mileage, ask for the invoice. A missing record isn't proof it wasn't done, but it is a negotiating point.
- Tuned or "deleted" cars. Tunes, emissions deletes and removed parts complicate warranty claims and inspections and raise wear on turbo cars. Ask, and look for aftermarket intakes, downpipes and charge pipes.
- N52: ask for records of Electric water pump and thermostat; VANOS solenoids; Hydraulic lifter tick; Valve cover and oil filter housing gasket leaks.
- N20: ask for records of Timing chain guides and oil pump drive chain; Oil leaks and electric water pump.
- N54: ask for records of Electric water pump and thermostat; High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP); Piezo fuel injectors; Turbo wastegate rattle; Valve cover and oil filter housing gasket leaks; VANOS solenoids.
E89 specs
BMW's US figures we have on file run from 240 hp (sDrive28i) to 335 hp (sDrive35is), with 0-60 mph as quick as 4.8 s.
A manual gearbox was offered in model years 2009–2016 (EPA listings). Full E89 specs: every US engine, transmission and drive by year →
Factory paint and option codes
Paint colors BMW of North America listed for the E89 in the ordering and pricing guides we read:
| Code | Color | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 300 | Alpine White | 2009–2011 |
| 354 | Titanium Silver Metallic | 2009–2011 |
| 475 | Black Sapphire Metallic | 2009–2011 |
| 668 | Jet Black | 2009–2011 |
| A17 | Mojave Metallic | 2009–2011 |
| A52 | Space Gray Metallic | 2009–2011 |
| A61 | Crimson Red | 2009–2011 |
| A76 | Deep Sea Blue Metallic | 2009–2011 |
| A92 | Orion Silver Metallic | 2009–2011 |
| A75 | Melbourne Red Metallic | 2011 |
58 option codes are listed for the E89 in the same guides. Search them.
Only model years covered by the guides we could obtain are shown.
Coding
The coding apps' own lists show 141 settings that owners can change on the E89 with a phone and an OBD adapter, in areas such as Tail gate/Rear lid, Doors/windows, Daytime running light, Convenient opening/closing, Welcome Lights, Window cleaning. 111 come from BimmerCode's list and 30 more appear only in Carly's list.
Ownership costs
Routine maintenance: oil service prices by engine size, published BMW Value Service prices (brakes, spark plugs) from 16 US dealers, and the E89 maintenance schedule.
Repairs we price that apply to the E89
| Repair and owner-reported prices |
|---|
| N20 timing chain replacement Owners paid: indie shop $2,375–$2,832 · dealer $3,550–$5,000 |
| N52 / N54 / N55 electric water pump + thermostat |
| VANOS solenoids (intake / exhaust) |
| N54 high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) replacement |
"Owners paid" is the middle 50% of sourced owner prices across chassis with the same engine. Each job page reprices for your ZIP.
By model year
| Year | Models and engines | NHTSA recalls | Warranty extensions | Repairs we price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | sDrive30i N52 sDrive35i N54 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| 2010 | sDrive30i N52 sDrive35i N54 | 5 | 6 | 3 |
| 2011 | sDrive30i N52 sDrive35i N54 sDrive35is N54 | 6 | 9 | 3 |
| 2012 | sDrive28i N20 sDrive35i N54 sDrive35is N54 | 9 | 13 | 4 Priciest: N20 timing chain replacement, owners paid up to $5,000 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2013 | sDrive28i N20 sDrive35i N54 sDrive35is N54 | 4 | 11 | 4 Priciest: N20 timing chain replacement, owners paid up to $5,000 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2014 | sDrive28i N20 sDrive35i N54 sDrive35is N54 | 3 | 7 | 4 Priciest: N20 timing chain replacement, owners paid up to $5,000 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2015 | sDrive28i N20 sDrive35i N54 sDrive35is N54 | 1 | 4 | 4 Priciest: N20 timing chain replacement, owners paid up to $5,000 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2016 | sDrive28i N20 sDrive35i N54 sDrive35is N54 | 1 | 4 | 4 Priciest: N20 timing chain replacement, owners paid up to $5,000 (dealer, middle 50%) |
Recalls and warranty extensions are counted when their published model-year range includes that year. Each one may cover only some cars, so check by VIN. Repairs counted are the ones whose engine was offered that year.
Production
| What | Units | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Z4 (E89), built BMW figure at end of production, Aug 2016 | more than 115,000 | BMWBlog |
Figures are copied as each source publishes them (retrieved October 18, 2026). "Sold" figures are BMW's reported sales, not production counts. Where we add numbers up, they come from one source. We leave out anything that hasn't been published.
Sources
- BMWTuning: 7 most common N52 problems
- Euro Premium Parts: N52 engine guide
- AmpAuto: N52 problems
- BMW SIB 11 03 17 (rev. 7): N20/N26 timing chain warranty extension, via NHTSA
- BMW SIB 11 02 21: N20/N26 class action settlement (Gelis v. BMW)
- RightFootDown: BMW redesigns N20 timing chain parts (01/2015)
- Bimmerpost X3 forum: build date for revised N20 chain
- FCP Euro: definitive guide to the N54
- BMWTuning: N54 FAQ
- BMWTuning: 8 most common N54 problems
- BMW: N54 fuel injector warranty extension to 10 yr/120k mi, via NHTSA
- Wikipedia: BMW Z4 (E89)
- EPA/DOE fuel economy data (fueleconomy.gov)
- Autocar: used BMW Z4 (2009-2016) buying guide
- NHTSA recall lookup by VIN
- The Stable: E92 M3 buyer's guide
- Euro Premium Parts: E60 M5 reliability guide
- carsales: buying a used F30 3 Series (2015–20)
- carsales: buying a used E90 3 Series
- Road & Track: E46 M3 buyer's guide
- Drive-My: E60 5 Series buying guide (six-cylinder petrol)
Retrieved 2026-10-18. Bulletins and recalls come from NHTSA filings; owner prices come from the public posts linked on each job page.