BMW Z4 (G29) – Model Year 2025
Country of Manufacture
All Z4 Roadster units are assembled by Magna Steyr in Graz (Austria), as has been the case since the launch of the G29 generation.
Brief Description
The light MY25 facelift retains the LCI front end introduced in 2023 – vertical “arrow” air intakes, honeycomb Matrix grille, and full-black Adaptive LED headlights. Inside, the Curved Display (10.25″ instrument cluster + 10.7″ infotainment) debuts with BMW Operating System 9 and QuickSelect controls. The “toggle” gear selector and recycled Econeer upholstery are also new. The fabric soft-top opens in 10 seconds at up to 50 km/h and doesn't compromise the trunk (a constant 281 L). The aluminum chassis is 50% stiffer than the E89, with standard M Sport suspension; Adaptive M (+10 mm) is included on the 30i and M40i.
Powertrains (Euro 6e)
| Engine | Power / Torque | 48 V M-HEV | Drivetrain | Transmission | 0–100 km/h | WLTP* |
|---|
| sDrive20i 2.0 I4 | 197 hp • 320 Nm | yes | RWD | 8-Steptronic | 6.6 s | 6.4–6.9 l/100 km |
| sDrive30i 2.0 I4 | 258 hp • 400 Nm | yes | RWD | 8-Steptronic | 5.4 s | 6.8–7.4 l/100 km |
| M40i 3.0 I6 | 340 hp • 500 Nm | yes | RWD | 8-Steptronic Sport | 4.5 s | 8.1–8.6 l/100 km |
*WLTP combined values.
Trunk Capacity
281 L with the top open or closed (no variation in volume)
PROS
Why it convinces
| PRO | Reason |
|---|
| Pure roadster experience | Rear-wheel drive, low center of gravity, 50:50 weight distribution: true classic spider feel. |
| Efficient 48 V engines | Real-world 20i: ~6.5 L/100 km highway; MHEV reduces turbo lag off the line. |
| Fast & practical soft-top | Electric fabric roof in 10 s, low noise up to 140 km/h. |
| OS 9 tech | Curved Display, QuickSelect, OTA updates via 5G, natural “Hey BMW” voice commands. |
| Standard ADAS | Cruise with Stop&Go at 180 km/h, AEB, blind spot warning; Parking Assistant with Reversing Assist. |
| Collector value | Limited production, M40i holds ~75% of list price after 36 months (youngtimer market estimates). |
CONS
Reported drawbacks
| CON | Detail |
|---|
| Tight cabin storage | Lacks deep storage compartments; only two small cupholders. |
| Firm ride on 19″ wheels | 255/35-19 highlights road imperfections; 18″ more comfortable for daily use. |
| I6 cold start noise | B58 roars during the first few seconds, then settles down. |
| No manual transmission | Since MY23 only 8-Steptronic: purists may miss the clutch. |
| No PHEV/BEV option | BMW’s only remaining fully combustion-powered roadster (albeit mild-hybrid). |
| M40i oil consumption | ~0.6 L top-up every 4,000 km under sporty driving. |
Estimated Running Costs
| Service | Parts (€) | Labor (€) | Interval |
|---|
| Oil 0W-20 + filter (5 L) | 170 | 110 | 30,000 km / 24 months |
| ATF 8-Steptronic | 285 | 200 | 90,000 km |
| Brake fluid | 95 | 120 | Every 2 years |
| Cabin filters + sanitization | 80 | 75 | 30,000 km |
| Front discs + pads (M40i) | 340 | 180 | ~55,000 km |
Indicative Prices
| Version | Power (hp) | Price (on the road)* |
|---|
| Z4 sDrive20i | 197 | €57,100 |
| Z4 sDrive30i | 258 | €63,500 |
| Z4 M40i | 340 | €78,900 |
*VAT included; IPT and registration excluded.
Known Issues & Fixes (community feedback)
| Issue | Suggested Fix |
|---|
| Roof light panel noise | Felt kit 54 34 30 + clip tightening to 6 Nm. |
| Sport seat creaking | Felt kit 52 25 80 + PTFE spray on sliding tracks. |
| OS 9 lag after OTA | Hard reset (30 s volume button) + patch 25-09-05; replace head-unit if needed. |
| Adaptive LED headlight condensation | Check vents; replace unit if water visible for over 24 hours. |
| Vibration at 110–130 km/h | Wheel balancing + front control arm silent-block inspection. |
Summary
The 2025 BMW Z4 remains one of the few “pure pleasure” roadsters available: a fast roof, precise steering, and 48V engines that blend punch and real-world efficiency. Large wheels harden the ride, and the trunk isn’t grand-tourer-sized, but for those seeking a premium roadster usable every day, the G29 continues to offer a rare combination of sportiness, tech, and German refinement.
Verdict — BMW Z4 Roadster (G29 “LCI 2” – Model Year 2025)
BMW’s Bavarian roadster turns six and receives its final update before retirement in 2027: slimmer Arrow Adaptive LED headlights, optional Iconic Glow grille, Curved cockpit with iDrive 9 (QuickSelect), and—new for Europe—a 6-speed manual gearbox for the M40i. The 4-cylinder 20i now features 48 V mild-hybrid (+11 hp overboost), while the M suspension setups have been retuned to reduce body roll by 6%. Direct rivals: Mazda MX-5 ND2, Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0, Audi TT Roadster (phasing out), Alpine A110 Roadster¹, Toyota GR Supra 6-MT (coupé).
| Area | Where it excels | Where it matches | Where it falls behind |
|---|
| Design & image | Long hood, short rear overhang, triple-layer soft-top; Iconic Glow & M Sport Pro pack outshine the MX-5. | Frozen paints, 19″ Jet Black forged wheels. | Interior less “show-car” than 718 with Heritage Pack or Alpine concept. |
| Dynamics | Shortened CLAR chassis, low center of gravity, M40i manual 0–100 km/h in 4.5 s, variable M diff, 15.1:1 steering. | 20i MHEV + precise ZF8 gearbox, now with standard Adaptive M suspension (–10 mm). | M40i MT weighs 1,590 kg > Boxster GTS (1,405 kg) → less “kart-like” in rapid transitions. |
| Real-world efficiency | 20i 48 V: 6.9 L/100 km at 120 km/h (better than Supra 2.0). | M40i AT ~8.5 L/100 km mixed. | Manual + diff brings city to 9.2 L/100 km. |
| Connectivity / HMI | iDrive 9 (<3 s boot), QuickSelect, wireless CarPlay/Android, 5G cloud nav. | Optional AR-HUD (rare on roadsters). | 718 Boxster/Cayman with PCM 7.0 is less modern but more intuitive for analog fans. |
| Comfort & NVH | Acoustic soft-top (50 km/h open/close in 10 s), 68 dB @ 130 km/h, M seats with electric lumbar support. | Adaptive suspension handles 18″ bumps well. | 19″ run-flats harsh on potholes; MX-5 feels “softer” overall. |
| Practicality | 281 L trunk (unchanged with top down), fits two carry-ons + soft bag; wireless charger and two USB-C ports. | Standard wind deflector. | No front storage; Boxster offers 132 + 125 L (frunk + trunk) = more versatile. |
| Running costs | Service Inclusive 5 yrs / 60,000 km €640; 20i benefits from lower tax. | 18″ tires 225/45 ~€200 each. | 19″ PS5S: €320 each + 0.6 L oil every 4,000 km on M40i. |
| Depreciation | 20i/M40i AT expected ~70% after 36 months. | — | M40i MT 65%: enthusiast niche, high MSRP, subject to tax surcharge. |
| ADAS & safety | L2: ACC 160 km/h, Lane Keep, Eye-Steering lane change; Park Assist Plus with 360° rear cam. | — | No Level 3 (no rival in the segment offers it either). |
Who it suits
Rear-wheel drive purists → M40i manual: 6-speed, well-weighted clutch pedal, M diff for controllable oversteer.
Road-trip couples → 20i M Sport: 197 hp mild-hybrid, real 7 L/100 km, roof-down highway cruising with minimal buffeting.
Occasional weekend track-days → M40i AT with M Performance brakes & PS5S: three 20-minute sessions without fading.
Who should look elsewhere
Lightweight lovers → Mazda MX-5 ND2 or upcoming Alpine A110 R roadster.
Dual-luggage seekers → Porsche 718 Boxster (frunk + trunk).
Zero-emission only → Lotus Emira EV (2026) or emerging electric convertibles.
Recommended configuration
Z4 20i M Sport Pro + Adaptive suspension + 18″ two-tone wheels: 197 hp, 0–100 in 6.3 s, real 7 L/100 km, and torsional rigidity more than enough for mountain passes; leave the 19″ PS5S to those prioritizing aesthetics or track use.
BMW Z4: pros, cons, costs and common fixes 
