BMW Z4 E89 Buyer’s Guide – Hidden Downsides

Thinking about buying a BMW Z4 E89? After nearly eight years of ownership, here’s a breakdown of the quirks, drawbacks, and joys of this stylish roadster. 


🚗 The Long Bonnet Challenge
  • The Z4’s bonnet is around 10 inches longer than a BMW 320i.
  • At junctions, you’ll find yourself edging forward endlessly before you can see clearly.
  • Stylish design, but practicality suffers in tight spaces.

🪑 Limited Seat Recline
  • Seats barely recline, making it hard to relax inside the car.
  • Not ideal for waiting in parking lots or long breaks.
  • Comfort takes a back seat compared to style.

🥤 Cup Holder Design Flaw
  • Cup holders are awkwardly placed in the armrest.
  • Using them means sacrificing the armrest entirely.
💦 Screen Washer Splash
  • At speed, activating the washer can spray water inside if windows are down.
  • A minor but frustrating design oversight.

🎶 No Bluetooth Audio
  • The Z4 offers CD, radio, USB, and aux—but no Bluetooth music streaming.
  • Bluetooth is only available for calls, not audio.
  • Owners often resort to plug-in transmitters, which ruin the clean dashboard aesthetic.

🌞 Small Sun Visors
  • Tiny visors that only block sunlight directly in front.
  • Cannot swivel to the side, limiting effectiveness.
  • Combined with the compact windscreen, visibility against bright sunlight is poor.

❤️ Why It’s Still Worth Buying
  • Despite these quirks, the Z4 E89 remains one of the most enjoyable cars to own.
  • Stylish design, thrilling drive, and overall satisfaction outweigh the inconveniences.
  • For enthusiasts, it’s still a highly recommended purchase.

 Final Thoughts

The BMW Z4 E89 isn’t perfect—it has its flaws, from cup holders to missing Bluetooth. But if you’re after a stylish, fun-to-drive roadster, it’s still one of the best options out there. Minor inconveniences don’t overshadow the joy of owning this car.


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