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.