BMW Z4 (E89)

The BMW E89 Z4 is the chassis code of the current second generation BMW Z4. Unlike its predecessor, the BMW E89 Z4 features an automatic retractable hardtop convertible roof like the Mercedes SLK, and can be raised and lowered in under 19 seconds. Since the BMW E89 Z4 had a retractable hardtop, there are no longer separate roadster and coupé versions of the car. The BMW E89 Z4 is the first BMW to be designed by two female designers - Juliane Blasi (exterior) and Nadya Arnaout (interior) in 2006.

A total of €130 million was spent from 2007-2009 in expanding the plant for production of the BMW E89 Z4. Unlike its predecessor (the BMW E85 Z4), the BMW E89 Z4 is produced in the Regensburg plant, and not in Greer, South Carolina. The BMW X3 took its place, which made the Spartanburg plant the main production centre for the BMW X family. Production of the BMW E85 Z4 was discontinued in mid-2008, and the BMW E89 Z4 was produced from February, 2009 onwards.

The BMW E89 Z4 was officially announced on 13 December 2008 and was unveiled in the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit alongside the MINI Convertible. The BMW E89 Z4 was then launched in markets on May 2009. The Life Cycle Impulse for the BMW E89 Z4 was implemented on all models on March 2013.