11:26 12-03-2026

BMW discontinues Z4 roadster, final chapter for two-seat convertible

BMW has officially ended production of the Z4 G29 roadster, discontinuing the classic two-seat model. Learn about its legacy, impact on the market, and why it's becoming a collector's item.

BMW has officially ended production of the Z4 G29, marking the final chapter for the brand's classic two-seat roadster. News of the model's discontinuation emerged in November 2025, with March 2026 set as the definitive end date. While BMW still offers the 4 Series and 8 Series convertibles, they simply can't replicate the experience of a lightweight, compact, rear-wheel-drive roadster built for pure driving pleasure.

The Z4's departure feels particularly symbolic when you consider the fond memories shared by owners of earlier generations. The Z4 E85, powered by a naturally aspirated 189-horsepower M54 2.5-liter engine, was a car with real character—light, responsive, and a genuine head-turner. These cars fostered their own culture, feeling less like mere transportation and more like a ticket to personal freedom. The G29 carried that philosophy forward, updating it with modern B48 and B58 engines, but times have changed. Demand for compact sports convertibles has dwindled, and the shift toward electrification makes such niche models economically challenging to sustain.

With the Z4 now out of production, a supply gap is emerging. Final models are already becoming targets for collectors, and prices for well-maintained E85 and E89 examples are climbing steadily. The G29, thanks to its shared interior architecture with the pre-LCI G20 3 Series and its range of powerful engines, is gradually positioning itself as one of the last "analog-digital" sports cars.

The Z4 was always a niche vehicle in Russia, but after 2022, deliveries became exceptionally rare. The model's discontinuation will make it an extreme rarity on the Russian used car market. Demand for the E85 and E89 is already rising among enthusiasts, and the G29 could soon become the most sought-after BMW in its class—especially in M40i guise. Given trends in the collector car market, prices for well-maintained examples are poised to keep increasing.