BMW Z4 Discontinued, Ending Over Two Decades of Roadster Legacy

The final BMW Z4 rolled off the production line in May 2024 at Magna’s plant in Graz, Austria, officially marking the end of the model’s over 20-year lifecycle since its debut in 2002. As the successor to the BMW Z3, the Z4 spanned three generations: the first generation (E85/E86) launched in 2003, the second (E89) introduced in 2009, and the third (G29) unveiled in 2018. The first two generations of the Z4 were based on the BMW 3 Series platform and offered both convertible and hardtop coupe body styles, including a high-performance M variant producing up to 343 horsepower. The third generation shifted exclusively to a two-door soft-top convertible configuration, sharing its platform and powertrain with the Toyota Supra. While it no longer featured a full-fledged M version, the top-trim model retained a 3.0-liter inline-six engine delivering 340 horsepower. Later in its production run, this generation also gained an optional manual transmission. With the Z4 now discontinued, BMW currently offers only the 4 Series Convertible as its sole soft-top convertible model. BMW has not announced plans for a Z4 successor or confirmed whether the Z series lineup will continue. Meanwhile, Toyota has already begun development of a next-generation Supra, though it remains uncertain whether the two automakers will collaborate again on a future model. The BMW Z series originated with the Z1 in 1991, renowned for its distinctive vertically sliding doors. The larger and more powerful Z3 followed in 1995 and famously appeared as James Bond’s car in the 007 film *GoldenEye*. The Z8, launched in 1999, stood out with its 4.0-liter V8 engine and striking design, later featuring in *The World Is Not Enough*.