z4 n54 2009 vs 2011

[328skidpad]

I have owned 7 bmws and had a 2008 335 with the n54 engine. was a awesome car (coilovers and JB tune)

So I just sold my toy car and want to get into a e89 but was wondering if I should save a few grand for more mods and get a 2009 instead of a 2011?
just wondering if there were upgrades to the n54 after 2008 or 2009

last thing i need is to tell wife oh honey i am spending 3000K on new turbos..
a few of the cars I am looking at have less than 45K miles and are 6mt

thanks for checking...

[StickMon]

You might have better luck in the E89 BMW Z4 (2009+) Forum.
This forum is E85/E86.

[Huz-Z]

As I understand it, the latter year E89 Z4 (2012, 2013 etc.) was equipped with the N55 engine, and that engine apparently had a much improved and more reliable high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) design. I have that engine in my X5 and it is rock solid.

I also recall seeing some earlier N54 cars for sale on eBay with lemon titles, so be careful. My advice is that if you are buying an N54-equipped car, verify with BMW USA whether or not it has had new HPFP units installed under warranty by BMW to replace the original factory ones, and if there is any remaining and transferrable warranty coverage in the event that they fail on you.

Oh - I should add that in scanning the E89 forum from time to time, it seems that folks sometimes have issues with the folding metal top. Its a complicated mechanical arrangement with linkages and sensors. I'd be sure to check that it operates smoothly without sticking or funny noises. For good measure, check that all the seals / joints are tight, and there is no excessive creaking or wind noise while driving. I'd even go so far as to suggest giving the car a good soaking with a garden hose to ensure all the seals are tight. But of course - not so much that you create future problems for yourself, if you do buy.

Good luck!

[328skidpad]

Stickmon, thanks, i though it was the z4 roadster forum

[Huz-Z]

It is but there is s separate forum for the version made between 2009 and 2015

[E85 Sport]

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

As I understand it, the latter year E89 Z4 (2012, 2013 etc.) was equipped with the N55 engine

Wrong. All E89 had N54. Some (sDrive35is) even had the higher horsepower variant found in 1 Series M.

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by E85 Sport

Wrong. All E89 had N54. Some (sDrive35is) even had the higher horsepower variant found in 1 Series M.

You're right!

I'm pretty certain though that the HPFP units were revised or changed for the life cycle cars from 2013 onwards, but the guys over on the E89 forum can confirm this, and also the model years. I would not want to see the OP buy a car that somehow still had crappy HPFP units in it.