After a brief respite, we’re back to catalogue another sad milestone: the passing of another passenger car. This time, it’s BMW’s long-running Z4 convertible, a car that has been in the Munich-based automaker’s lineup since 1995.
In fact, the Z4’s roots stretch back even further, to the Z1, which went on sale in 1989. However, only 8,000 built until it went out of production in 1991. The Z1 never came to North America, officially at least, and most (80 percent) were sold in Germany.
The first mass-market BMW Z roadster was the Z3 which debuted in 1995. Its launch was greatly aided by BMW’s three-film deal to become the official car of the James Bond film franchise. The first movie to feature Bond driving the Z3 was GoldenEye which starred Pierce Brosnan as agent 007. It was released worldwide in November 1995.
BMW retired the Z3 in 2002, and replaced it with the first Z4, known internally as the E85. In 2008, a new Z4 (E89) was introduced, followed by the current G29 model in 2018. Many variants, both non-M and M marked the Z4’s run, with several four and six-cylinder turbo engines paired with both automatic and manual transmissions. But they were always rear-wheel drive.
And now, it’s time for the Z4 to bow out. We’ve known this day was coming for a while, given the Z4 is the product of a BMW-Toyota joint venture that also produced the Toyota Supra. Toyota announced the current Supra would go out of production in 2026, which meant that the Z4 would also likely bow out then. BMW has not announced a direct replacement, so the Z Series roadster might be gone for good.
In a statement, which we’ve pasted below, BMW announces the Z4 Final Edition. This car, an M40i variant, is limited production and will be available in BMW Individual Frozen Black metallic only, with either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission.
BMW also notes, the car will be built in “very small numbers” between February and April 2026. Translation: interested parties should get to their local BMW dealers soon.
Full BMW USA press release follows below.
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – November 25, 2025 – Since its introduction in 2002, the BMW Z4 Roadster has been thrilling enthusiasts with its unique combination of classic proportions, a purist driving experience, and sporty dynamics. Today, BMW announces the Z4 Final Edition – a special Z4 M40i commmorating the end of production of the iconic 2-seat Roadster. The Z4 Final Edition will be characterized by its exclusive BMW Individual paint, unique interior accents, and commemorative badging on the door sill plates.
The BMW Z4 Final Edition will be produced in very small numbers from February to April of 2026 in a single, well-equipped configuration. Customers need only choose between a 6-speed manual or 8-speed Steptronic transmission. Regardless of transmission, the MSRP for the Final Edition will be $77,500 plus $1,175 destination and handling.
Distinctive looks for an unmistakeable personality.
Fans will instantly recognize the BMW Z4 Final Edition by its exclusive BMW Individual Frozen Black metallic paint – a color that highlights the Z4’s unique design characteristics and dynamic flair. The special paint is subtly contrasted by the standard Shadowline Package, which adds high-gloss black trim to the mirror caps, kidney grill, lower air intake, air breathers, and exhaust finishers. The exterior design package of the Final Edition also incorporates a Moonlight Black soft top and red calipers on the standard M Sport brakes.
Every Z4 Final Edition is fitted with a staggered wheel and tire package. At the front, 19-inch M Dual-Spoke Bicolor 800M wheels are mounted on 255/35 R19 performance tires. At the back, 20-inch wheels are fitted with 285/30 R20 tires.
Customers who choose the 6-speed manual transmission will also receive the special chassis tuning developed for the Edition Handschalter Package. Enhancements include unique auxiliary springs at the front and rear axles and a specially reinforced anti-roll bar clamp fitted at the front. Both the mapping for electronic control of the rear dampers and the software for the variable sport steering are reconfigured. The traction control and M Sport differential also receive unique control logic.
Red accents in the interior.
The distinctive contrasting red stitching selected for the Z4 Final Edition provides a literal common thread that ties together the instrument panel, center console, door panels, and M Sport seats, which are trimmed in Vernasca Leather and Alcantara. The floor mats feature red piping and the special door sill plates are inscribed with “Z4 FINAL EDITION”. The seatbelts are trimmed in the M tricolor.
The Z4 Final Edition comes as standard with a full range of comfort, convenience, and safety features, including the Driving Assistance Package, Premium Package, and a Harman Kardon surround sound system.
The history of the BMW Z4: Launch of the first generation in 2002.
The BMW Z4 is part of a long tradition of open-top two‑seater sports cars. The lineage includes icons such as the BMW 328 Roadster, the BMW 507, and the BMW Z8.
The BMW Z4 had its premiere in autumn 2002, as the direct successor to the BMW Z3 launched in 1995. And, like its predecessor, the BMW roadster known internally as the E85 series was produced at the BMW Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina.
With its long hood and short trunk, the design of the BMW Z4 signalled power and sporting prowess. In the cabin, the low seating position just ahead of the rear axle made for a highly engaging driving experience. The BMW Z4 set new standards with a torsional stiffness previously unmatched in the convertible and roadster segment. Its supreme agility was due in large part to its 50/50 weight distribution. The BMW Z4 M Roadster was the first generation’s range-topper. Fitted with the 330 hp six-cylinder in-line engine from the BMW M3, it could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5.0 seconds.
The second BMW Z4 generation: Unchanged dynamic appeal, electro-hydraulic retractable hardtop as standard.
In December 2008, BMW introduced the second generation of the Z4 to the world. The new two-seater, known internally as the E89, combined classic proportions with leading-edge engineering.
Perhaps the most intriguing feature of the new Z4 was the electro-hydraulically retractable hardtop made up of two roof sections. Featuring an aluminium shell design, the hardtop was included as standard and could be opened or closed at the touch of a button in just 20 seconds. With the hardtop in place, the BMW Z4 offered the refined comfort of a sporty premium coupé. The interior of the new BMW Z4 had gained much over the first-generation model in terms of headroom and elbow room. In addition, this marked the first time the roadster used the BMW iDrive infotainment system.
The third-generation BMW Z4: Modern interpretation of the classic open-top sports car.
BMW premiered the third – and current – generation of the BMW Z4 in August 2018 on the reviewing stand at the Lodge at Pebble Beach at the opening of Monterey Car Week. The BMW Z4 world premiere revealed a modern interpretation of the classic open-top sports car. A premium roadster boasting an electrically operated fabric softtop, sporty handling, and a purist, driver-focused interior design. This was complemented by premium-quality driver assistance, infotainment, and connectivity features. Unique in the segment is the three-liter straight-six engine with TwinPower Turbo technology found in the BMW Z4 M40i, which has been offered with a manual transmission since 2024 as the Edition Handschalter.
Z4 Final Edition Features and Equipment.
BMW Individual Frozen Black Metallic Paint
Vernasca/Alcantara Leather Interior with Red Contrast Stitching
Black High-Gloss Interior Trim
M Seat Belts
19/20” M Dual-Spoke Bicolor 800M Wheels with Staggered Performance Tires
M Sport Brakes with Red Calipers
Shadowline Package
- Mirror Caps in Black
- Adaptive Full LED Lights
- Extended Shadowline Trim
Driving Assistance Package
- Park Distance Control
- Active Blind Spot Detection
- Speed Limit Info
- Lane Keeping Assistant
- Forward Collision Mitigation
Premium Package
- Ambient Lighting
- Parking Assistant
- Head-Up Display
- Active Park Distance Control with Side Protection
Harman Kardon Surround Sound System
Moonlight Black Softtop
Photos courtesy of BMW USA
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