BMW Z4 Production Ends: Final Model Rolls Off Line After 23 Years

The end of an era has arrived for BMW enthusiasts. The automaker has confirmed that the final Z4 roadster has rolled off the production line at Magna Steyr’s facility in Graz, Austria, as reported by BMWBlog.

The Z4’s journey began in 2003, succeeding the Z3 (1995–2002) with a stiffer chassis, modernized rear suspension, and Bangle-era sheetmetal. Early models featured inline-four or inline-six engines mounted up front with rear-wheel drive, blending sportiness with BMW’s signature driving dynamics.

The second generation (2009–2016) shifted focus toward luxury, replacing the soft-top and coupe with a single model equipped with a power-operated sunroof. The third and final generation (2018–2026) returned to the Z4’s roots, offering an exclusive soft-top configuration that harkened back to the model’s original spirit.

The Z4 and Toyota Supra shared a unique bond, both built by Magna Steyr on the same production line. BMW and Toyota collaborated on these hallmark sports cars, co-developing chassis dimensions and sharing the B58 3.0-liter turbo straight-six engine, along with some interior components. The Z4 even received a manual transmission option, mirroring the Supra’s setup. As Eric Weiner noted in his review of the 2025 BMW Z4 M40i Handschalter, the 382-hp 3.0-liter engine transformed the Z4 into a “rocketship,” though the eight-speed automatic version fell short of enthusiast expectations.

The Final Edition Z4, a limited-run model, was announced in November—approximately six months after Toyota revealed its Final Edition Supra. Available exclusively in black over black, the Final Edition was expected to be predominantly ordered with the six-speed manual transmission, catering to purists.

The Z4 was always a niche model, appealing to a dedicated group of enthusiasts. However, sales figures over the past decade made its discontinuation inevitable. While BMW continues to produce convertibles within the 4 Series family—including the 430i (295 hp), M440i (386 hp), and M4 (523 hp)—none of these models offer a manual transmission option.

With the Z4’s production complete, BMW’s Z-series convertibles have come to an end. The legacy of this iconic roadster will be remembered by fans worldwide.