The final BMW Z4 has been produced, marking the conclusion of almost three decades of roadster models.

      Uwe Fischer/BMW

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      For nearly three decades, BMW has consistently produced a two-seater convertible. In the U.S., where the Z1 was not introduced, the lineup started with the Z3, continued through the Z4 generations, and had a three-year gap between the last two iterations. However, Z4 production has officially come to an end, with no immediate signs of a revival, marking the conclusion of a staple in this segment.

      While we anticipated this development, BMW has now officially informed BMW Blog that the G29 Z4 production has recently wrapped up at Magna Steyr’s facility in Austria. Additionally, the droptop 8 Series is also nearing the end of its run—likely already finished, given the similar timeline to the Z4—leaving the 4 Series as the only convertible remaining in BMW's offerings.

      Towards the end of its production, the latest Z4 featured a manual transmission option, a six-speed that even managed to win over at least one BMW manual skeptic. We were quite fond of the final generation, even dubbing it a “hidden gem.” It always seemed like these cars held a unique place within the company’s lineup.

      The progression of the BMW Z3 and Z4. BMW

      Two-seat convertibles are niche vehicles and have become rarer since the Z3 era, but BMW's models have consistently flown under the radar. The Z series has typically emphasized sport-luxury rather than outright performance. Despite the existence of some M variants, most Z3s and Z4s focused on providing overall driving enjoyment with a touch more comfort than what you would find in a Miata, yet offering more of a sporty driving experience than a Mercedes.

      These roadsters were a choice for discerning consumers. They may not have always been the best in direct comparisons and were certainly not economical, but they possessed a distinct character. Sales even saw an uptick in recent months with the release of the Final Edition Z4, confirming that this truly marked the end.

      If Toyota is to bring back the Supra for another generation, as rumored, it’s clear that BMW will not be involved in this process. The G29 Z4 has concluded without a successor on the horizon, but we can only hope that its end is not permanent.

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