E89 · 2009–2016

BMW Z4 sDrive35i E89 · 306 hp (2009 to 2016)

The BMW Z4 sDrive35i of the E89 generation uses the N54B30 petrol engine with 306 hp. Oil, timing drive and known issues of this engine are covered in the “Engine” block on this page.

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Technical specifications

Fuel
Petrol
Power
306 PS / 225 kW
Displacement
2 979 cm³
Cylinders
6
Engine code
N54B30
Period covered
2009–2016
Documented market
Europe

Transmission

  • Manual · 6 speeds
  • Automatic · 7 speeds

Figures apply to the cited configuration and market; equipment and transmissions may vary by production date.

Specification source : [1] AutoKarnet

This version

306 hp (225 kW), rear-wheel drive, 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic. Built from 2009 to 2016.

AutoKarnet advice

In the range

It sits between the sDrive30i (258 hp) and the sDrive35is (340 hp). The N54B30 engine is also fitted to: BMW X6 (E71).

AutoKarnet advice

BMW N54 petrol engine (3.0 l twin-turbo six)

This applies to every car fitted with the N54 engine.

What the N54 is

A 2,979 cc inline six-cylinder petrol engine (84.0 × 89.6 mm) with two turbochargers and High Precision Injection direct injection (piezo injectors). In the X6 xDrive35i (N54B30O0), BMW quotes 225 kW and 400 Nm. It was fitted to the 135i, 335i, 535i, X6 xDrive35i, Z4 sDrive35i and 740i among others; in Europe, ADAC lists it in the 135i Coupé from 11/2007 to 02/2010. Its successor is the N55, with a single twin-scroll turbo.

Source : [3] [7] [4]

Engine oil

Approvals BMW lists for the N54: Longlife-01, Longlife-01 FE and Longlife-04 (the latter only in the EU, Switzerland, Norway and Liechtenstein for a petrol engine). Oil change with filter: 6.5 l according to TIS data for the N54 B30.

Source : [3] [2] [5]

Timing drive

Chain, at the front of the engine: the TIS replacement procedure goes through removing the cylinder head cover, the chain tensioner, the front radial seal, the vibration damper and both VANOS units. No replacement interval is set: it is a repair.

Source : [6]

High-pressure pump and wastegate: US measures

Two BMW of North America measures apply in the United States and do not automatically cover a European car. In October 2010 a voluntary emissions recall covered the direct-injection twin-turbo sixes of model years 2007–2010 (335i, 135i, 535i, X6 xDrive35i, Z4 sDrive35i) for high-pressure fuel pump failure: long cranking, engine warning light, sometimes reduced-power mode; remedy: new pump and/or software update. In June 2013, following a court settlement, warranty on the turbocharger wastegates was extended to 8 years or 82,000 miles. A slight wastegate rattle is considered normal; a repeated clanking on deceleration from about 3,500 rpm warrants diagnosis. In Europe, have campaigns checked by VIN.

Source : [7] [8]

Maintenance and records

Oil and filter change

Per CBS, at the latest 24 months

24 months

Due date calculated by the car from use. BMW Longlife-approved oil suited to the engine.

Source [1]

Pads and discs

Per wear sensors

Front and rear tracked separately by CBS.

Source [1]

Brake fluid

Every 24 months

24 months

Time-based replacement, whatever the mileage.

Source [1]

Questions about this version (2)

Which engine is in the BMW Z4 sDrive35i E89?

The N54B30 petrol engine (2 979 cc), 306 hp (225 kW).

AutoKarnet advice

Which oil for the BMW Z4 sDrive35i?

A BMW Longlife-approved oil suited to the N54B30 engine. The “Engine” block on this page and the vehicle’s handbook give the exact approval.

AutoKarnet advice

Documentary sources

  1. [1] Rédaction AutoKarnet

    AutoKarnet · FR · Europe · Synthèse éditoriale AutoKarnet · Accessed 09/10/2026

  2. [2] BMW TIS — BMW Quality Longlife-04

    BMW AG — TIS (archive) · EN · Europe · SI 11 03 04 (156) · revision 09/2005 · Accessed 08/10/2026

  3. [3] BMW Technical training — N55 Engine

    BMW of North America — Technical training (archive.org copy) · EN · USA · Initial print 02/10 · “Crankshaft” (timing chains) · “Oil Level” (oil quality sensor) · engine-level description · Accessed 08/10/2026

  4. [4] ADAC Autokatalog — BMW 135i Coupé (11/07–02/10)

    ADAC · DE · Germany · Technische Daten: Motorcode, Modellstart/-ende, Schadstoffklasse · Accessed 08/10/2026

  5. [5] BMW TIS — Oil Supply N54 / B30

    BMW AG — TIS (archive) · EN · Europe · TD 11 40 · oil change volume with oil filter; E82 archive · Accessed 08/10/2026

  6. [6] BMW TIS — Replacing timing chain (N54)

    BMW AG — TIS (archive) · EN · Europe · RA 11 31 051 · E82 archive · Accessed 08/10/2026

  7. [7] BMW of North America — dealer message “BMW to Conduct Voluntary Emissions and Safety Recalls” (NHTSA file 10V-518)

    BMW of North America (NHTSA file) · EN · United States · Dealer message of 26 Oct 2010, pp. 1–2: model year 2008–2010 135i · Accessed 08/10/2026

  8. [8] BMW SI B01 02 12 — N54 turbocharger wastegate: emissions warranty extension to 8 years/82,000 miles

    BMW of North America (NHTSA file) · EN · United States · June 2013 revision (supersedes July 2012), pp. 1–3: E82, E88 MY 2008–2010 135i · Accessed 08/10/2026

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