2008 BMW Z4 3.0si
The 2008 BMW Z4 3.0si is a coupe. It has a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine producing 255 hp (190 kW), with a 6-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 5.7 seconds and top speed is 130 mph (209 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2008 BMW Z4 3.0SI
The 2008 BMW Z4 3.0si is the more powerful six-cylinder version of the first-generation Z4. This entry is the fixed-roof Z4 Coupe (E86); a soft-top Roadster (E85) with the same engine was also sold. It uses BMW’s 3.0-litre N52 inline-six rated at 255 hp and 220 lb-ft and drives the rear wheels. This entry covers the version with the six-speed automatic; a six-speed manual was also offered.
The final year
The 2008 model year was the last for this generation. The replacement E89 Z4, launched for 2009, used a folding metal hardtop and so took over from both the roadster and the coupe, meaning there was no direct successor to the E86’s distinctive “double-bubble” roof and hatch-style tailgate.
What it is like
The coupe body is stiffer than the roadster, and the 3.0si’s engine is a smooth, free-revving unit that suits the car’s compact, rear-drive layout. The hatch gives easier boot access than the roadster, with luggage space behind the two seats.
Buying one today
Commonly reported N52 issues include failure of the electric water pump and thermostat, plus oil leaks from the valve-cover and oil-filter-housing gaskets. The electric power-steering column is a known Z4 weak point. Because the coupe was built in smaller numbers than the roadster, finding a well-kept example can take time.
Rivals
Rival coupes in 2008 included the Porsche Cayman, Nissan 350Z, Audi TT Coupe and Infiniti G37 Coupe.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | Z4 3.0si |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2008 | Version / Trim | BMW 2008 Z4 3.0si |
| Body Style | Coupe | Doors | 2 |
| Seats | 2 | Ext. Colour | Alpine White, Jet Black, Black Sapphire Metallic, Titanium Silver Metallic, Silver Gray Metallic, Sterling Gray Metallic, Toledo Blue Metallic, Maya Blue Metallic, Monaco Blue Metallic, Bright Red |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Germany |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Engine | 3.0L 6-cyl | Engine Size | 3,000 cc |
| Power | 255 hp / 190 kW | Torque | 300 Nm / 221 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 5.7 sec | Top Speed | 130 mph (209 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 19 mpg city / 28 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,495 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,395 kg (3,075 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2008 COUPES
Compared with other 2008 coupes in our database, its 255 hp is 29% less than the average 2008 coupe (357 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 0.4 seconds slower than average, and it is 9% lighter than the typical coupe.
| 2008 BMW Z4 3.0si | Average 2008 coupes | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 255 hp | 357 hp (23 cars) | -29% |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 412 Nm (23 cars) | -27% |
| 0–60 mph | 5.7 s | 5.3 s (23 cars) | +7% |
| Top speed | 130 mph | 158 mph (23 cars) | -17% |
| Kerb weight | 1,395 kg | 1,538 kg (25 cars) | -9% |
| Engine size | 3,000 cc | 3,838 cc (25 cars) | -22% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2008 coupes with similar power to the 2008 BMW Z4 3.0si.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 BMW Z4 3.0si | 255 hp | 5.7 s | 1,395 kg |
| 2008 Audi TT Coupe | 211 hp | 6.4 s | 1,260 kg |
| 2008 Nissan 350z | 306 hp | 5.1 s | 1,440 kg |