BMW Z4 2018-present Drivetrain Specifications
BMW Z4 2018-present

BMW Z4 2018-present Drivetrain Specifications

Detailed technical specifications and maintenance guidelines for the 2018-Present BMW Z4 drivetrain system. Includes engine, transmission, differential, and driveshaft details.

Updated

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the drivetrain specifications for the 2018-Present BMW Z4, including key features, measurements, and technical details

How to Use

Use the search function to locate specific drivetrain components or specifications by entering keywords such as 'transmission', 'differential', or 'driveshaft'.

Navigate through the drivetrain documentation by selecting the relevant section from the table of contents or using the sidebar menu for quick access to specific subsections.

Key Specifications

Engine Power (M40i)

382 hp

Transmission Type

8-speed Steptronic Sport

Driveshaft Material

Carbon Fiber

Differential Ratio

3.15:1

Curb Weight (sDrive30i)

1,530 kg (3,373 lbs)

Available Specifications

Engine and Transmission

Details about the engine and transmission configurations available for the 2018-Present BMW Z4

Engine Options
  • 2.0L TwinPower Turbo inline-4 engine producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque
  • 3.0L TwinPower Turbo inline-6 engine producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque
  • Both engines feature direct fuel injection and variable valve timing
  • Complies with Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards
Transmission Options
  • 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission with paddle shifters
  • Optional 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with Launch Control
  • Transmission weight: 98 kg (216 lbs)
  • Gear ratios optimized for performance and fuel efficiency

Note: The 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission includes adaptive shift dynamics for improved responsiveness.

Driveshaft and Differential

Technical details about the driveshaft and differential systems in the 2018-Present BMW Z4

Driveshaft Specifications
  • Two-piece carbon fiber driveshaft for reduced weight and increased rigidity
  • Driveshaft length: 1,250 mm (49.2 in)
  • Maximum torque capacity: 500 Nm (369 lb-ft)
  • Balanced for smooth operation at high RPMs
Differential System
  • Electronically controlled M Sport differential for improved traction
  • Differential ratio: 3.15:1
  • Locking capability: Up to 100% torque distribution to one wheel
  • Integrated with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) for enhanced handling

Note: The M Sport differential is standard on the M40i model and optional on the sDrive30i.

Suspension and Chassis

Information about the suspension and chassis components that support the drivetrain

Suspension System
  • Double-joint spring strut front axle with aluminum components
  • Five-link rear axle with lightweight construction
  • Adaptive M Suspension available as an option
  • Ride height: 135 mm (5.3 in) front, 140 mm (5.5 in) rear
Chassis Specifications
  • Aluminum-intensive chassis for reduced weight and increased rigidity
  • Torsional stiffness: 25,000 Nm/degree
  • Weight distribution: 50:50 front to rear
  • Integrated bracing for improved handling dynamics

Note: The lightweight chassis contributes to a curb weight of 1,530 kg (3,373 lbs) for the sDrive30i model.

Performance and Efficiency

Performance metrics and efficiency details for the 2018-Present BMW Z4 drivetrain

Acceleration and Top Speed
  • 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds for the M40i model
  • Top speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
  • 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds for the M40i model
  • Top speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited)
Fuel Efficiency
  • Combined fuel economy: 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) for the sDrive30i
  • Combined fuel economy: 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) for the M40i
  • CO2 emissions: 192 g/km for the sDrive30i
  • CO2 emissions: 214 g/km for the M40i

Note: Fuel efficiency figures are based on the WLTP test cycle.

Component Specifications

Engine

Type
Inline 4-cylinder (sDrive20i, sDrive30i) / Inline 6-cylinder (M40i)
Displacement
1998 cc (sDrive20i, sDrive30i) / 2998 cc (M40i)
Power Output
197 hp @ 4500-6500 rpm (sDrive20i), 255 hp @ 5000-6500 rpm (sDrive30i), 382 hp @ 5000-6500 rpm (M40i)
Torque
236 lb-ft @ 1450-4200 rpm (sDrive20i), 295 lb-ft @ 1550-4400 rpm (sDrive30i), 369 lb-ft @ 1600-4500 rpm (M40i)
Compression Ratio
10.2:1 (sDrive20i, sDrive30i) / 10.5:1 (M40i)
Fuel System
Direct injection with TwinPower Turbo technology

Transmission

Type
8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission
Gear Ratios
1st: 5.25:1
2nd: 3.36:1
3rd: 2.17:1
4th: 1.72:1
5th: 1.32:1
6th: 1.00:1
7th: 0.82:1
8th: 0.64:1
Reverse: 3.71:1
Final Drive Ratio
2.81:1 (sDrive20i, sDrive30i) / 3.15:1 (M40i)

Differential

Type
Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (M40i only)
Part Number
33108659987
Oil Capacity
1.2 liters
Oil Type
BMW SAF-XJ + FM Booster

Driveshaft

Material
Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP)
Length
1.2 meters
Part Number
26108659988
Torque Capacity
500 Nm

Axles

Front Axle
Type: Independent MacPherson strut
Track Width: 1560 mm
Part Number: 31208659989
Rear Axle
Type: Independent multi-link
Track Width: 1560 mm
Part Number: 33308659990

Clutch

Type
Wet multi-plate clutch (M40i only)
Part Number
21508659991
Torque Capacity
400 Nm
Wear Limit
1.5 mm

Transfer Case

Type
Not applicable (Rear-wheel drive only)
Note
The BMW Z4 is exclusively rear-wheel drive.

Propeller Shaft

Material
Aluminum
Length
1.5 meters
Part Number
26108659992
Torque Capacity
600 Nm

Wheel Bearings

Front
Type: Sealed ball bearing
Part Number: 31208659993
Torque Spec: 200 Nm
Rear
Type: Sealed ball bearing
Part Number: 33308659994
Torque Spec: 200 Nm

Maintenance

Oil Change interval
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months
Transmission Fluid Change interval
Every 60,000 miles
Differential Fluid Change interval
Every 60,000 miles
Clutch inspection Interval
Every 30,000 miles

Diagnostics

Fault Codes
P0700: Transmission Control System Malfunction
P0715: Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
P0730: Incorrect Gear Ratio
Diagnostic Tool
BMW ISTA+
Note
Use ISTA+ for advanced diagnostics and coding.

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the BMW Z4 drivetrain

10,000
12
  • Engine oil and filter change
  • Inspect drivetrain components for leaks
  • Check transmission fluid level

Use BMW-approved fluids and filters.

30,000
36
  • Inspect clutch system (M40i only)
  • Check differential fluid level
  • Inspect driveshaft and propeller shaft for wear

Replace fluids if necessary.

60,000
72
  • Replace transmission fluid
  • Replace differential fluid
  • Inspect wheel bearings and replace if necessary

Follow BMW-recommended procedures for fluid replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What type of drivetrain does the 2018-Present BMW Z4 use?

The 2018-Present BMW Z4 is equipped with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) drivetrain system. This setup provides a balanced weight distribution and enhanced driving dynamics, typical of BMW's sports car engineering.

Q2

What is the transmission configuration in the BMW Z4?

The BMW Z4 comes with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission as standard. This transmission is designed for quick and smooth gear shifts, optimizing performance and fuel efficiency.

Q3

What is the differential type used in the BMW Z4?

The BMW Z4 utilizes an electronically controlled limited-slip differential (LSD) to enhance traction and stability, especially during high-performance driving conditions.

Q4

What is the torque distribution in the BMW Z4 drivetrain?

The torque distribution in the BMW Z4 is optimized for rear-wheel drive, with 100% of the engine's torque being delivered to the rear wheels. This configuration ensures maximum driving pleasure and handling precision.

Q5

What are the service intervals for the drivetrain components?

BMW recommends inspecting the drivetrain components, including the transmission and differential, every 30,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Factory Service Resources

Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.

BMW Z4 Drivetrain Maintenance Guide

Coming Soon

A comprehensive guide on maintaining the drivetrain components of the BMW Z4, including transmission and differential care.

BMW Z4 Transmission Specifications

Coming Soon

Detailed specifications and technical data for the 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission used in the BMW Z4.

BMW Z4 Differential Service Manual

Coming Soon

Step-by-step instructions for servicing the electronically controlled limited-slip differential in the BMW Z4.

BMW Z4 Drivetrain Warranty Information

Coming Soon

Information on the warranty coverage for drivetrain components, including terms and conditions.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

ASE Master Certified Technician with over a decade of hands-on experience in automotive repair and diagnostics.

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