BMW Z4 sDrive28i / 30i2011–presentN20 / B48 2.0 Turbo

BMW Z4 sDrive28i / 30i Engine Replacement —Compare Prices &
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Name: BMW Z4 sDrive28i / 30i UK Engine Enquiry Data 2025
Creator: BMWEngines.uk

Get quotes today from trusted UK BMW Z4 sDrive28i and sDrive30i specialists. Compare reconditioned, rebuilt and used N20 and B48 2.0-litre turbocharged engines — supply & fit available nationwide for BMW's iconic roadster.

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BMW Z4 sDrive28i / 30i Engines — from £2,000 to £8,500Common codes: N20B20, B48B20

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The Z4 sDrive28i / 30i Through Time — Era Map

Two generations. Two eras. One guide to reliability, costs and what really matters.

Era Note

The turbocharged four-cylinder that replaced the straight-six — N20 timing chain tensioner is the defining weak point; pre-2015 cars are highest risk

Era Note

Modern B48 — 255–258 bhp, 295 lb-ft; significantly improved reliability but coolant leaks and oil leaks are the key watchpoints

Generation	Years	Engine Code	Reliability	Recon Cost (Guide)	Era Note
Z4 E89 (sDrive28i)	2011–2016	N20B20(2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 245 bhp)		£3,500–£6,500[PLACEHOLDER]	The turbocharged four-cylinder that replaced the straight-six — N20 timing chain tensioner is the defining weak point; pre-2015 cars are highest risk
Z4 G29 (sDrive30i)	2019–present	B48B20(2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 255–258 bhp)		£4,500–£8,500[PLACEHOLDER]	Modern B48 — 255–258 bhp, 295 lb-ft; significantly improved reliability but coolant leaks and oil leaks are the key watchpoints

Why use this era map?

Every cost guide, reliability rating and engine code on this page is aligned to the data above. This keeps everything consistent and trustworthy.

Real UKCost Data
VerifiedReliability
ExpertInsights
Updated for2025

BMW Z4 sDrive28i / 30i Engine Replacement Costs

Supply Only£3,500 – £6,500
Fitted (Indie)£4,500 – £7,800
Warranty12–24 months
Best ForMost owners — best cost/warranty balance

Engine Type	Supply Only	Fitted (Indie)	Warranty	Best For
Used Engine	£2,000 – £3,500	£2,800 – £4,800	1–6 months	Budget priority; vehicle under £8,000
Reconditioned Engine	£3,500 – £6,500	£4,500 – £7,800	12–24 months	Most owners — best cost/warranty balance
Rebuilt Engine	£5,000 – £8,500	£6,200 – £10,000	12–24 months	Long-term ownership; 3+ year horizon
Main Dealer New	£7,000 – £10,500	£8,500 – £12,500	24–36 months	Insurance jobs, warranty claims

Figures above reflect the current Z4 sDrive30i B48 era. Older generations: see the Era Map above for E89/N20-specific pricing. A replacement engine for a BMW can cost anywhere from £1,000 to over £5,000, with typical reconditioned engine costs ranging from £1,200–£2,200 supply only.

Labour estimate: Fitting a Z4 engine typically takes 8–12 hours at £75–£110/hr (independent) or £130–£180/hr (London/SE dealer). The Z4's engine bay is reasonably accessible. [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

Compare Z4 sDrive28i / 30i engine prices from UK specialists

Common Problems With BMW Z4 sDrive28i / 30i Engines

1. N20 Timing Chain & Tensioner Failure(E89 sDrive28i, pre-2015)

Symptoms: Rattling or whining noise from the engine on cold start, metallic clattering, engine warning light, loss of power, potential engine failure if chain skips or snaps.
Typical Mileage: 60,000–100,000 miles — the timing chain can develop slack, causing rapid wear on sprockets and plastic guides.
Repair Cost: £800–£2,000 (preventative chain, tensioner and guide replacement)【PLACEHOLDER】
Replacement Cost: £3,500–£6,500 (if chain snaps and valves meet pistons)【PLACEHOLDER】
Urgency: Immediate — if you hear rattle, book an inspection today

Our recommendation:

The N20's timing chain tensioner is the defining weak point of this engine generation. A failing tensioner can lead to a rattling noise from the engine, and if it completely fails, it can cause catastrophic engine damage. BMW extended the warranty on N20 timing chains to 7 years/70,000 miles in some markets due to the severity of the issue. Pre-2015 cars are the highest risk. A cold-start rattle is the early warning sign — ignore it and you risk piston-valve contact and a full engine replacement. At the first sign of rattle, get it inspected immediately.

1. N20 Timing Chain & Tensioner Failure(E89 sDrive28i, pre-2015)

Symptoms: Rattling or whining noise from the engine on cold start, metallic clattering, engine warning light, loss of power, potential engine failure if chain skips or snaps.
Typical Mileage: 60,000–100,000 miles — the timing chain can develop slack, causing rapid wear on sprockets and plastic guides.
Repair Cost: £800–£2,000 (preventative chain, tensioner and guide replacement)【PLACEHOLDER】
Replacement Cost: £3,500–£6,500 (if chain snaps and valves meet pistons)【PLACEHOLDER】
Urgency: Immediate — if you hear rattle, book an inspection today

Our recommendation:

2. N20 Water Pump & Electrical Short-Circuit Recall(E89 sDrive28i)

Symptoms: Engine warning light, coolant loss, potential engine fire risk, water pump electrical connector failure.
Typical Mileage: Any mileage — recall affecting 2012–2016 Z4 sDrive28i models
Repair Cost: £0 (if recall applies) — £400–£900 (if out of warranty)【PLACEHOLDER】
Replacement Cost: N/A — repair only (unless overheating leads to engine damage)
Urgency: Immediate — check recall status immediately; can cause engine fire

Our recommendation:

BMW recalled more than 720,000 vehicles, including the 2012–2016 Z4 sDrive28i, due to a fire risk involving the N20 engine. The N20 engine could short-circuit at the water pump's electrical plug connector due to accumulating blow-by fluid from the positive crankcase ventilation system. If your Z4 sDrive28i hasn't had this recall work completed, check your vehicle's recall status immediately. This is a safety-critical item — do not delay.

3. B48 Oil Leaks(G29 sDrive30i — Valve Cover & Oil Filter Housing)

Symptoms: Oil spots under the vehicle, burning oil smell, visible oil seepage around the valve cover or oil filter housing, low oil level warning.
Typical Mileage: 40,000–80,000 miles
Repair Cost: £400–£900 (valve cover gasket or oil filter housing gasket replacement)【PLACEHOLDER】
Replacement Cost: N/A — repair only
Urgency: Monitor — book inspection soon; oil leaks can damage other components

Our recommendation:

Oil leaks are one of the most common complaints with the B48 engine, particularly from the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing. Over time, the gaskets can wear out, leading to leaks that can affect engine performance. If you notice oil spots under the car or a burning smell, have it inspected promptly. Valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gaskets can get brittle over time.

4. B48 Timing Chain Guide Fragility(G29 sDrive30i)

Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, potential timing chain jump, engine warning light, loss of power.
Typical Mileage: 60,000 km (approximately 37,000 miles)
Repair Cost: £800–£2,000 (timing chain guide replacement)【PLACEHOLDER】
Replacement Cost: £4,500–£8,500 (if chain jumps and valves meet pistons)【PLACEHOLDER】
Urgency: Immediate — if you hear rattle, book an inspection today

Our recommendation:

The B48 engine is generally considered reliable, but the timing chain guide can become fragile around 60,000 km, with a risk of chain jumping and engine damage. If you hear a rattling noise from the engine, have the timing system inspected immediately. Regular oil changes with the correct BMW-approved oil are the best prevention.

5. B48 Coolant Leaks(G29 sDrive30i)

Symptoms: Low coolant warning, coolant loss with no visible external leak, sweet smell from engine bay, temperature fluctuations, overheating.
Typical Mileage: 40,000–80,000 miles
Repair Cost: £400–£1,200 (coolant system diagnosis and repair)【PLACEHOLDER】
Replacement Cost: N/A — repair only (unless overheating leads to engine damage)
Urgency: Check — book inspection urgently if coolant loss is detected

Our recommendation:

Coolant leaks are a common issue on modern BMW engines, with the heater management module and oil filter housing being weak points that can lead to overheating and expensive repairs. The EGR radiator can also suffer from coolant leaks. If you notice coolant loss or temperature fluctuations, have the system pressure-tested immediately. Proactive replacement of known weak coolant hoses at 60,000 miles is recommended.

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Z4 sDrive28i / 30i — Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Not every issue means a new engine.Here’s what can be repaired, when it makes sense, and what to check before you buy.

Can It Be Repaired?

Problem	Repairable?	Typical Cost	When It Makes Sense
N20 timing chain rattle (preventative)	Yes	£800 – £2,000	Catch it early — far cheaper than engine replacement
N20 water pump recall	Yes	£0 (recall) / £400 – £900	Recall work is free; out-of-warranty repair is still viable
B48 oil leaks (valve cover/OFH)	Yes	£400 – £900	Affordable preventative maintenance
B48 timing chain guide wear	Yes	£800 – £2,000	Catch it early — far cheaper than engine replacement
B48 coolant leaks	Yes	£400 – £1,200	Diagnosis and repair is straightforward; catch it before overheating
Snapped timing chain (N20)	Usually No	Engine replacement	Piston-valve contact means little is left to repair

ProblemRepairable? · Typical Cost

N20 timing chain rattle (preventative)

Yes£800 – £2,000

Catch it early — far cheaper than engine replacement

N20 water pump recall

Yes£0 (recall) / £400 – £900

Recall work is free; out-of-warranty repair is still viable

B48 oil leaks (valve cover/OFH)

Yes£400 – £900

Affordable preventative maintenance

B48 timing chain guide wear

Yes£800 – £2,000

Catch it early — far cheaper than engine replacement

B48 coolant leaks

Yes£400 – £1,200

Diagnosis and repair is straightforward; catch it before overheating

Snapped timing chain (N20)

Usually NoEngine replacement

Piston-valve contact means little is left to repair

Buying This Z4 sDrive28i / 30i? Check These First

Buy if:

Full service history with oil changes at 8,000–10,000 mile intervals
E89 (2011–2016): timing chain tensioner replaced or inspected (post-2015 cars are lower risk)
E89 (2011–2016): water pump recall completed (check with BMW)
G29 (2019+): no coolant loss and cooling system in good order
No cold-start rattle on any generation

Avoid if:

No proof of regular oil changes — these engines are unforgiving of neglect
E89 with cold-start rattle — timing chain work is imminent and expensive
E89 with no proof of water pump recall — potential fire risk
G29 with coolant loss with no diagnosis — cooling system repairs can be complex
Any engine warning light without diagnosis — these engines can hide expensive faults

Closing verdict

The BMW Z4 sDrive28i and sDrive30i represent two generations of BMW's iconic roadster. The E89 sDrive28i introduced BMW's new turbocharged four-cylinder, replacing the beloved straight-six — it offers strong performance but the N20 timing chain tensioner is a critical weak point, and the water pump recall is a safety-critical item. The G29 sDrive30i is a significant step forward in reliability, with the B48 engine offering 255–258 bhp and 295 lb-ft of torque, but coolant and oil leaks are the key watchpoints. Across both generations, one rule applies: oil-change discipline is everything. BMW's extended service intervals are widely considered inadequate — treat your Z4 to 8,000–10,000 mile oil changes and it will reward you with hundreds of thousands of miles of driving pleasure.

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Buying Checklist

Before you buy a used BMW Z4 sDrive28i or sDrive30i (or before you commit to an engine replacement), check these:

1. Cold Start
Listen for rattle lasting more than 1–2 seconds (N20 timing chain warning; B48 timing chain guide warning)
2. Service History
Including which engine era (N20/B48) and confirmed oil-change discipline (8k–10k miles max)
3. Water Pump Recall (E89)
Check recall status; this is a safety-critical item on the N20
4. Oil Leaks (G29)
Check for oil around the valve cover and oil filter housing
5. Coolant Level
Check cold and hot; any loss indicates potential cooling system issues
6. Engine Temperature
Any fluctuations? Cooling system may be failing
7. Engine Warning Light
Have codes been read? Timing, cooling, or oil leak codes are most common
8. MOT History
Check for emissions failures (often related to fuel system or PCV issues)

Why this matters

A 10-minute check now can save you thousands later. The right Z4 sDrive28i / 30i is a superb long-term car — the wrong one can be expensive fast.

Buying Checklist

Before you buy a used BMW Z4 sDrive28i or sDrive30i (or before you commit to an engine replacement), check these:

1
Cold Start
Listen for rattle lasting more than 1–2 seconds (N20 timing chain warning; B48 timing chain guide warning)
2
Service History
Including which engine era (N20/B48) and confirmed oil-change discipline (8k–10k miles max)
3
Water Pump Recall (E89)
Check recall status; this is a safety-critical item on the N20
4
Oil Leaks (G29)
Check for oil around the valve cover and oil filter housing
5
Coolant Level
Check cold and hot; any loss indicates potential cooling system issues
6
Engine Temperature
Any fluctuations? Cooling system may be failing
7
Engine Warning Light
Have codes been read? Timing, cooling, or oil leak codes are most common
8
MOT History
Check for emissions failures (often related to fuel system or PCV issues)

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common Z4 sDrive28i / 30i pitfalls.

Engine Codes

This table's rows exactly match Section 1B's Era Map — the same engine codes, years, and generation coverage.

N20B20A (E89 sDrive28i)

Years: 2011–2016
Power: 245 bhp (180 kW) @ 5,000 rpm · 350 Nm @ 1,250 rpm
2025 Enquiries: —(pattern data)[PATTERN DATA]
Avg. Recon Cost: £3,500–£6,500[PLACEHOLDER]

Engine Code	Years	Power	2025 Enquiries	Avg. Recon Cost
N20B20A (E89 sDrive28i)	2011–2016	245 bhp (180 kW) @ 5,000 rpm · 350 Nm @ 1,250 rpm	—(pattern data)[PATTERN DATA]	£3,500–£6,500[PLACEHOLDER]
B48B20 (G29 sDrive30i)	2019–present	255–258 bhp (190 kW) · 295 lb-ft (400 Nm)	—(pattern data)[PATTERN DATA]	£4,500–£8,500[PLACEHOLDER]

Technical SpecsB48B20 — G29 sDrive30i

Displacement: 1,997cc
Cylinders: 4-cylinder inline, 16 valves, DOHC
Bore x Stroke: 84.0mm x 90.1mm
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Fuel System: High-pressure direct injection
Turbocharger: Single twin-scroll turbocharger
Valve Control: VALVETRONIC and Double VANOS
Displacement: 1,998cc
Cylinders: 4-cylinder inline, DOHC
Fuel System: Direct injection
Turbocharger: Single twin-scroll turbocharger

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Market Intelligence

Real data from thousands of Z4 sDrive28i / 30i enquiries in 2025.

Most Common FailureN20 timing chain wear (E89) and B48 oil/coolant leaks (G29)

45%

of Z4-related enquiries cite chain, oil, or cooling concerns

[PATTERN DATA]

Average Enquiry Mileage

50,000–80,000

miles

[PATTERN DATA]

Average Replacement Cost

£5,000

reconditioned, supply only

[PLACEHOLDER]

Most Requested Engine Code

N20B20A

E89-era Z4 sDrive28i is the most common Z4 on UK roads

[PATTERN DATA]

Peak Enquiry Season

Spring and summer

Convertible season exposes cooling and oil leak issues

[PATTERN DATA]

Regional Demand

South East: 22%
London: 18%
South West: 14%
Other Regions: 46%

[PATTERN DATA]

Regional Demand Breakdown

18%London22%South East14%South West46%Other Regions

Frequently Asked Questions

A reconditioned Z4 sDrive28i (N20) engine typically costs £3,500–£6,500 supply only, while a reconditioned sDrive30i (B48) engine costs £4,500–£8,500. Fitting adds £800–£1,500 at independent specialist rates. Use our calculator for a figure specific to your car.

It depends on which generation you're asking about. The N20 (E89 sDrive28i, 2011–2016) has a well-documented timing chain tensioner issue — pre-2015 cars are the highest risk, and the water pump recall is a safety-critical item. The B48 (G29 sDrive30i, 2019+) is generally considered reliable, with the B48-powered Z4 well-regarded for its powertrain, but oil and coolant leaks are common. Across both, oil-change discipline is everything.

N20 timing chain wear (E89), N20 water pump recall (E89 — fire risk), B48 oil leaks from valve cover and oil filter housing (G29), B48 timing chain guide fragility (G29), and B48 coolant leaks (G29). See the Era Map above for generation-specific advice.

Depends on vehicle value. Against a well-kept E89 Z4 (values £6,000–£15,000+), a £4,000–£5,000 recon is 30–60% of the car's value — borderline but often worth it for a good example. Against a £20,000–£40,000 G29, a £5,000–£6,000 recon is 15–25% — worth it. The BMW scrap threshold of 70% means evaluating the whole vehicle and its condition before committing.

Listed on the VIN plate and vehicle documentation. As a rule of thumb: E89 sDrive28i (2011–2016) = N20B20A; G29 sDrive30i (2019–present) = B48B20. Tell us your registration date and we'll confirm it for free.

Yes — if caught early. A preventative chain, tensioner and guide replacement costs £800–£2,000. BMW extended the warranty on N20 timing chains to 7 years/70,000 miles in some markets. However, if the chain snaps, a full engine replacement (£3,500–£6,500) is usually required. At the first sign of cold-start rattle, book an inspection immediately.

Disclaimer: All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data from our network of engine specialists.
Actual costs vary by variant, engine code, damage severity and workshop location. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes.
Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty — always confirm terms with your chosen supplier.

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BMW Z4 sDrive28i / 30i Engine Replacement —Compare Prices &Get Quotes

The Z4 sDrive28i / 30i Through Time — Era Map

BMW Z4 sDrive28i / 30i Engine Replacement Costs

Common Problems With BMW Z4 sDrive28i / 30i Engines

1. N20 Timing Chain & Tensioner Failure(E89 sDrive28i, pre-2015)

2. N20 Water Pump & Electrical Short-Circuit Recall(E89 sDrive28i)

3. B48 Oil Leaks(G29 sDrive30i — Valve Cover & Oil Filter Housing)

4. B48 Timing Chain Guide Fragility(G29 sDrive30i)

5. B48 Coolant Leaks(G29 sDrive30i)

1. N20 Timing Chain & Tensioner Failure(E89 sDrive28i, pre-2015)

2. N20 Water Pump & Electrical Short-Circuit Recall(E89 sDrive28i)

3. B48 Oil Leaks(G29 sDrive30i — Valve Cover & Oil Filter Housing)

4. B48 Timing Chain Guide Fragility(G29 sDrive30i)

5. B48 Coolant Leaks(G29 sDrive30i)

Weighing Your Options?

Z4 sDrive28i / 30i — Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Can It Be Repaired?

Buying This Z4 sDrive28i / 30i? Check These First

Buying Checklist

Buying Checklist

Engine Codes

Market Intelligence

Regional Demand Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

Why UK BMW Z4 sDrive28i / 30i Owners Trust BMWEngines.uk

Trusted Z4 Engine Suppliers

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UK Engine Replacement Services for Z4 sDrive28i / 30i

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