Will the Z4 (E89) Ever be a Classic Car

[Land_Shark]

Hi,

Do you think The Z4 (E89) Will ever be a classic car?
With the future soon to come age of Hybrid and Electrical cars, will the Gasoline cars (we know nowadays) ever become classic cars?!

[ManiacGT]

I'm not sure it will as its an evolutionary design. If there was to be a z4 to add to the classic bmw list I think it would be the e85. Its the first to have such radical styling (well at the time it was) and that plus its rawness may give it the classics appeal. Sure arguably the Z3 had a killer style at its launch, with 007 credentials, however it wasn't widely accepted as a good car, the e85 was.

Most classics are styled oddly, are a pain in one way or another, and represent something different at the time. IMHO the e85 meets that list, the e89 is a refinement and my thoughts are it would come in second in a classic car search in later years.

[Memphis1]

"Classic cars are fine or unusual motor cars which were built between and including the years 1925 to 1948. All of these are very special cars that are distinguished by their respective fine design, high engineering standards and superior workmanship. They were usually quite expensive when new with relatively low production figures."

if anything people in 2050 will probably consider the Z8 a classic maybe the MB SLR, the Maybach Landaulet, the Bugatti Veyron, maybe even the Mclaren F1, but you're living in a dreamworld if you think your Z4 will be a classic.

[richard in NC]

I think the E89 will have more long term desirability than the E85, except maybe the M Coupe but it won't become a classic or have appreciating value.

There certainly are BMWs that qualify but not the E89. The list would include 507, 2002ti, E30 M3, E24 CSL 'batmobile", M1, 850CSi, Z8, E39 M5, E46 M3 CSL, maybe a few others.

[Alext]

If it were producted in very limited numbers then it definitely would have a chance, but it is mass produced. Perhaps a 'modern-day classic' as it were. It CERTAINLY will become a desireable car in the future owning to its brilliant design that will age very well imo. This will be the difference between the new SLK and the e89 Z4 - the lines of the e89 Z4 just flow. If you look carefully at the BMW roadsters of old, the e89 combines a lot of the beautiful elements these cars have and presents it in a contemporary, up-to-date package.

[Land_Shark]

Originally Posted by Alext

If it were producted in very limited numbers then it definitely would have a chance, but it is mass produced. Perhaps a 'modern-day classic' as it were. It CERTAINLY will become a desireable car in the future owning to its brilliant design that will age very well imo. This will be the difference between the new SLK and the e89 Z4 - the lines of the e89 Z4 just flow. If you look carefully at the BMW roadsters of old, the e89 combines a lot of the beautiful elements these cars have and presents it in a contemporary, up-to-date package.

+1

[mstevens]

Originally Posted by richard in NC

I think the E89 will have more long term desirability than the E85

I disagree. The e89's have too much electronic folderol for anyone to do much of their own wrenching. All e85 models were available with a manual transmission, and they all had a real handbrake. I think the soft top is much more of a classic than the metal roof (remember that the original e85 design brief forbade a metal roof for just that reason). For those and many other reasons I think the e85 is more likely to stand the test of time.

Don't get me wrong - I like my 35is lots. I just think that, 20 or 30 years from now the cognoscenti on the trail of a classic BMW roadster from the turn of the century will be looking for e85's in preference to e89's.

[ghani]

+1 for the Z8

a friend of mine recently bought a pristine one and it is truly a classic car...

Originally Posted by richard in NC

I think the E89 will have more long term desirability than the E85, except maybe the M Coupe but it won't become a classic or have appreciating value.

There certainly are BMWs that qualify but not the E89. The list would include 507, 2002ti, E30 M3, E24 CSL 'batmobile", M1, 850CSi, Z8, E39 M5, E46 M3 CSL, maybe a few others.

[Merefield]

Originally Posted by richard in NC

I think the E89 will have more long term desirability than the E85, except maybe the M Coupe but it won't become a classic or have appreciating value.

There certainly are BMWs that qualify but not the E89. The list would include 507, 2002ti, E30 M3, E24 CSL 'batmobile", M1, 850CSi, Z8, E39 M5, E46 M3 CSL, maybe a few others.

Totally agree, the e85 M Coupe is a future classic. I bought the M Roadster, but only because i love the sunshine and fresh air too much, but I remember first time seeing the e85 M Coupe and fell completely in love. Silver Grey with extended Coral Red leather

And at the moment they are a performance bargain if you can find a low mileage example!

[cdeslandes]

Originally Posted by Memphis1

if anything people in 2050 will probably consider the Z8 a classic maybe the MB SLR, the Maybach Landaulet, the Bugatti Veyron, maybe even the Mclaren F1, but you're living in a dreamworld if you think your Z4 will be a classic.

It will always be classic to me...

[Land_Shark]

Reviving the post, in case you have not yet voted...

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

All our cars will be Classics soon .... think about it LOL

No need to explain this further just think about it

[Land_Shark]

Originally Posted by Rolf-Dieter

All our cars will be Classics soon .... think about it LOL

No need to explain this further just think about it

LOL yeah....

[Tomislav4499]

I don't think that classic cars necessarily need to have been produced in very limited numbers. Take for example the Jaguar E-type. Nobody could dispute its classic status, and yet it was produced in over 70,000 units and in its heyday was bargain-priced. What the e-89's future status as a classic depends on is surely the way its looks will age. Same as the E-type, if it still looks beautiful (not up-to-date, but objectively and timelessly beautiful) in 20 or 30 years, it should be very desirable.
Also, some other considerations should be taken into account. The engine that an individual car has, for example. Turbo chargers will surely improve in the future; both performance-wise and economically. The naturally aspirated engines are unlikely to be used anymore. Therefore, the e-89s with straight-6 naturally aspirated engines will surely be much more highly valued; they represent an end of an era and a technological pinnacle of their kind. Also, the unique nature of the straight-6s surely makes them eminently desirable, especially when fuel consumption is ignored, like it is in most classic cars.

[COOLZ4]

I was never all that impressed with the E85 Z4. I liked the Z3 better. When the E89's came out, I didn't even notice them until I saw one at a local dealership. It was love at first sight and I bought it. Having owned a first generation Thunderbird & Corvette, I believe the E89 is an instant classic just like the Triumph TR6 was back in 1969.

[jts1981]

I read some where that what makes cars classic are unique vehicles that had a following, but not necessarily sold well or mass produced. The e89 is a great car that came out in a bad time. Its really just an expensive toy in a world of cut backs. Not many people can have it as their only car.

In terms of styling I always get compliments because of its uniqueness. Some will say they love M3's but when you've seen one, you've seen them all.

That's a comment that hits home for me.

[Lazyboy2010]

I don't mean to be unresponsive to the thread, but I don't care.
It suits me in so many ways. It ticks off so many items that were on my mental wish list before I ever saw it that it seems uncanny.
People are idiots. Haven't you noticed?
Their needs and tastes have nothing to do with mine.

[VailM3]

Originally Posted by Alext

If it were producted in very limited numbers then it definitely would have a chance, but it is mass produced. Perhaps a 'modern-day classic' as it were. It CERTAINLY will become a desireable car in the future owning to its brilliant design that will age very well imo. This will be the difference between the new SLK and the e89 Z4 - the lines of the e89 Z4 just flow. If you look carefully at the BMW roadsters of old, the e89 combines a lot of the beautiful elements these cars have and presents it in a contemporary, up-to-date package.

That, the people who voted yes are delusional. I love my 35iS but in no way is it a Z8, ever.

[Alext]

Still the best looking BMW in the current line up that is for sure. And I think GT3 version is the best looking car BMW has made in modern times. That will quite possibly be a classic.

[SHARAM DARA]

i paid £7000 for a 95k miles single previous owner 2009 E89 2.3i as a realistic copy in a market saturated with milage data that seemed dishonest at large.
I saw an uncomplicated car free from gimiky consumer electronic and clutter the integrated ipad, android things add to a car
I was quite determined to self service as much as
did 15k miles in the first year
self replace the headlight ballast and learnt very important lesson on mechanics priorities
...anyway, because i don't see the car valued any less than i got it, seems the only way is up for a very well bulit and rewarding, albeight a bit laid back car

[Madscott]

Classic? I don’t know , but a sunny low to mid 80s (F) type day it sure is fun!

[Vetracr]

We should differentiate between classic and desirable. Classic cars are low volume and to a large degree high dollar vehicles. The E89 Z4 falls more in the desirable category, the same as current muscle cars are to the older generation who grew up with them. Built in high volumes they still have high value. In the not too distant future the E89 will fall into that category by younger car buyers who appreciate the beauty of its lines, its scarcity and the reality that its design is classic and will bridge the gap of time. Don't forget BMW made less than 20,000 Z4's per year world wide. Even rarer is a 6 speed which is what I have. I was looking for a Porsche when I found my Z4. When it was rolled out of the garage I fell in love with its looks. The lines are classic. Only time will tell.