[Barry0305]

Hello G29post,

just a quick question. I’m looking to buy a Z4 (most likely an sdrive 30i) and I’d like to know what the build quality of these things is. I’m quite OCD when it comes to things like panel gaps and such. So far I’ve been satisfied with BMW build quality (F36, G22), but I know that the Z4 is build in Magna-Steyr in Austria, alongside other cars from other manufactures, so I’m a little apprehensive.

Also, what I absolutely wouldn’t want to have delivered to me is a car that was messed up during production and received (for example) a new coat of paint, resprayed bumper or something along those lines during production (I’m not worried about transport, as I live in Europe, not far away from the factory, so that should be fine).

What are your experiences so far or your opinion of the overall quality of these cars or the likelihood of something similar to what I’m talking about above happening?

Thank you for any answer.

[Skinbc]

For me, this car has the finest build quality of anything I’ve owned. If it it helps, my German, physicist brother in law spent about 40 minutes going over seams and angles his last visit. Then nodded and walked away lol

Also, mine came through the port in NY, ending up in Doylestown PA for delivery. Not a scratch.

[JayML]

Originally Posted by Barry0305

Hello G29post,

just a quick question. I’m looking to buy a Z4 (most likely an sdrive 30i) and I’d like to know what the build quality of these things is. I’m quite OCD when it comes to things like panel gaps and such. So far I’ve been satisfied with BMW build quality (F36, G22), but I know that the Z4 is build in Magna-Steyr in Austria, alongside other cars from other manufactures, so I’m a little apprehensive.

Also, what I absolutely wouldn’t want to have delivered to me is a car that was messed up during production and received (for example) a new coat of paint, resprayed bumper or something along those lines during production (I’m not worried about transport, as I live in Europe, not far away from the factory, so that should be fine).

What are your experiences so far or your opinion of the overall quality of these cars or the likelihood of something similar to what I’m talking about above happening?

Thank you for any answer.

There isnt a car in the world that is perfect. I think your standards or how you process information is the issue to be honest. If you are OCD about for example panel gaps, maybe you should take the bus or uber. Seems like you want perfection. Its a mass produced car on an assembly line. Its never going to be what you hope. To say you wouldn't buy a car in 2024 from one of the best brands in the world, because the plant its being produced in gives you apprehension is odd. No one on here should be able to make you feel better. no one knows if your car will be perfect. We will all say relax, just enjoy your depreciating asset.

[Balr14]

I found no flaws in the build quality of my car. But, I don't have OCD, so I can't say what would be a trigger.

[Kevin45E]

Originally Posted by JayML

There isnt a car in the world that is perfect. I think your standards or how you process information is the issue to be honest. If you are OCD about for example panel gaps, maybe you should take the bus or uber. Seems like you want perfection. Its a mass produced car on an assembly line. Its never going to be what you hope. To say you wouldn't buy a car in 2024 from one of the best brands in the world, because the plant its being produced in gives you apprehension is odd. No one on here should be able to make you feel better. no one knows if your car will be perfect. We will all say relax, just enjoy your depreciating asset.

I’m guessing/assuming they are looking for where the Z4 falls in the spectrum of assembly quality rather than perfection. Is it more toward BMW factories or early Yugo? I’m waiting for my first Z4 to get across the ocean so I can’t speak directly like others here can. FWIW, I would think BMW design is going to make ease of proper assembly better and the people that contract with them (BMW, Mercedes G Wagon, Jaguar, Toyota) would suggest their assembly quality is fairly good.

[tracer bullet]

I think if the Z4's were historically bad you'd have heard about it by now through any particular magazine or online reviewer.

Also if you're thinking of a new one, they've been getting built for more than a couple years now, and I'm betting the bugs have been worked out.

[stlcdr]

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

I think if the Z4's were historically bad you'd have heard about it by now through any particular magazine or online reviewer.

Also if you're thinking of a new one, they've been getting built for more than a couple years now, and I'm betting the bugs have been worked out.

Indeed. If you go to a few other forums for other vehicles (I’m on 2 others and browse a third) there seem to be a lot of ‘out of the box’ complaints about those vehicles. I don’t believe I’ve seen anything significant for this vehicle.

I think I’d be happy with any vehicle produced in Austria, and expect no problems (barring transport issues - but it seems they do a great job of that).

[PSQ777]

The build quality on mine is excellent. I have a keen eye for things that are out of alignment or wrong and I've never seen anything untoward. However if this is your first open top car then be prepared for the occasional creaks and shimmies that are unavoidable e.g. when my top is closed and it's cold it can creak a bit until the car warms up.

[BEAR-AvHistory-2]

3 Years 27,000 miles & 4 visits to the dealer.

1. Pick up 3/2020
2. State Inspection & annual service (NC) 3/2021
3. State Inspection & annual service (NC) 3/2022
4. State Inspection & annual service (NC) 3/2023
5. Currently scheduled in early April for 4/2024 inspection & service.
First parts exchange (Cabin/Engine Air Filters) outside of oil filters.

Bought it as a keeper when lease expired. Would rate assembly quality as good as it gets for a mass market car.

[Westside Guy]

2.5 years,11,915 miles.

Two annual services - N/C.

One wheel alignment after replacing the front tires due to nails at about 10,000 miles. The cost for the tire replacement was totally covered by the wheel, tire & paintless dent plan I purchased from my dealer.

This car is a keeper!!!

[RigaTony1982]

No issues here either. Car is very solid. Magna Steyr is pretty well respected. Believe they also build the G Wagon there as well.

[Barry0305]

Originally Posted by Kevin45E

I’m guessing/assuming they are looking for where the Z4 falls in the spectrum of assembly quality rather than perfection. Is it more toward BMW factories or early Yugo? I’m waiting for my first Z4 to get across the ocean so I can’t speak directly like others here can. FWIW, I would think BMW design is going to make ease of proper assembly better and the people that contract with them (BMW, Mercedes G Wagon, Jaguar, Toyota) would suggest their assembly quality is fairly good.

Thank you. You got the idea. I’m not clinically insane. Maybe I have used the wrong language initially. I understand cars have flaws.


Anyways, judging from your responses it sounds like the Z4s are fairly good in terms of quality. Thank you all!

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by RigaTony1982

No issues here either. Car is very solid. Magna Steyr is pretty well respected. Believe they also build the G Wagon there as well.

If I am not mistaken they also produce for Jaguar, the BMW 5 Series and the Toyota Supra.

[RigaTony1982]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

If I am not mistaken they also produce for Jaguar, the BMW 5 Series and the Toyota Supra.

Lol. You're right. Though I guess with Jaguar, who knows about the build quality

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by RigaTony1982

Lol. You're right. Though I guess with Jaguar, who knows about the build quality

No matter how nice of car they build people will always find something wrong with a Jaguar! 🤪

[RigaTony1982]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

No matter how nice of car they build people will always find something wrong with a Jaguar! 🤪

I'm messing. I've never owed one. I do like the F-Type though. Sad they discontinued it.

[jimbojsb]

I've owned all 3 generations of Z4s, and the G29 is by far the best build quality.

[jllyons10]

I think the build quality is excellent with the g29. The interior and exterior materials and fit/finish are very good. But, only the OP can decide if it meets their standard.

[Living Dead]

Originally Posted by jimbojsb

I've owned all 3 generations of Z4s, and the G29 is by far the best build quality.

Me too and I agree completely also the best interior plastics, by the time my E85 was 4 years old some interior plastic was already fading and cracking the G29 still looks new except where my 220 lb butt has worn the seat a little after 38K miles.

[Smudge10]

I tend to keep cars for a long time, and my G29 is meant to be a long-term ride. I expected a lot, as it is the most I have spent for a car. Did all the research beforehand.

Have been very pleasantly suprised. Very solid build quality, with no rattles or reasons to visit the dealer. My perspective is:

[GerryC]

Originally Posted by Living Dead

Me too and I agree completely also the best interior plastics, by the time my E85 was 4 years old some interior plastic was already fading and cracking the G29 still looks new except where my 220 lb butt has worn the seat a little after 38K miles.

Me three. The G29 is the best of the bunch by far.

[misterturbo]

Personal opinion: having owned a number of BMWs over the years - the 2019+ era BMW build quality is very good. This current generations have much better build quality and materials than in the past. Although, I'm sure this is true for all auto makers.

Part of this is placebo, since they're using a lot more 'softer' touch materials everywhere inside instead of harder plastics.. but the best way I can describe our current gen X5 and g29 is "solid".