Cheap BMW Z4 Air Filter

Every BMW Z4 has an air filter regardless of engine — petrol or diesel, naturally aspirated or turbocharged, the engine needs filtered air to run, so all variants across all three generations carry this part. What changes between variants is the shape, size, and housing design of the filter, so you cannot simply order 'a Z4 air filter' without knowing your exact engine. The engine code is the most important detail you can supply to a breaker, and you can find it on your V5C or via a VIN check.

The E85 (first generation, 2003–2009) and the E89 (second generation, 2009–2016) are completely different platforms with different engine families, so air filters and housings between these generations are not interchangeable. Even where an engine code appears similar in name across the two generations, the filter assemblies were redesigned, so treat them as separate parts. Confirm the exact filter part number against your registration with the breaker before buying.

Yes, the engine variant matters significantly — the sDrive20i, sDrive28i, and sDrive35i use different engines with different air intake and filter housings, so the filters are not generally interchangeable between them. The trim badge itself (SE, Sport, M Sport) does not affect air filter fitment at all, only the engine code does. Give the breaker your engine code rather than just the badge, and they can match the correct filter housing and element to your car.

All three years sit within the E85 generation (2003–2009), so fitment is broadly within the same family, but BMW made running production changes to engine specifications during this period that can affect the air intake assembly. The engine code from both cars is the safest way to confirm a match, as two cars of the same year can have different engines depending on market and spec. Route the final confirmation to the breaker with both registration numbers so they can check the codes align.

The E85 received a facelift in 2006, and while the visual changes were largely cosmetic, there were some engine and specification updates across the range around that time that could affect ancillary components including intake parts. The E89 generation ran from 2009 to 2016 without a full facelift but also saw mid-production specification changes. Because ancillary and mounting changes mid-production are difficult to confirm without checking against your specific registration, ask the breaker to verify the filter against your VIN rather than relying on the model year alone.

Gearbox type does not affect the air filter — the filter is determined by the engine, not by whether the car is a manual or automatic. Both transmission options connect to the same engine variants, so the air intake and filter housing remain the same regardless of gearbox. Focus on supplying your engine code to the breaker, and the gearbox choice can be disregarded entirely for this part.