Cheap BMW Z4 Camshaft

Yes, every BMW Z4 has at least one camshaft — all engine variants fitted to the Z4 across every generation use a conventional internal combustion engine with a camshaft (or camshafts, as most Z4 engines use a twin-cam DOHC layout with separate intake and exhaust cams). This applies to petrol and diesel variants alike, so sourcing a used camshaft is a legitimate and straightforward request. Make sure you know which camshaft you need — intake or exhaust — as they are not interchangeable with each other.

No — the E85/E86 Z4 (2003–2009) and the G29 Z4 (2018–present) use entirely different engine families, so camshafts from one generation will not cross to the other. The E89 Z4 (2009–2016) sits between these two and is also a separate generation with its own engine lineup, so the same rule applies across all three generations. Your engine code — found on your V5 or via a VIN check — is the single most reliable detail to give a breaker when sourcing the correct camshaft.

Almost certainly not as a straight swap, because the sDrive23i used the N52 straight-six engine while the sDrive28i used the N20 turbocharged four-cylinder — these are completely different engine families with different camshaft profiles, dimensions, and VANOS timing system specifications. Even though both sit within the E89 generation (2009–2016), the engine code is what determines camshaft compatibility, not the generation or the model year alone. Always supply your full engine code to the breaker so they can match the part precisely.

Trim and badge names don't affect camshaft fitment directly, but in the Z4's case each trim designation typically corresponds to a specific engine variant, so the badge is a useful starting point rather than something to ignore entirely. What actually determines the correct camshaft is the engine code underneath — for example, the M40i uses the B58 turbocharged straight-six, which has a different camshaft specification to the B46/B48 four-cylinder units used in lower-powered variants. Give the breaker your engine code alongside the trim name for the most accurate match.

Yes, on nearly all Z4 engines this matters significantly, as the twin-cam (DOHC) layout means the intake and exhaust camshafts have different lobe profiles and are not interchangeable with one another. When contacting a breaker, specify whether you need the intake (inlet) cam or the exhaust cam, alongside your engine code and registration. If you are unsure which has failed, a mechanic can confirm this from the fault code or inspection before you order.

Some BMW engines with variable valve timing systems like VANOS use sensors and ECU calibration that can be sensitive to component changes, and whether a used camshaft requires any adaptation or coding to your vehicle is something you should confirm directly with the breaker against your specific registration and engine code. A good breaker familiar with BMW engines will be able to advise whether the camshaft they are supplying came from an identical engine variant and what, if any, workshop steps are needed on fitment. Don't assume a straight mechanical swap with no further work — check with the breaker first.