Used BMW Z4 Drive Shaft

Both years fall within the E85/E86 generation (2002–2008), so there is a reasonable chance of compatibility, but fitment depends primarily on engine code and whether the gearbox type matches — confirm both against your V5 or a VIN check before buying. The E85/E86 range covered several engines across those years, so a shaft from a 2.0i, 2.5i or 3.0i are not necessarily interchangeable with each other even within the same generation. Always confirm the specific part against your registration with the breaker.

These are distinct generations — the E85/E86 ran from 2002 to 2008, while the E89 ran from 2009 to 2016 — and parts crossing that boundary are not a straightforward swap. Dimensions, CV joint design and flange specifications changed between the two platforms, so a shaft from the earlier car is very unlikely to suit the later one. Confirm any cross-generation fitment with the breaker against your exact registration.

Trim level and badge do not affect drive shaft fitment; what matters is the engine code, gearbox type (manual or automatic), and which side of the car you need (NS or OS). The sDrive20i and sDrive28i carry different engines producing different torque outputs, so their shafts may not be interchangeable despite the cars looking identical. Supply your engine code — found on your V5 or via a VIN check — to the breaker so they can match the correct unit.

The E89 generation ran from 2009 to 2016, with a facelift arriving around 2013, so your 2011 car and a 2014 facelift car sit either side of that refresh. Whether the drive shaft itself changed across that facelift boundary is not something to assume either way — confirm compatibility with the breaker using both registrations or engine codes to be sure.

Yes, gearbox type is one of the key fitment factors for a drive shaft because the output flange and shaft dimensions can differ between manual and automatic variants. Always tell the breaker which gearbox your car has alongside the engine code, as fitting a shaft from the wrong gearbox type is a common and costly mistake. Your V5 or a VIN check will confirm both details quickly.

The most important detail you can supply is your engine code, which is listed on your V5 logbook or available through a VIN check — this matters more than the year or badge alone. You also need to specify the gearbox type (manual or automatic), whether you need the nearside (NS, left) or offside (OS, right) shaft, and your full registration so the breaker can verify fitment against their stock. Never assume a shaft fits based on year or trim alone; always confirm with the breaker before purchasing.