A BMW Z4 in Toyota clothing, built by Magna Steyr in Austria. Powered by BMW's excellent B58 engine mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic. Remarkably reliable for a sports car, but when issues occur, you're paying BMW repair costs. The B58 is one of BMW's best engines with proper maintenance, though early 2020 models had plastic oil pump issues (now updated to metal). Main concerns: paint quality on early cars, interior rattles, carbon buildup requiring walnut blasting around 80,000-100,000 km, and typical BMW issues like valve cover gaskets and VANOS solenoids. ZF transmission is solid but requires fluid changes every 80,000 km despite "lifetime fill" claims. Wind buffeting with windows down is notorious but fixable with aftermarket deflectors.
Inevitable on direct injection engines, requires walnut blasting around 80,000-100,000 km · more· less
The B58 uses direct injection, meaning fuel doesn't wash over intake valves. Carbon deposits build up over time, causing rough idle, misfires, and reduced performance. Walnut blasting is the solution - a dealer charges €1,000+ for this service. Prevention helps: use premium fuel, install dual catch cans, or add port injection (expensive). Most B58 engines will need this service by 100,000 km. Some enthusiasts recommend walnut blasting every 60,000-80,000 km for track-driven cars.
Valve cover gasket oil leak€1,000 - €1,700
Common BMW issue, typically appears between 70,000-100,000 km · more· less
The valve cover gasket is a known B58 failure point. Heat cycles cause the rubber to degrade, leading to oil seepage. Symptoms include oil smell in the cabin, visible oil on the valve cover, or low oil warnings. Parts cost €80-150, but labor is expensive (3-4 hours) due to engine bay packaging. Dealer pricing runs €1,200-1,700, while independent BMW specialists charge €1,000-1,200. This is maintenance rather than a catastrophic failure, but ignoring it can lead to larger issues.
Electric water pump failure€500 - €1,200
Typically fails between 80,000-100,000 km, causes overheating · more· less
The B58's electric water pump has plastic components that degrade with heat cycles. Failures manifest as coolant warnings, overheating, or poor cabin heating. Some pumps leak coolant from the weep hole (visible blue/green residue). BMW recalled over 720,000 vehicles in 2024 for water pump short circuit risk. When replacing, always change the thermostat simultaneously. Metal impeller upgraded pumps are available. DIY cost: €500 for parts. Dealer: €1,000-1,250. Ignoring overheating can cause head gasket failure (€3,000+).
VANOS solenoid failure€300 - €1,200
Solenoids clog by 50,000-70,000 km, causing rough idle and power loss · more· less
VANOS (Variable Nockenwellen Steuerung) solenoids control camshaft timing. They clog with oil sludge, causing fault codes 2A82/2A87, rough idle, poor low-end torque, and check engine lights. B58 has two solenoids at €100 each. DIY replacement takes 20 minutes. Cleaning with brake cleaner can extend life. Dealer labor adds €300-600. Using quality oil and changing every 7,500 km prevents premature failure. Some owners proactively replace at 70,000 km to avoid roadside failures. Febi or Pierburg aftermarket parts are reliable and half the price of BMW OEM.
Early B58TU engines (2020 and some Nov 2020 build 2021s) had plastic oil pump internals that crack. Symptom: oil level reads only 18% or won't measure. Updated part 15100-WAA03 uses metal internals. Failure rate is under 1%, and when it fails, the pump defaults to high pressure (no catastrophic failure). Most are covered under warranty. If you're buying a 2020-2021, verify the updated pump was installed. Post-2022 models came with metal pump from factory. Some owners paid €1,200 for preventive replacement. Requires subframe drop and software update.
Turbo wastegate rattle€150 - €2,500
Wastegate actuator develops play, causing metallic rattle at low RPM · more· less
The electronic wastegate actuator joint/bearing can develop play, creating an annoying metallic rattle at low throttle, especially when sound bounces off walls. Not catastrophic but irritating. Some dealerships can adjust the wastegate without turbo replacement (€150-300 labor). If turbo internals are damaged, full replacement costs €1,200-2,500. More common on tuned cars running higher boost. OEM wastegate actuator replacement runs €500-800. Premium fuel and avoiding lugging the engine helps longevity.
Rare on stock cars, more common with tuning or contaminated fuel · more· less
The B58's high-pressure fuel pump is camshaft-driven. Failures cause hard starting, fuel pressure codes, or stalling. BMW improved the HPFP over N54/N55 generations. Water in fuel (ethanol attracts moisture) and debris cause premature wear. OEM pump costs €800-1,500. Labor adds €300-600 (3-6 hours). Always replace the fuel filter simultaneously (€50-100). If metal debris enters the fuel system, injectors and lines need replacement (€1,000-5,000 additional). Tuned cars put more stress on HPFP. Use quality fuel from busy stations.
Oil consumption (2020-2021 models)€200 - €3,000
Some early cars burn oil due to faulty piston rings · more· less
Some 2020-2021 Supra 3.0 owners report excessive oil consumption (1 liter per 1,500 km or less). Suspected cause: bad batch of piston rings. BMW considers 1 liter per 1,500 km "normal" for B58. Symptoms: frequent low oil warnings between services. Turbo seal leaks also contribute. Warranty typically covers if consumption is extreme. Worst case requires piston ring replacement (€2,500-3,000 labor-intensive job). Switching to heavier oil (5W40 instead of 0W30) can reduce consumption. Most B58s don't have this issue - it's primarily 2020-2021 production.
Very common assembly issue, door lock area and B-pillar rattles · more· less
Interior rattles plague many A90 Supras within the first year. Common sources: door lock plunger rod, B-pillar trim, tweeter housing, passenger seat (when empty), rear strut bar trim. DIY fixes involve felt tape, foam pads under door lock mechanisms, and wedging trim panels. Dealer can apply sound deadening under warranty. Many owners achieve 95% rattle-free with comprehensive DIY work. Not a mechanical concern, just annoying build quality issue from BMW/Magna Steyr assembly. Wind buffeting with windows down is a separate aerodynamic issue fixable with €50-150 aftermarket deflectors.
Paint defects and clear coat failure€1,000 - €4,000
Thin clear coat on early cars, particularly Renaissance Red · more· less
The A90 has very thin clear coat, especially on 2020 models. Front bumpers are most vulnerable - clear coat flakes off within 6-12 months. Renaissance Red paint is particularly problematic, with clear coat failure on hoods and rear bumpers. Professional refinishers note many blemishes invisible to the untrained eye. Repainting a panel costs €1,000-1,500. Full front end respray: €3,000-4,000. Paint protection film (PPF) is highly recommended for new purchases (€1,500-3,000). Later production years have better paint quality. Check all red A90s carefully for clear coat bubbling.
Rare on stock power, but transmission struggles above 650 Nm · more· less
The ZF 8HP51 is rated for 500 Nm, but real-world torque limits are higher. Stock Supra 3.0 (500 Nm) is within safe limits. Problems arise at 550+ hp / 700+ Nm, especially during hard 5-6 shifts under boost (clutch pack slippage). Symptoms: flared shifts, gear indicator delays. Complete transmission rebuild: €7,500-8,500. Mechatronics unit alone: €2,500-3,500. If stuck in park with dead battery, a bolt on the transmission bottom releases the parking pawl. Regular fluid changes (every 80,000 km) prevent most issues. Tuned cars should avoid 30+ PSI pulls in 5th-6th gear.
Reliable sports car, but prepare for BMW-level maintenance costs
The B58 engine is one of BMW's most reliable modern powerplants. Most issues are predictable maintenance items rather than catastrophic failures. Carbon buildup is inevitable, not a defect. Regular oil changes every 7,500 km with quality synthetic oil prevent most problems. The ZF transmission is bulletproof at stock power levels. Parts availability is good through both Toyota and BMW channels, though Toyota dealers may lack Supra-specific expertise. Budget for higher maintenance costs than a typical Toyota - this is fundamentally a BMW underneath.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential, preferably Toyota dealer or BMW specialist. Verify oil changes every 10,000 km maximum.
Tires
Check tread depth and date codes on 255/35R19 front and 275/35R19 rear. Michelin Pilot Super Sport or Sport 4S OEM. Rear tires wear faster.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for timing chain rattle, turbo noises, or exhaust leaks.
Body condition
Check front bumper, hood, and all red paint for clear coat failure or bubbling. Inspect for accident damage.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds. Warm up transmission fully. Test all gears under load.
Specific for this vehicle
Check oil level reading functionality (2020-2021)
Ensure iDrive displays accurate oil level. If reads 18% or won't measure, plastic oil pump has failed. Verify updated metal pump installed.
Listen for wastegate rattle
At low RPM (1,500-2,000) with light throttle, metallic rattle from turbo indicates wastegate actuator wear. Drive near walls to amplify sound.
Check for oil leaks around valve cover
Inspect top of engine for oil seepage. Oil smell in cabin or visible oil around valve cover gasket indicates leak. Common after 70,000 km.
Test all interior panels for rattles
Press door panels near lock area, B-pillar trim, and rear strut brace cover. Drive over rough roads and listen. Very common issue.
Inspect paint quality, especially Renaissance Red
Examine front bumper, hood, and rear bumper for clear coat flaking or bubbling. Use strong light. Red cars are most problematic.
Verify coolant level and check for water pump leaks
Look under car for blue/green coolant residue near water pump weep hole. Check coolant reservoir level.
Test transmission through all gears when hot
Drive for 20+ minutes, then test all gears under moderate load. Feel for flared shifts or hesitation. Gear indicator should follow shifts promptly.
Check modification history and ECU tuning
Ask if ECU has been unlocked or tuned. Aftermarket intakes, downpipes, or exhausts may affect warranty coverage. Request leakdown test if tuned.
Test wind buffeting with windows down at 80 km/h
Roll both windows fully down at highway speed. Loud pressure waves indicate missing aftermarket wind deflectors. Not a mechanical issue but annoying.
Verify starter relay recall completed (2020-2022)
BMW recall for corroding starter relay (fire risk). Contact Toyota with VIN to confirm completion.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Starter relay corrosion (2020-2022) - fire riskVerify completed
Data Communication Module 4G update (2020-2023)Verify completed
Rear hatch not opening (2020-2021)TSB available
Seat noise in hot conditions (2020)TSB available
Oil consumption warnings (2020-2021)TSB available
Contact Toyota dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. Starter relay recall is most critical (fire risk). If tuned with Bootmod3 or similar, dealer updates may require ECU re-unlocking. Some TSBs only apply if car is within original warranty.
Warranty Status
Factory basic warranty3 years / 60,000 km
Powertrain warranty5 years / 100,000 km
Corrosion warranty5 years unlimited km
Extended warranty availableUp to 8 years / 120,000 km
2020 models are now outside basic warranty. Extended warranty through Toyota is recommended over third-party (uses OEM parts). Modifications can void specific claims - dealers must prove modification caused failure. ECU tuning will likely void powertrain warranty claims. If heavily modifying, skip extended warranty as claims will be denied.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.