2012 BMW Z4 (sDrive28i, sDrive35i, sDrive35is)

Basic Specs

Base Price $46,500
Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 3252
City (MPG) 18
Hwy (MPG) 28
Horsepower 255@6600
Torque (lb-ft) 220@2600
Wheelbase 96.3
Length (in.) 167.0
Width (in.) 70.5
Height (in.) 50.8

The BMW Z4 is a two-seat hardtop convertible that provides a blend of luxury, style and the expected precision BMW handling dynamics. The Z4 has received a number of powertrain updates in recent years, the most of significant of which is a new turbocharged four-cylinder that boosts both acceleration and fuel economy compared to the outgoing inline-six.

Outside, many of the polarizing features of the previous Z4's design have been toned-down, amounting to a more elegant look. The look takes some inspiration from the BMW Z8's elongated profile, while the overall proportions remain true to classic long-hood, short rear-deck formula used by successful sports cars for decades. The interior is clean and driver-focused, with a simple two-gauge instrument panel and high-quality wood and metal trim.

Disappearing in just 20 seconds, the Z4's new roof promises better temperature and noise insulation than its canvas predecessor. It also boasts increased visibility and looks quite similar to a coupe when up.

Updated Powertrain Lineup
Powering the sDrive28i is BMW’s new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that gives up 15 horsepower to the old six but brings 40 lb-ft more torque to the table – 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of twist, to be exact. The smaller engine is able to sit farther behind the front axle line, improving weight distribution and handling. Fuel economy increases to an impressive 22 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, and the car accelerates to 60 mpg from a standstill in the mid-five second range.

The more potent twin-turbo sDrive35i has a maximum output of 300 horsepower,, while peak torque of 300 pound-feet is achieved throughout a broad rev range from 1,400 to 5,000 rpm. Weighing just 355 pounds, the motor owes its light weight to its composite magnesium/aluminum crankcase, cylinder head cover made of a special synthetic material and lightweight camshafts with aluminum VANOS control unit. The sDrive35i is rated at 19/26 mpg and the 17/24 with the manual and automatic gearbox options, respectively.

For those who demand maximum power, the sDrive35is brings an uprated version of the twin-turbo six with 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, which rises to 369 lb-ft for short periods thanks to an electronically-controlled overboost function. The sDrive35is returns 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

A six-speed manual transmission comes standard on all sDrive28i andsiDrive35i. The iDrive28i has an optional eight-speed automatic, the sDrive35i has an available seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that is fitted as standard to the sDrive35is.

Optional Features
The Z4 can be spec’d with a number of luxury and convience features like a navigation system with 3D maps and an 8.8-inch screen, an ultrasonic parking assist system and a Comfort Access keyless entry system. Also available is the M Sport package, which brings a more aggressive bodykit, a thick M Sports steering wheel, well-bolstered sports seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and an adaptive M suspension.

Occupant Safety
The Z4 comes standard with dual front, side and knee airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems and a rollover protection system.

Key Competitors
Rivals to the Z4 include the fine-handling Porsche Boxster , the luxurious Mercedes-Benz SLK and the Bauhaus-inspired Audi TT .

Similar Cars

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    • General
    • Body Style: Convertible
    • Size: Compact
    • Market Segment: Near-Luxury
    • Weight: 3252 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length: 167.0 in.
    • Width: 70.5 in.
    • Height: 50.8 in.
    • Wheelbase: 96.3 in.
    • Ground Clearance: TBD
    • Front Track: 59.5 in.
    • Rear Track: 61.4 in.
    • Weight Distribution: 47.9/52.1
    • Drag Coefficient: 0.34
    • Interior - General
    • Seats: 2
    • Passenger Volume: TBD
    • Cargo Volume: 8.0 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): TBD
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 42.2 in.
    • Head Room: 39.1 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 53.3 in.
    • Hip Room: TBD
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type: Gas
    • Engine Type: 3.0L I6
    • Power: 255 hp @ 6600 rpm
    • Torque: 220 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm
    • Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
    • Highway Fuel Economy: 28 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy: 18 mpg
    • Forced Induction: None
    • Direct Injection: No
    • Chassis
    • Layout: Rear Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension: Strut-Type
    • Rear Suspension: Multi-Link
    • Wheels
    • Front: 17" Aluminum
    • Front Tires: 225/45 R17
    • Rear: 17" Aluminum
    • Rear Tires: 225/45 R17
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight: TBD
    • Payload:
    • Tongue Weight: TBD

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