2010 BMW Z4 sDrive30i
The 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive30i is a roadster. It has a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine producing 255 hp (190 kW), with a 6-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 5.0 seconds and top speed is 130 mph (209 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2010 BMW Z4 SDRIVE30I
The 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive30i is the entry model of the second-generation Z4 (E89), a two-seat roadster with a two-piece retractable aluminium hard-top. It uses the naturally aspirated 3.0-litre N52 inline-six rated at 255 hp and 220 lb-ft, driving the rear wheels. This entry covers the version with the six-speed automatic; a six-speed manual was also offered.
A new kind of Z4
The E89 arrived for the 2009 model year, replacing both the soft-top roadster and the fixed-roof coupe of the previous generation with a single car whose metal roof folds electrically into the boot. The design shifted the Z4 towards a more refined grand-touring character. The 2010 model year was the E89’s second, with the sDrive30i sitting below the twin-turbocharged sDrive35i. Production moved from South Carolina to Regensburg in Germany for this generation.
What it is like
With the roof up the Z4 is quiet and secure, making it a comfortable year-round car; with it down, it is a traditional front-engined, rear-drive roadster. The naturally aspirated six is smooth and revs freely, and the sDrive30i avoids the turbocharged engine’s well-known fuel-system issues. Boot space is reasonable with the roof raised but drops considerably once it is stowed.
Buying one today
Check the folding roof operates smoothly and that its hydraulic system does not leak. The N52 engine’s electric water pump and thermostat are common replacement items, as are valve cover and oil filter housing gaskets.
Rivals
In 2010 the sDrive30i competed with the Porsche Boxster, the Mercedes-Benz SLK300, the Audi TT Roadster and the Nissan 370Z Roadster.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | Z4 sDrive30i |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2010 | Version / Trim | BMW 2010 Z4 sDrive30i |
| Body Style | Roadster | Doors | 2 |
| Seats | 2 | Ext. Colour | Alpine White, Black Sapphire Metallic, Titanium Silver Metallic, Space Gray Metallic, Orion Silver Metallic, Deep Sea Blue Metallic, Melbourne Red Metallic, Crimson Red, Valencia Orange Metallic |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Germany |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Engine | 3.0L 6-cyl | Engine Size | 3,000 cc |
| Power | 255 hp / 190 kW | Torque | 300 Nm / 220 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 5.0 sec | Top Speed | 130 mph (209 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 18 mpg city / 28 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,496 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,350 kg (2,976 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2010 ROADSTERS
Compared with other 2010 roadsters in our database, its 255 hp is 38% less than the average 2010 roadster (409 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 0.7 seconds slower than average, and it is 10% lighter than the typical roadster.
| 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive30i | Average 2010 roadsters | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 255 hp | 409 hp (5 cars) | -38% |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 459 Nm (5 cars) | -35% |
| 0–60 mph | 5.0 s | 4.3 s (5 cars) | +16% |
| Top speed | 130 mph | 167 mph (5 cars) | -22% |
| Kerb weight | 1,350 kg | 1,495 kg (5 cars) | -10% |
| Engine size | 3,000 cc | 4,540 cc (5 cars) | -34% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.