2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35i
The 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35i is a roadster. It has a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine producing 300 hp (224 kW), with a 7-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 5.0 seconds and top speed is 130 mph (209 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2011 BMW Z4 SDRIVE35I
The 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35i is the twin-turbo version of the E89 Z4, a two-seat roadster with a retractable hardtop built in Regensburg, Germany. It is powered by the N54 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six, rated at 300 hp and 300 lb-ft, driving the rear wheels. This entry covers the version with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic; a six-speed manual was also available.
New range-topper above it
The 2011 model year brought the sDrive35is, a more powerful 335 hp version of the same engine fitted only with the dual-clutch gearbox. That pushed the regular sDrive35i into the middle of the Z4 range, between the naturally aspirated sDrive30i and the 35is. Unlike the 135i and 335i, which moved to the N55 engine around this time, the Z4 kept the N54.
Driving and living with it
The twin-turbo engine gives effortless pace and the dual-clutch transmission shifts quickly, especially in its sport modes. Adaptive M suspension was available. As a two-seater with a folding metal roof, storage is limited, and luggage space drops further with the roof stowed. A guide to horsepower and torque explains why the 35i feels so much stronger than the 30i in everyday driving.
Buying one today
Commonly reported N54 faults include high-pressure fuel pump and injector failures, wastegate rattle and electric water pump failures. Check roof operation carefully. Rivals included the Porsche Boxster S, Mercedes-Benz SLK350 and Nissan 370Z Roadster.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | Z4 sDrive35i |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2011 | Version / Trim | BMW 2011 Z4 sDrive35i |
| 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 (S7) |
| Engine | 3.0L 6-cyl Turbo | Engine Size | 3,000 cc |
| Power | 300 hp / 224 kW | Torque | 407 Nm / 300 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 5.0 sec | Top Speed | 130 mph (209 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 17 mpg city / 23 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,496 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,350 kg (2,976 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2011 ROADSTERS
Compared with other 2011 roadsters in our database, its 300 hp is close to the average for a 2011 roadster (287 hp).
| 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35i | Average 2011 roadsters | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 300 hp | 287 hp (5 cars) | +5% |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 355 Nm (5 cars) | +15% |
| 0–60 mph | 5.0 s | 5.2 s (5 cars) | -4% |
| Top speed | 130 mph | 135 mph (5 cars) | -3% |
| Kerb weight | 1,350 kg | 1,351 kg (5 cars) | — |
| Engine size | 3,000 cc | 2,940 cc (5 cars) | +2% |
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.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2011 roadsters with similar power to the 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35i.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35i | 300 hp | 5.0 s | 1,350 kg |
| 2011 Nissan 370Z Roadster | 332 hp | 4.7 s | 1,445 kg |