2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is
The 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is is a roadster. It has a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine producing 335 hp (250 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 SDRIVE35IS
The 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is is the high-performance version of the second-generation Z4 (E89), a two-seat roadster with a folding aluminium hardtop. It uses a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six rated at 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, with a temporary overboost function that raises torque to 369 lb-ft. It drives the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the only gearbox offered on this model.
New for 2011
The sDrive35is was introduced for the 2011 model year, sitting above the sDrive30i and sDrive35i. Compared with the 35i it brought 35 hp and 32 lb-ft more, plus an M aerodynamic kit and adaptive M suspension as standard. The E89 itself had arrived for 2009, replacing the soft-top E85 roadster and separate coupe with a single car whose retractable roof aims to give both experiences.
What it is like
The two-piece hardtop folds into the boot in around 20 seconds, which leaves luggage space modest with the roof down. The E89 is more of a fast grand tourer than a raw sports car, with a comfortable cabin, a low driving position and a long bonnet. The dual-clutch gearbox suits its character, giving quick shifts in sporting driving and smooth progress around town.
Buying one today
The 35is uses the N54 engine family, so commonly reported issues include high-pressure fuel pump and injector failures, wastegate rattle and electric water pump faults. The roof mechanism should be cycled several times on any inspection.
Rivals
Rivals included the Porsche Boxster S, the Mercedes-Benz SLK350 and the Audi TTS Roadster.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | Z4 sDrive35is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2011 | Version / Trim | BMW 2011 Z4 sDrive35is |
| 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 | 335 hp / 250 kW | Torque | 450 Nm / 332 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 335 hp is 17% more than the average 2011 roadster (287 hp).
| 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is | Average 2011 roadsters | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 335 hp | 287 hp (5 cars) | +17% |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 355 Nm (5 cars) | +27% |
| 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 sDrive35is.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is | 335 hp | 5.0 s | 1,350 kg |
| 2011 Nissan 370Z Roadster | 332 hp | 4.7 s | 1,445 kg |