2015 BMW Z4 sDrive35is
The 2015 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 automated manual and rear-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 5.0 seconds and top speed is 130 mph (209 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2015 BMW Z4 SDRIVE35IS
The 2015 BMW Z4 sDrive35is is the most powerful version of the second-generation Z4 (E89), a two-seat roadster with a retractable aluminium hard-top. It uses the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre N54 inline-six rated at 335 hp and 332 lb-ft, with an overboost function that briefly raises torque further under full throttle. Power reaches the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the only gearbox offered on this model.
Late in the E89’s life
The sDrive35is joined the range for 2011 as a step above the sDrive35i, and by 2015 the E89 was in its later years, having received only modest styling and equipment updates since launch. The 35is kept the older twin-turbo N54 engine at a time when most other BMWs had moved to the single-turbo N55, making it one of the last new BMWs to use it. It came with adaptive M suspension and M aerodynamic styling as standard.
What it is like
The 35is is very quick, and the dual-clutch gearbox delivers rapid shifts, although it can feel less smooth than a conventional automatic in slow traffic. With the hard-top raised it is quiet enough for long journeys, and the cabin is well finished. Boot space is limited once the roof is folded.
Buying one today
Known N54 weak points include high-pressure fuel pump failures, leaking injectors, turbocharger wastegate rattle, electric water pump failure and oil leaks. Check that the folding roof operates cleanly and that the dual-clutch transmission shifts smoothly without hesitation.
Rivals
The Z4 sDrive35is competed with the Porsche Boxster S, the Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG and the Audi TTS Roadster.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | Z4 sDrive35is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2015 | Version / Trim | BMW 2015 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 (AM-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 2015 ROADSTERS
Compared with other 2015 roadsters in our database, its 335 hp is 10% less than the average 2015 roadster (373 hp).
| 2015 BMW Z4 sDrive35is | Average 2015 roadsters | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 335 hp | 373 hp (5 cars) | -10% |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 426 Nm (5 cars) | +6% |
| 0–60 mph | 5.0 s | 4.8 s (5 cars) | +4% |
| Top speed | 130 mph | 152 mph (5 cars) | -14% |
| Kerb weight | 1,350 kg | 1,412 kg (6 cars) | -4% |
| Engine size | 3,000 cc | 3,950 cc (6 cars) | -24% |
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 2015 roadsters with similar power to the 2015 BMW Z4 sDrive35is.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 BMW Z4 sDrive35is | 335 hp | 5.0 s | 1,350 kg |
| 2015 Nissan 370Z Roadster | 332 hp | 4.7 s | 1,445 kg |