2016 BMW Z4 sDrive35is
The 2016 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 4.8 seconds and top speed is 155 mph (249 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2016 BMW Z4 SDRIVE35IS
The 2016 BMW Z4 sDrive35is is the most powerful version of the second-generation Z4 (E89), a two-seat roadster with a folding aluminium hardtop. Its N54 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six is rated at 335 hp and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm), with a temporary overboost to 369 lb-ft (500 Nm). It is rear-wheel drive and comes only with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The final model year
The sDrive35is was added to the Z4 range for the 2011 model year, and 2016 was the last year of E89 production; BMW did not offer a Z4 again until the G29 arrived for 2019. That makes the 2016 35is the final example of BMW’s twin-turbo N54 engine in a new car. BMW quoted 0–60 mph in 4.8 seconds and an electronically limited 155 mph.
What it is like
The two-piece hardtop folds in about 20 seconds, turning a refined coupe into an open roadster, though it takes up much of the boot when stowed. Compared with earlier Z4s the E89 is more of a comfortable sports tourer, with a plusher ride and a higher-quality cabin. The 35is added M aerodynamic parts and adaptive M suspension to the specification.
Buying one today
The N54 has several widely reported weak points: high-pressure fuel pump failures, leaking fuel injectors, wastegate rattle, electric water pump failure and oil leaks from the oil filter housing and valve cover gaskets. Check the hardtop’s operation and hydraulics, and confirm the dual-clutch gearbox shifts smoothly at low speed.
Rivals
The Z4 sDrive35is competed with the Porsche Boxster S, Mercedes-AMG SLK 55, Audi TTS Roadster and Nissan 370Z Roadster.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | Z4 sDrive35is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2016 | Version / Trim | BMW 2016 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) | 4.8 sec | Top Speed | 155 mph (249 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 2016 ROADSTERS
Compared with other 2016 roadsters in our database, its 335 hp is 10% less than the average 2016 roadster (371 hp).
| 2016 BMW Z4 sDrive35is | Average 2016 roadsters | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 335 hp | 371 hp (5 cars) | -10% |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 422 Nm (5 cars) | +7% |
| 0–60 mph | 4.8 s | 4.7 s (5 cars) | +3% |
| Top speed | 155 mph | 157 mph (5 cars) | -2% |
| Kerb weight | 1,350 kg | 1,401 kg (5 cars) | -4% |
| Engine size | 3,000 cc | 3,440 cc (5 cars) | -13% |
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 2016 roadsters with similar power to the 2016 BMW Z4 sDrive35is.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 BMW Z4 sDrive35is | 335 hp | 4.8 s | 1,350 kg |
| 2016 Nissan 370Z Roadster | 332 hp | 4.7 s | 1,445 kg |