

Convertible
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2 Seats
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20-28 MPG
(Combined)
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Key specs of the base trim
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Compare 3 trims
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Overview
The Good
- Acceleration
- Handling
- Decent ride quality (sDrive30i, sDrive35i)
- Driving ease
- Vastly improved iDrive system
- Compelling styling
The Bad
- Trunk volume with top down
- High price, with options
- Too much brake-pedal travel
- Ride comfort in sDrive35is
- Some inconsistent interior pieces
What to Know
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Power-folding hardtop
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Available turbocharged six-cylinder
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Higher-performance sDrive35is trim
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No-cost automatic transmission (sDrive30i)
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Rear-wheel drive
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Standard adjustable drivetrain settings
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2012 BMW Z4 Review
from the Cars.com expert editorial team
Vehicle Overview
The two-seat Z4 roadster uses a standard folding metal hardtop. Trim levels include the sDrive30i, turbocharged sDrive35i and high-performance sDrive35is. All three have standard Dynamic Drive Control, a feature that allows drivers to vary steering and accelerator settings to suit their tastes. Anyone considering the entry-level Z4 might cross-shop Nissan’s redesigned 370Z; a loaded Z4, on the other hand, could compete with the Mercedes-Benz SLK, Audi TT or Porsche Boxster.
New for 2012
In a change made during the 2011 model year, a six-speed automatic transmission is a no-cost option to the standard six-speed manual on the sDrive30i. Previously, the automatic was a $1,375 option.
Exterior
BMW says all surface lines strive toward a point on the road ahead. It’s evidently shown in the headlights and hood. BMW’s dual-kidney grille remains front and center. Exterior features include:
- Standard 17-inch alloy wheels
- Optional 18- or 19-inch wheels
- Optional automatic high beams
- Unique bumpers, tailpipes and mirrors on sDrive35is
- Optional aerodynamic kit emulates sDrive35is look (sDrive30i, sDrive35i)
Interior
Available sun-reflective leather is designed to keep surfaces cooler on a sunny day. Other options include leather-upholstered dashboard and door panels, as well as dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats and a heated steering wheel. There is an optional trunk pass-through. The Z4’s iDrive unit, included with an optional navigation syst...
Vehicle Overview
The two-seat Z4 roadster uses a standard folding metal hardtop. Trim levels include the sDrive30i, turbocharged sDrive35i and high-performance sDrive35is. All three have standard Dynamic Drive Control, a feature that allows drivers to vary steering and accelerator settings to suit their tastes. Anyone considering the entry-level Z4 might cross-shop Nissan’s redesigned 370Z; a loaded Z4, on the other hand, could compete with the Mercedes-Benz SLK, Audi TT or Porsche Boxster.
New for 2012
In a change made during the 2011 model year, a six-speed automatic transmission is a no-cost option to the standard six-speed manual on the sDrive30i. Previously, the automatic was a $1,375 option.
Exterior
BMW says all surface lines strive toward a point on the road ahead. It’s evidently shown in the headlights and hood. BMW’s dual-kidney grille remains front and center. Exterior features include:
- Standard 17-inch alloy wheels
- Optional 18- or 19-inch wheels
- Optional automatic high beams
- Unique bumpers, tailpipes and mirrors on sDrive35is
- Optional aerodynamic kit emulates sDrive35is look (sDrive30i, sDrive35i)
Interior
Available sun-reflective leather is designed to keep surfaces cooler on a sunny day. Other options include leather-upholstered dashboard and door panels, as well as dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats and a heated steering wheel. There is an optional trunk pass-through. The Z4’s iDrive unit, included with an optional navigation system, is BMW’s latest version, revamped with better graphics, more shortcut keys and improved menu functionality. Interior features include:
- Standard faux leather seats
- Optional leather upholstery and sport seats
- Optional upgraded stereo
- Optional iDrive system
- Optional power-adjustable seats
- Thicker steering wheel, aggressively bolstered seats, faux carbon-fiber trim and gray instruments (sDrive35is)
Under the Hood
The sDrive30i’s 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine makes 255 horsepower and 220 pounds-feet of torque, working with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. A twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder with 300 hp and 300 pounds-feet of torque powers the sDrive35i, which comes with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Both automatics have steering-wheel paddle shifters. The sDrive35is, meanwhile, adds more turbo boost to provide 335 hp and 332 pounds-feet of torque. Pushed hard, the engine can provide up to 369 pounds-feet of torque for a few seconds. It works through a performance-calibrated version of the dual-clutch automatic. BMW says the sDrive35is can hit 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, making it quicker than the prior-generation Z4 M. Mechanical features include:
- 255-hp, 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder (sDrive30i)
- 300-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder (sDrive35i)
- 335-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder (sDrive35is)
- Six-speed manual or automatic transmissions (sDrive30i)
- Six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmissions (sDrive35i)
- Seven-speed automatic transmission (sDrive35is)
- Recalibrated power steering and suspension tuning (sDrive35is)
- Standard Dynamic Drive Control
- Optional adaptive suspension
Safety
The standard stability system uses a brake-drying function to keep the discs dry during wet weather. Front and seat-mounted side-impact airbags are standard, as are four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, with larger discs on the sDrive35i and sDrive35is. Traction control is standard, and the electronic stability system has a high-threshold performance mode. Other standard safety features include:
- Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
- Head-protection extension on side airbags
- Knee airbags
Consumer Reviews
What drivers are saying
Recently Purchased
After moving to Florida, I've been looking for a used sport convertible as a 2nd car for having fun on the road. After test driving the Mazda Miata and the Fiat 124 Spider Abarth, I found the 2012 BMW... Read full review
I LOVE THIS CAR! ZIP AROUND TOWN
THIS IS MY FAVORITE CAR EVER! IT'S BEAUTIFUL, FAST, AND FUN! I HAVE TRULY ENJOYED THIS CAR. I LOVE THE DESIGN. ZIPPING AROUND TOWN. IT'S STYLISH AND COMFORTABLE. Read full review
Safety
Recalls and crash tests
Recalls
The 2012 BMW Z4 currently has 3 recalls
Crash and Rollover Test Ratings
The 2012 BMW Z4 has not been tested.Warranty
New car and certified pre-owned programs by BMW
New Car Program Benefits
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Bumper-to-Bumper
48 months / 50,000 miles
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Powertrain
48 months / 50,000 miles
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Roadside Assistance
48 months / unlimited distance
Certified Pre-Owned Program Benefits
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Maximum Age/Mileage
Certified Pre-Owned Elite with less than 15,000 miles; Certified Pre-Owned with less than 60,000 miles
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Basic Warranty Terms
1 year/unlimited miles from expiration of 4-year/50,000-mile new car warranty
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Powertrain
N/A
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Dealer Certification Required
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Roadside Assistance
Yes