Best Car Reviews - 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive35is

Introduction

The 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive35is is a striking blend of luxury, power, and elegance designed for car enthusiasts who seek both performance and style. Released in 2012, this model caters to drivers who appreciate the thrill of a sporty drive combined with the comfort and quality BMW is renowned for. What makes this model stand out is its unique blend of dynamic performance and refined luxury, providing an exhilarating open-top motoring experience.

Design and Exterior Features

The BMW Z4 sDrive35is exudes an alluring presence on the road with its sleek, sculpted body. The car's proportions are classically unique for a roadster, featuring a long hood, short overhangs, and a low stance, which emphasize its performance-oriented nature.

• Distinctive kidney grille with chrome accents
• Xenon adaptive headlights with LED corona rings
• Aerodynamically designed front and rear bumpers
• 18-inch alloy wheels with a sporty design
• Convertible hardtop that retracts elegantly in 20 seconds

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the BMW Z4 sDrive35is offers an intimate and luxurious cabin that focuses on driver comfort and engagement. High-quality materials blend seamlessly with ergonomic design, ensuring every journey is a pleasure.

• Leather upholstery with contrast stitching
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Adjustable sport seats with lumbar support
• Premium sound system for an immersive audio experience
• Minimalist and intuitive dashboard design

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the BMW Z4 sDrive35is houses a 3.0-liter inline-six engine featuring BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology. It harnesses an impressive 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, with an overboost function that temporarily increases torque to 369 lb-ft. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, this vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds.

Driving this car provides an exhilarating experience, especially with its sharp steering and responsive handling. Whether navigating city streets or highways, the car remains composed, and taking turns feels stable and confident.

• Fuel consumption is approximately 9.3 l/100 km
• Rear-wheel drive enhances sporty handling
• Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers
• Brake energy regeneration for enhanced efficiency

Technology and Connectivity

The 2012 Z4 sDrive35is is equipped with advanced technology to enhance driver experience and connectivity.

• iDrive system with a 9.7-inch display
• Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calls and media streaming
• Navigation system with real-time traffic information
• Premium sound system including HD Radio and MP3 playback capability
• USB and auxiliary input for personal music devices

Safety Features

Safety is paramount in the BMW Z4 sDrive35is, offering both standard and advanced safety technologies to keep occupants secure.

• Dual-front and side airbags
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Brake Fade Compensation
• Crash-tested and certified for safety standards
• Run-flat tires for added convenience in emergencies
• Rollover Protection System (ROPS)

Pricing and Variants

The base model of the 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive35is is priced around $64,200. Given its features, luxury, and performance, it offers competitive value compared to rivals such as the Porsche Boxster or Mercedes-Benz SLK.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Thrilling engine performance and acceleration
• Luxurious and high-quality interior materials
• Smooth, refined ride with adaptive suspension
• Distinctive and stylish exterior design
• Advanced technology and connectivity options

Cons

• Fuel economy could be better in the sports car segment
• Limited cargo space due to compact design
• Maintenance costs are higher than average
• Infotainment system might be complex for some users
• Tight cabin space not suitable for taller individuals

Maintenance and Common Issues

Annual maintenance costs for the Z4 sDrive35is can range between $1,100 to $1,500, influenced by service center and location.

• Oil leaks from the engine area
• Battery life issues in cold weather
• Wear and tear in the convertible top mechanism
• Turbocharger wastegate rattle
• Suspension noises over time

Rating

Assigning an overall rating of 8.5/10, this car is a remarkable choice for enthusiasts. Breakdown ratings are as follows:

• Design: 9/10
• Comfort: 8/10
• Performance: 9/10
• Technology: 8/10
• Safety: 8/10

User Reviews and Feedback

1. "The Z4 sDrive35is offers the perfect blend of power and elegance—a true driver's car."
2. "I've owned mine for two years, and the performance never fails to thrill, especially on winding roads."
3. "While I love the driving experience, I wish it was a bit more fuel-efficient."
4. "The interior feels luxurious, although it's a bit snug for taller drivers like myself."
5. "Maintenance is pricier than my previous car, but the joy of driving it outweighs that concern."

Best cars in this category

• 2012 Porsche Boxster
• 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
• 2012 Audi TT Roadster
• 2012 Nissan 370Z Roadster
• 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

Summary

The 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive35is is ideally suited for those who crave a balance of luxury and dynamic driving performance. It stands out for its compelling design, sporty handling, and powerful engine. While it might have minor drawbacks such as fuel efficiency and limited storage, the overall package presents alluring appeal. Whether navigating downtown streets or countryside roads, this Z4 is a roadster designed to make every drive memorable.