Which year to buy
Best betNo standoutNo year is clearly better than the rest
Newest we'd buy2024The latest year rated a good buy
Avoid2011Far more serious problems than usual
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year, against this model's usual year.
2011AVOIDSerious complaints 9.0× usual, mostly steering and engine Extended coverage
36 serious complaints of 46, the most about steering (13) and engine (10); 9.0× this model's usual share of all serious complaints about 2011 vehicles. 6 recalls.
What owners report
“Electrical power steering system failed, warning light came on. Vehicle suddenly became very difficult to impossible to steer. Failed to negotiate a turn and nearly hit a tree. I have an appointment set with an independent service dealer near me, but I’m afraid to drive it there, so I may have it towed.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the steering, Apr 2025
“In Sept. 2018, the car was serviced but died after leaving the BMW service center. BMW paid for towing after discovering a frayed ribbed v-belt, which they replaced at no cost. In Nov. 2021, the oil gauge was indicating a problem and the car was then serviced at the same BMW service center.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Jan 2022
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage The engine's intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification (SIM010717, Jun 2017)
- Extended coverage When performing ISTA/D diagnosis and/or a programming procedure (software update) on an affected vehicle, the Footwell Module (FRM) could fail. (B012016, Aug 2016)
- Extended coverage Engine Camshaft (VANOS) Adjustment Units: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years Without Mileage Limitation. INFORMATION BMW of North America, LLC ("BMW NA") is extending the limited warranty for the Camshaft (VANOS) Adjustment Units on certain model BMW vehicles equipped with the non-turbocharged… (011014, Oct 2014)
- Extended coverage N54 Engine Fuel Injectors - Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles. INFORMATION For the above-referenced vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (""BMW NA"") is extending the limited warranty for the fuel injectors to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original… (B010215, Dec 2015)
- Extended coverage N54T Engine Fuel Injectors - Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles. INFORMATION For the above-referenced vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (""BMW NA"") is extending the limited warranty for the fuel injectors to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original… (B011715, Dec 2015)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
46 owner complaints · 6 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 19–22 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2011 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. NHTSA doesn't publish sales, so only big differences count. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
What changed for 2011
- New trim: sDrive35is
- Engine: Advanced Turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder → TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder (sDrive35i)
2011 Z4 trims
| sDrive30i | sDrive35i | sDrive35is | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
| Starting MSRP | — | — | $62,500 |
| Powertrain | |||
| Engine | 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder | TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder | TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 300 hp | 335 hp |
| Torque | 220 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual: 6-speed manual transmission 6-Speed Sport Automatic: Sport Automatic | 7-Speed Double-Clutch Transmission: Double Clutch Transmission 6-Speed Manual: 6-speed manual transmission | Double Clutch Transmission |
| Gears | 6 | 7-Speed Double-Clutch Transmission: 7 6-Speed Manual: 6 | 7 |
| Drivetrain | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Sport Automatic | 7-Speed Double-Clutch Transmission / 6-Speed Manual | Rwd |
| Size and capability | |||
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Length | 167 in | 167 in | 167 in |
| Curb weight | 6-Speed Manual: 3,252 lb 6-Speed Sport Automatic: 3,329 lb | 7-Speed Double-Clutch Transmission: 3,549 lb 6-Speed Manual: 3,505 lb | 3,549 lb |
| Tech | |||
| Apple CarPlay | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Android Auto | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Comfort | |||
| Seats | Synthetic Leather | — | Leather |
| Heated seats | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Driver seat memory | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Climate zones | 1 + option | 2 | 2 |
| Exterior | |||
| Wheels | 17 in + option | 17 in + option | 18 in + option |
| Headlights | Bi-Xenon Projector | Bi-Xenon Projector | Bi-Xenon Projector |
Packages and options (61)
| sDrive30i | sDrive35i | sDrive35is | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Weather Package $1,000 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Exclusive Citrus Yellow Package | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Exclusive Ivory White Leather Package | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| M Sport/Citrus Yellow Package | Optional | Optional | — |
| M Sport/Ivory White Package | Optional | Optional | — |
| M Sport Package | Optional | Optional | — |
| Premium Package | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Premium Sound Package $1,800 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Sport Package $2,300 | Optional | Optional | — |
| Adaptive M Suspension | Optional | Optional | Standard |
| Increased Top-Speed Limiter | Optional | Optional | Standard |
| Anthracite Headliner | Optional | Optional | Standard |
| Comfort Access Keyless Entry $500 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| 3-Stage Heated Seats | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Heated Steering Wheel | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| 8-Way Power-Adjustable Seats with Driver Memory | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Through-Loading System with Ski Bag | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| iPod and USB Adapter $400 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| BMW Navigation System | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| SIRIUS Satellite Radio with One-Year Subscription | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Smartphone Integration $150 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System $400 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Automatic High Beams $250 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| BMW Assist with Bluetooth Wireless Technology | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Park Distance Control (PDC), Front and Rear | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Star Spoke (Style 276) 18-Inch Light Alloy Wheels | Optional | — | — |
| Star Spoke (Style 290) 17-Inch Light Alloy Wheels | Standard | — | — |
| Turbine Styling (Style 292) 17-Inch Light Alloy Wheels | — | Standard | — |
| Multi Spoke (Style 293) 18-Inch Light Alloy Wheels $750 | — | Optional | — |
| Star Spoke (Style 295) 18-Inch Light Alloy Wheels | — | — | Standard |
| V Spoke (Style 296) 19-Inch Light Alloy Wheels $1,200 | — | Optional | — |
| Star Spoke (Style 325M) 18-Inch Light Alloy Wheels | Optional | Optional | — |
| Double Spoke (Style 326M) 19-Inch Light Alloy Wheels $1,200 | — | — | Optional |
| Aluminum Carbon Shadow | Optional | Optional | Standard |
| Anthracite Wood | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ash Grain Wood | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Brushed Aluminum | Optional | Standard | Optional |
| Piano Black Wood | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Silver Matte | Standard | — | — |
| Alpine White Non-Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Atacama Yellow Non-Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Black Sapphire Metallic $550 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Crimson Red Non-Metallic | Optional | Optional | — |
| Deep Sea Blue Metallic $550 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Jet Black Non-Metallic | Optional | Optional | — |
| Melbourne Red Metallic $550 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Mojave Metallic $550 | Optional | Optional | — |
| Orion Silver Metallic $550 | Optional | Optional | — |
| Space Gray Metallic $550 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Titanium Silver Metallic $550 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Beige Extended Kansas Leather $1,350 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Beige Kansas Leather | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Black Alcantara / Nappa Leather with Yellow Stitching | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Black Extended Kansas Leather $1,350 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Black Kansas Leather | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Black Leatherette | Optional | Optional | — |
| Coral Red Extended Kansas Leather $1,350 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Coral Red Kansas Leather | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ivory White Nappa Leather | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Walnut Extended Kansas Leather $1,350 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Walnut Kansas Leather | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode. Still partial for this year: chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, option rules, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 255 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 382 hp manual available | RWD | 22–28 mpg | Not rated | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2025 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 255 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 382 hp manual available | RWD | 22–28 mpg | — | — | — | — | Yes |
| 2024 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 255 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 382 hp | RWD | 26–28 mpg | Not rated | 0 | 1 | Engine (1) | Yes |
| 2023 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 255 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 382 hp | RWD | 26–28 mpg | Not rated | 2 | 0 | — | Yes |
| 2022 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 255 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 382 hp | RWD | 25–28 mpg | Not rated | 3 | 1 | Electrical system (1) | Yes |
| 2021 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | RWD | 25–28 mpg | Not rated | 5 | 1 | Unknown or other (1) | Yes |
| 2020 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 255 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 381 hp | RWD | 26–27 mpg | Not rated | 6 | 5 | Electrical system (2) | Yes |
| 2019 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 255 hp | RWD | 28 mpg | Not rated | 6 | 5 | Engine (2) | Yes |
| 2016 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 241 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 300–335 hp manual available | RWD | 19–26 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 4 | Engine and engine cooling (1) | No |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 241 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 255–335 hp manual available | RWD | 19–26 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 5 | Engine and engine cooling (2) | No |
| 2014 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 241 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 255–335 hp manual available | RWD | 19–26 mpg | Not rated | 3 | 7 | Electrical system (3) | No |
| 2013 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 241 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 255–335 hp manual available | RWD | 19–26 mpg | Not rated | 3 | 7 | Electrical system (3) | No |
| 2012 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 241 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 255–335 hp manual available | RWD | 19–27 mpg | Not rated | 4 | 5 | Engine and engine cooling (3) | No |
| 2011 | 3.0L 6-cyl, 255–335 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 255–335 hp manual available | RWD | 19–22 mpg | Not rated | 6 | 46 | Steering (13) | No |
| 2010 | 3.0L 6-cyl, 255–300 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 255–300 hp manual available | RWD | 20–22 mpg | Not rated | 5 | 10 | Engine and engine cooling (3) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Wireless Apple CarPlayWireless Android AutoApple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Wireless phone chargingHead-up displayAdaptive cruise with stop and goBlind-spot monitoringHeated front seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote start
Apple lists CarPlay for: Z4 2019–2025, Z4 2021–2025 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | BMW Z4 C N/A RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | BMW Z4 C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | BMW Z4 C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | BMW Z4 C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 1 |
| 2021 | BMW Z4 C RWD | Not Rated | Standard | Optional | 5 | 1 |
| 2020 | BMW Z4 C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 5 |
| 2019 | BMW Z4 C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 5 |
| 2016 | BMW Z4 C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 4 |
| 2015 | BMW Z4 Sdrive28I C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 5 |
| 2015 | BMW Z4 Sdrive35I C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 5 |
| 2015 | BMW Z4 Sdrive35IS C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 5 |
| 2014 | BMW Z4 Sdrive28I C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 7 |
| 2014 | BMW Z4 Sdrive35I C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 7 |
| 2014 | BMW Z4 Sdrive35IS C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 7 |
| 2013 | BMW Z4 Sdrive28I C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 7 |
| 2013 | BMW Z4 Sdrive35I C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 7 |
| 2013 | BMW Z4 Sdrive35IS C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 7 |
| 2012 | BMW Z4 Sdrive28I 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 5 |
| 2012 | BMW Z4 Sdrive35I 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 5 |
| 2012 | BMW Z4 Sdrive35IS 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 5 |
| 2011 | BMW Z4 Sdrive30I 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 46 |
| 2011 | BMW Z4 Sdrive35I 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 46 |
| 2011 | BMW Z4 Sdrive35IS 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 46 |
| 2010 | BMW Z4 Roadster w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 10 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Z4 M40i | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo |
22–25 |
| 2026 | Z4 sDrive30i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 28 |
| 2025 | Z4 M40i | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo |
22–25 |
| 2025 | Z4 sDrive30i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 28 |
| 2024 | Z4 M40i | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2024 | Z4 sDrive30i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 28 |
| 2023 | Z4 M40i | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2023 | Z4 sDrive30i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 28 |
| 2022 | Z4 M40i | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2022 | Z4 sDrive30i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 28 |
| 2021 | Z4 M40i | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2021 | Z4 sDrive30i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 28 |
| 2020 | Z4 M40i | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2020 | Z4 sDrive30i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 27 |
| 2019 | Z4 sDrive30i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 28 |
| 2016 | Z4 sDrive28i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26 |
| 2016 | Z4 sDrive35i | Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 19 |
| 2016 | Z4 sDrive35is | Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 19 |
| 2015 | Z4 sDrive28i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26 |
| 2015 | Z4 sDrive35i | Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 19 |
| 2015 | Z4 sDrive35is | Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 19 |
| 2014 | Z4 sDrive28i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26 |
| 2014 | Z4 sDrive35i | Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo |
19–21 |
| 2014 | Z4 sDrive35is | Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 19 |
| 2013 | Z4 sDrive28i | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26 |
| 2013 | Z4 sDrive35i | Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo |
19–21 |
| 2013 | Z4 sDrive35is | Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 19 |
| 2012 | Z4 sDrive28i | Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–27 |
| 2012 | Z4 sDrive35i | Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo |
19–21 |
| 2012 | Z4 sDrive35is | Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 19 |
| 2011 | Z4 sDrive30i | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L |
22 |
| 2011 | Z4 sDrive35i | Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo |
19–21 |
| 2011 | Z4 sDrive35is | Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 19 |
| 2010 | Z4 sDrive30i | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L |
22 |
| 2010 | Z4 sDrive35i | Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo |
20 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.