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.
2012GOOD BUYSerious complaints 1.3× usual, mostly engine and engine cooling and steering Extended coverage
Few complaints for any year of this model, so the data can't tell this year apart much. 5 serious complaints of 5, the most about engine and engine cooling (3) and steering (1); 1.3× this model's usual share of all serious complaints about 2012 vehicles. 4 recalls. NHTSA investigation PE13030: loss of power assist braking.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine and engine cooling, Jan 2025
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage When starting a cold engine, a ""plume of blue smoke"" can be seen emitting from the exhaust tailpipe for approximately 10-20 seconds. (B111116, Oct 2016)
- Extended coverage The engine coolant thermostat component-specific limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 (SIB010717, Jun 2017)
- 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 N20 Engine Coolant Thermostat: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles (B010116, Dec 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)
- Repair program BMW of North America, LLC BMW NA is extending the limited warranty for the engine timing chain and oil pump drive chain modules to: 7 years/70,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date (SIB110317, Jul 2021)
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.
5 owner complaints · 4 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 19–27 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2012 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 2012
- Starting prices: +$1,700 (1 trim; hover for each)
- New trim: sDrive28i
- Trim dropped: sDrive30i
- Engine: TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder → N54/3.0 OL TwinPower Turbo (sDrive35is, sDrive35i)
- Headlights: Bi-Xenon Projector → HID Projector (sDrive35is, sDrive35i)
2012 Z4 trims
| sDrive28i | sDrive35i | sDrive35is | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
| Starting MSRP | from $48,650 | from $55,150 | $64,200 |
| Powertrain | |||
| Engine | N20/2.0 UL TwinPower Turbo | N54/3.0 OL TwinPower Turbo | N54/3.0 OL TwinPower Turbo |
| Horsepower | 240 hp | 300 hp | 335 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Manual: 6-speed manual transmission Sport Automatic: Sport automatic transmission with shift paddles | 7-Speed Double-Clutch Transmission: 7-Speed double clutch Transmission Manual: 6-speed manual transmission | 7-Speed double clutch Transmission |
| Gears | Manual: 6 Sport Automatic: 8 | 7-Speed Double-Clutch Transmission: 7 Manual: 6 | 7 |
| Drivetrain | Manual / Sport Automatic | 7-Speed Double-Clutch Transmission / Manual | Rwd |
| Size and capability | |||
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Length | 167 in | 167 in | 167 in |
| Curb weight | Manual: 3,263 lb Sport Automatic: 3,307 lb | 7-Speed Double-Clutch Transmission: 3,527 lb Manual: 3,494 lb | 3,549 lb |
| Tech | |||
| Touchscreen | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Apple CarPlay | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Android Auto | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Comfort | |||
| Seats | Synthetic Leather | Leather | Leather |
| Heated seats | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Driver seat memory | Optional | Driver Seat | Driver Seat |
| Climate zones | Optional | 2 | 2 |
| Exterior | |||
| Wheels | 17 in | 17 in | 18 in |
| Headlights | HID Projector | HID Projector | HID Projector |
Packages and options (76)
| sDrive28i | sDrive35i | sDrive35is | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Weather Package $850 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Exclusive Canyon Brown Package | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Exclusive Citrus Yellow Package | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| M Sport/Canyon Brown Package | Optional | Optional | — |
| M Sport/Citrus Yellow Package | Optional | Optional | — |
| M Sport Package | Optional | Optional | — |
| Premium Package | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Premium Sound Package $950 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Sport Package $2,300 | Optional | Optional | — |
| Manual Transmission | Optional | Optional | — |
| 7-Speed Double Clutch Transmission $450 | — | Optional | — |
| Sport Automatic Transmission with Shift Paddles | Optional | — | — |
| Adaptive M Suspension | Optional | Optional | Standard |
| Aerodynamic Kit | Optional | Optional | Standard |
| Auto-Dimming Interior and Exterior Mirrors | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Increased Top Speed Limiter | Optional | Optional | Standard |
| Retractable Headlight Washers | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ambiance Lighting | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Anthracite Headliner | Optional | Optional | Standard |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Automatic Climate Control | Optional | Standard | Standard |
| BMW Apps $250 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| BMW Assist with Bluetooth $650 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Comfort Access Keyless Entry $500 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Heated Front Seats $500 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Heated Steering Wheel | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Lumbar Support | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| M Sports Leather Steering Wheel with Paddle Shifters | Optional | Optional | Standard |
| M Steering Wheel | Optional | Optional | — |
| Navigation System $2,150 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Power Front Seats with Driver Seat Memory $995 | Optional | Standard | Standard |
| Sport Seats | Optional | Optional | Standard |
| Sports Leather Steering Wheel with Paddle Shifters | Optional | Optional | — |
| Storage Package | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Universal Garage-Door Opener | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Premium Hi-Fi System | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Satellite Radio with 1 Year Subscription $350 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| 6-Disc DVD Changer $600 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Automatic High Beams $250 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Park Distance Control $750 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| 18-Inch Light Alloy Star-Spoke Wheels Style 276 with Performance Run-Flat Tires | Optional | — | — |
| 17-Inch Light Alloy Star-Spoke Wheels Style 290 with Performance Run-Flat Tires | Standard | — | — |
| 17-Inch Light Alloy Turbine Wheels Style 292 with Performance Run-Flat Tires | — | Standard | — |
| 18-Inch Light Alloy Multi-Spoke Wheel Style 293 with Performance Run-Flat Tires $750 | — | Optional | — |
| 18-Inch Light Alloy Star-Spoke Wheels Style 295 with Performance Run-Flat Tires | — | — | Standard |
| 19-Inch Light Alloy V-Spoke Wheels Style 296 with Performance Run-Flat Tires $1,200 | — | Optional | — |
| 18-Inch Light Alloy Star-Spoke Wheels Style 325M with Performance Run-Flat Tires | Optional | Optional | — |
| 19-Inch Light Alloy Double-Spoke Wheels Style 326M with Performance Run-Flat Tires $1,200 | — | — | Optional |
| M Interior Trim Aluminum Carbon Shadow | Optional | Optional | Standard |
| Anthracite Wood Trim | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ash Grain Wood $500 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Brushed Aluminum Trim $500 | Optional | Standard | Optional |
| Piano Black Wood | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Silver Matte Trim | Standard | — | — |
| Alpine White | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Atacama Yellow | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Black Sapphire Metallic $550 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Crimson Red | Optional | Optional | — |
| Deep Sea Blue Metallic $550 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Jet Black | Optional | Optional | — |
| Melbourne Red Metallic $550 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Mineral White Metallic $550 | Optional | 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 |
| Beige Kansas Leather $1,250 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Black Alcantara / Nappa Leather Combination | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Black Extended Kansas Leather $1,350 | — | Optional | Optional |
| Black Kansas Leather $1,250 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Black Leatherette | Optional | — | — |
| Canyon Brown Extended Merino Leather | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Coral Red Extended Kansas Leather $1,350 | — | Optional | Optional |
| Coral Red Kansas Leather $1,250 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Walnut Extended Kansas Leather $1,350 | — | Optional | Optional |
| Walnut Kansas Leather $1,250 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem order guide, Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode. Still partial for this year: fuel economy, chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, warranty, option rules. "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.