Segment:
Luxury Sports Roadster
Competitors:
Porsche Boxster, Audi TT Roadster, Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, Chevrolet Corvette.
Powertrain:
Powerful twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine, rear-wheel drive.
Design:
Retractable hardtop for coupe-like refinement and open-air driving experience.
Performance Orientation:
Driver-focused cockpit, balanced chassis, engaging driving dynamics.
Systems Covered:
Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only).
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a BMW owner's manual of this era)
Format:
Digital PDF (Instant Download)
Instrument Cluster:
Detailed explanation of all gauges, warning lights, and informational displays.
Entertainment Systems:
Operation of the iDrive infotainment system, radio, CD player, USB interface, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Climate Controls:
Operation of automatic climate control, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, and seat heating.
Lighting:
Exterior and interior lighting functions, including automatic headlights, fog lights, and ambient lighting.
Driver Controls:
Steering wheel controls, cruise control, power windows, mirrors, and convertible top operation.
Locks And Security:
Central locking, remote keyless entry, alarm system, and immobilizer.
Seating And Safety Restraints:
Adjustment of seats, seatbelt operation, airbag system overview, and child seat installation.
Driving:
Basic driving instructions, gear selection, parking, and driving modes (e.g., Sport, Comfort).
Customer Assistance:
Contact information for BMW customer support and roadside assistance.
Cleaning:
Recommendations for interior and exterior cleaning and care.
Engine Compartment:
Identification of key components, fluid level checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid).
Maintenance Specifications:
Recommended maintenance intervals, fluid types, capacities, and basic checks.
Maintenance Procedures:
Checking fluid levels, tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement guidance, bulb replacement guidance.
Troubleshooting Guidance:
Explanation of warning lights and basic troubleshooting steps for common indicators.
Depth:
Owner-level information for operation, basic maintenance, and system understanding. Not a comprehensive repair manual.
Engine Type:
3.0L Twin-Turbocharged Inline 6-cylinder (N54)
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
300 lb-ft @ 1350-4500 rpm (with overboost to 325 lb-ft)
Injection Type:
Direct Injection (High-Pressure Fuel Injection)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Oil Type Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 or BMW Longlife-04 (e.g., Castrol Edge Professional OE BMW LL01 5W-30)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts)
Air Filter Part Numbers:
Likely BMW Part Numbers: 13717556961 (Left) and 13717556962 (Right)
Transmission Type:
7-Speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M-DCT) with Drivelogic
Optional Transmission:
N/A (M-DCT was standard for sDrive35is)
Drivelogic:
Allows selection of different shifting characteristics (e.g., Comfort, Sport, Sport+ modes).
Launch Control:
Included for optimal acceleration from a standstill.
M Dct Fluid:
Specific M-DCT fluid (refer to manual for exact BMW spec or equivalent)
Length:
161.1 inches (4092 mm)
Width:
70.5 inches (1790 mm)
Height:
53.1 inches (1349 mm)
Wheelbase:
98.0 inches (2489 mm)
Trunk Volume Hardtop Up:
Approx. 10.4 cu ft (295 liters)
Trunk Volume Hardtop Down:
Approx. 4.1 cu ft (116 liters)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3704 lbs (1680 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4519 lbs (2050 kg)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not specifically rated by NHTSA for this model year as a distinct Z4, but general BMW safety standards apply.
Traction Control:
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist.
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags (integrated into seats), knee airbags (driver).
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up rollover protection bars integrated behind the headrests.
Features:
Navigation system, CD/DVD player, AM/FM radio, USB/Auxiliary input, Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors (PDC).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control. Adaptive cruise control was not commonly available on this specific variant.
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth, USB, Auxiliary input.
Oil Change Interval:
Condition-Based Service (CBS) system typically recommends oil changes every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.
Major Service Intervals:
Major services (e.g., spark plugs, brake fluid flush, coolant flush) are also typically condition-based or around 30,000-60,000 mile intervals.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48)
Common N54 Issues:
While the sDrive35is uses the N54 engine, common N54 issues like fuel injector failure, HPFP (high-pressure fuel pump) issues, and turbo wastegate rattle are potential concerns. However, BMW made revisions over time.
Convertible Top Issues:
The hydraulic system for the retractable hardtop can be a point of failure; proper maintenance of hydraulic fluid and seals is important.
Heritage:
BMW has a long history of producing successful roadsters and sports cars, dating back to models like the 328 and the iconic Z1, Z3, and Z8.
Third Generation:
The E89 generation, introduced in 2009, replaced the E85/E86 Z4. It was notable for adopting a retractable hardtop, moving away from the previous soft-top.
Sdrive35Is Introduction:
The sDrive35is model was introduced for the 2011 model year, featuring a more powerful version of the N54 engine and the M-DCT transmission as standard.
Manufacturing Location:
Regensburg, Germany
