2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35i

Highlights

• Twin-turbo straight six
• 302bhp
• Lovely low mileage example
• Rare Havana Brown
• High specification

Overview

Listen up at the back, because this one’s a bit of a sleeper and if you don’t pay attention, then you won’t realise what’s so special about it…

On the face of it, it’s a very smart example of a 2010 E89-Series BMW Z4, which in itself is a fine car – elegantly styled (by an all-female design leadership team, just in case you need a random pub car fact for this evening) and smartly executed, with the kind of typically excellent chassis you’d expect from the Bavarian brand, and finished in an exquisite paint colour known as Havana Brown. Grey in some lights, brown in others, undeniably handsome in all.

As a starting point, then, that’s a lot of boxes ticked. But where this one really scores is in its powertrain, as being the sDrive35i model it packs an incredible punch, delivered in a way that’s as smooth as it is lively. That’s because the high-spec model came with a 302bhp version of the much-loved N54 straight-six under its lengthy bonnet – helped along quite significantly by a brace of turbochargers and, in the case of this example, an optional seven-speed sequential semi-automatic transmission. It sounds glorious and it goes like the clappers. Two more boxes ticked, and in the PH world, those are pretty big ones.

It's a lovely looking car, too, retaining the flame-surfaced styling cues of its predecessor but arguably more pleasing on the eye, with a much more rounded front end, softer side curves and a more upmarket interior than its sometimes spartan predecessor.

Then there’s its party trick – the roof. Like its arch-rival, the Mercedes-Benz SLK, the Z4 in its second gestation came with a retractable folding hardtop, which disappears into the boot in a shade over 20 seconds. Just enough time to drop it at a red traffic light before it launches itself toward the horizon with surprising alacrity – 0-60mph takes just 5.1 seconds.

Sumptuously equipped, striking and devilishly quick, this is a great car, and one with a pretty low mileage to further add to its appeal, having covered just 41k from new. So, what’s not to like? Truth be told, we’re pretty stumped to find anything, as will you be if you want a modern classic sports car that’s huge fun to drive but relatively painless to own. If you do, this one’s a corker.

History and documentation

• First registered 1 Mar 2010
• UK V5C in the name of the vendor
• MOT to August 2025 – no advisory notices
• Original BMW wallet, handbook, manuals and service history book
• Two keys
• Service book stamped as follows: PDI (2010, main dealer), 4,682 miles (2012, main dealer); 18,887 (2016, BMW specialist); 25,124 miles (2018, BMW specialist); 29,903 miles (2020, BMW specialist)
• Although not stamped in the book, an invoice shows that a service was also carried out in Feb 2023 @ 36,035 miles
• A selection of invoices and old MOT certificates accompany the car
• Accessory configurator disc and quick start guide

Interior

• Cream leather upholstery in very good overall condition
• Very slight wear to driver’s side bolster
• Electrically adjustable and heated seats
• Desirable heated steering wheel
• Infotainment system with sat nav and iDrive rotary controller
• Cruise control
• Electronic climate control
• Stainless steel BMW door sill kick plates
• Dark ash trim inserts
• Excellent carpets and door cards
• Original BMW dealer mats
• Smart and well-presented load area

Exterior

• Stunning Havana Brown metallic paint
• Presents very well and exhibits a good shine
• Some very small marks on front bumper
• Very small crease ahead of offside rear wheel arch
• Bidders should expect a number of small marks and chips commensurate with the car’s age, but it looks great overall with no significant issues
• Electric folding hardtop in great working order
• 19-inch factory alloys in excellent condition, just a few very small marks
• Matching Bridgestone Potenza tyres all-round

Mechanical

• 3.0-litre N54 straight-six
• Twin turbochargers
• Seven-speed sequential transmission
• 0-60mph in 5.1 seconds
• According to the vendor the car drives faultlessly and has incredible performance
• No known mechanical faults

Summary

The third-generation Z4 is a car that’s really starting to come into its own as a modern classic – far sharper to drive than the Z3 and first-gen Z4 before it, yet with a low-slung cabin, long nose and cracking rear-wheel-drive chassis giving it all the ingredients required to be remembered as thoroughbred performance car.

This one is a true gem – the twin turbo straight-six is an absolute beast, hustled along eagerly by its sequential transmission to deliver a thoroughly engaging driving experience. It’s a low-mileage car in fine order throughout, and with its folding hardtop it’s also ideal for year-round use. Then, of course, there’s the colour. We love it for that alone.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Essex.