2013 BMW Z4: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
For 2013, BMW made only light equipment changes to the Z4, led by proximity keyless entry becoming standard across the lineup. The engines, body, retractable hardtop, and three-trim lineup carried over.
About the 2013 BMW Z4
2nd generation Z4 (E89, 2009-2016), mid-cycle US model year before another largely unchanged US model year in 2014.
BMW positioned the Z4 as a modern version of the classic roadster: long hood, rear-wheel drive, two seats, and open-air driving, but with more comfort and technology than a stripped-down sports car. Its retractable hardtop gave it a dual personality, functioning as both a sunny-day roadster and a quieter coupe-like cruiser. Against rivals, the Z4 leaned toward strong turbo power, premium cabin feel, and everyday usability rather than a bare-bones sports-car experience.
The sDrive28i was the balanced everyday roadster, with a 240-hp turbo four-cylinder engine, power seats, and a power retractable hardtop. The sDrive35i added a smoother, stronger 300-hp turbo six-cylinder engine, leather upholstery, and sport seats. The sDrive35is was the performance model, pairing a 335-hp turbo six with a quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic, adaptive sport suspension, and more aggressive body trim.
What changed, by category
2013 BMW Z4 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Sport Mode | Auto, 7-Spd Dbl Cltch MM | Auto, 7-Spd Dbl Cltch MM |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 240 hp | 300 hp | 335 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2013 BMW Z4?
The biggest change is that proximity keyless entry became standard across the 2013 Z4 lineup. Otherwise, this was a light-update year with the same three trims, engines, body, and retractable hardtop as before.
Did the 2013 BMW Z4 get new engines?
No, the 2013 BMW Z4 kept its existing engines. The sDrive28i used a 240-hp turbo four-cylinder, while the sDrive35i and sDrive35is used 300-hp and 335-hp versions of BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six.
How is the 2013 BMW Z4 different from the 2012 model?
The 2013 Z4 mainly differs through equipment changes. Proximity keyless entry became standard across the lineup, the sDrive28i gained a standard power driver’s seat, and the sDrive35is gained standard premium audio and satellite radio. Alloy wheels were no longer standard on the sDrive35i.
Was the 2013 BMW Z4 redesigned?
No, the 2013 BMW Z4 was not redesigned. It remained part of the second-generation E89 lineup and retained the same body structure, power retractable hardtop, styling, and basic trim range.
Did the 2013 BMW Z4 sDrive35is change?
Yes, but only its standard equipment changed. Premium audio and satellite radio became standard, while its 335-hp turbo six-cylinder engine, dual-clutch automatic transmission, adaptive sport suspension, and sport body trim carried over.