BMW Z4 30i, 35i & M40i Trims

Last updated August 4, 2026

BMW Z4

The BMW Z4 lineup starts with the 30i, sDrive28i, and sDrive30i models, which deliver the core two-seat, rear-wheel-drive roadster experience. The 35i and sDrive35i are the smoother, stronger six-cylinder step-ups, while the sDrive35is and M40i versions are the performance-focused flagships with more power and sharper suspension tuning. Roof design depends on generation: older Z4s use a retractable hardtop, while newer 30i and M40i models have a power soft top.

What each trim is known for

BMW Z4 Base Model

Base Model

30isDrive 30isDrive28isDrive30i

The Base Model trim level—30i, sDrive 30i, sDrive28i, and sDrive30i—is the core Z4, focused on balanced top-down driving rather than maximum power.

Best for: Drivers who want the Z4’s style, compact size, and open-air feel without the added performance hardware of the higher trims.

Highlights

  • Two-seat, rear-wheel-drive roadster layout
  • Power-folding roof, with a retractable hardtop on older models and a soft top on newer ones
  • Entry-level engine tune, using a six-cylinder engine in the early 30i or a turbo four-cylinder in later versions
  • Sport-focused seats and styling, especially on recent sDrive30i models
11 in stock
BMW Z4 Mid-Performance

Mid-Performance

35isDrive35i

The Mid-Performance trim level—35i and sDrive35i—is the smoother, stronger six-cylinder Z4, with more effortless acceleration and a richer cabin than its era’s base models.

Best for: Shoppers who want six-cylinder sound and stronger acceleration while keeping the Z4 comfortable and easy to enjoy on regular drives.

Highlights

  • 300-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six
  • Power retractable hardtop
  • Kansas leather upholstery
  • Adaptive bi-xenon headlights

Compared with the Base Model of its era, the 35i adds a 300-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine, a 7-speed automatic transmission, and standard leather upholstery.

4 in stock
BMW Z4 High Performance

High Performance

M40isDrive M40isDrive35is

The High Performance trim level—sDrive35is, M40i, and sDrive M40i—is the strongest, sharpest Z4, built around a more powerful six-cylinder engine and upgraded suspension hardware.

Best for: Drivers who want the Z4’s open-air layout with stronger acceleration, tighter responses, and a more serious performance character.

Highlights

  • Stronger turbocharged six-cylinder tune, producing 335 hp in the sDrive35is and 382 hp in M40i versions
  • Adaptive M suspension
  • Performance-focused M styling and cabin details
  • Power-folding roof, with a hardtop on the sDrive35is and a soft top on M40i versions

Compared with the Mid-Performance 35i, this level adds a stronger six-cylinder tune and adaptive M suspension. Later M40i versions also add a rear sport differential and M Sport brakes.

7 in stock

Trim comparison

FeatureBase ModelMid-PerformanceHigh Performance
Includes
30i, sDrive 30i, sDrive28i, sDrive30i11 in stock
35i, sDrive35i4 in stock
M40i, sDrive M40i, sDrive35is7 in stock
Lineup roleEntry roadsterSix-cylinder step-upPerformance-focused flagship
Engine and output3.0L six or turbo 2.0L four; 240–255 hp by versionTurbo 3.0L six; 300 hpTurbo 3.0L six; 335 or 382 hp by era
Roof designPower hardtop or soft top by generationPower retractable hardtopHardtop on 35is; soft top on M40i
Defining cabin treatmentSport-focused entry cabinStandard Kansas leatherM-themed sport details
Performance hardwareCore roadster setupStronger engine is the main upgradeAdaptive M suspension; M40i adds sport differential and brakes

Frequently asked questions

What BMW Z4 trim names should I know when shopping used?

The names depend on the era. Newer models are mainly sDrive30i and M40i. The 2009–2016 generation used 30i and 35i early on, then sDrive28i, sDrive35i, and the stronger sDrive35is. All are rear-wheel drive.

What’s the difference between the newer Z4 sDrive30i and M40i?

The sDrive30i has a 255-hp turbo four-cylinder. The M40i steps up to a 382-hp turbo six-cylinder, adaptive suspension, stronger brakes, and hardware that helps put power down more effectively. Both retain the two-seat soft-top layout.

Is the Z4 sDrive30i enough for relaxed top-down driving?

Yes. In recent years, the sDrive30i provides 255 hp, an eight-speed automatic, supportive sport seats, and the same power soft top as the M40i. It suits drivers who value balance and open-air driving over maximum acceleration.

What performance equipment comes with the newer Z4 M40i?

The newer M40i combines its 382-hp six-cylinder with adaptive sport suspension, stronger M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and a rear differential that helps send power to the wheel with more grip.

Which BMW Z4 trim has a manual transmission?

On late third-generation models, the six-cylinder M40i was offered with a six-speed manual beginning with the 2025 model year. Earlier third-generation sDrive30i and M40i models used an eight-speed automatic.

What’s the difference between the older Z4 30i and 35i?

In the early hardtop generation, the 30i used a 255-hp non-turbo six-cylinder. The 35i used a 300-hp turbo six-cylinder for stronger acceleration and also included leather upholstery and dual-zone automatic climate control.

What’s the difference between the Z4 sDrive28i and sDrive35i?

In the retractable-hardtop generation, the sDrive28i uses a 240-hp turbo four-cylinder. The sDrive35i has a smoother, stronger 300-hp turbo six-cylinder, a seven-speed automatic, and standard leather upholstery.

How does the Z4 sDrive35is differ from the sDrive35i?

The sDrive35is is the sharper performance version of the retractable-hardtop generation. It raises six-cylinder output to 335 hp and adds adaptive sport suspension, a sport body kit, an M steering wheel, and upgraded audio.

Are the older Z4 30i and newer sDrive30i basically the same trim?

No. The older 30i has a 255-hp 3.0-liter non-turbo six-cylinder and a folding metal hardtop. The recent sDrive30i also makes 255 hp, but uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a fabric soft top.

Which Z4 trims use the retractable metal hardtop?

Every trim from the second-generation lineup uses it. That includes the 30i, 35i, sDrive28i, sDrive35i, and sDrive35is. The newer sDrive30i and M40i use a fabric soft top instead.

Which older Z4 trim should I pick if I want a six-cylinder without the sharpest setup?

The sDrive35i is the middle-ground choice among later second-generation models. It has the 300-hp turbo six-cylinder and standard leather, but it is less aggressively tuned than the 335-hp sDrive35is.

What does the M Sport package add to the newer Z4 sDrive30i?

Since the 2023 refresh, the sDrive30i has included the M Sport package as standard. It brings a sportier suspension, more aggressive body styling, supportive M Sport seats, and an M-branded steering wheel.

Does the newer base Z4 feel stripped down inside?

No. In recent years, the sDrive30i includes sport seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a power soft top. The M40i’s main advantages are its engine and performance hardware.