Used 2012 BMW Z4 for sale 

The 2012 BMW Z4 is offered in three different trims with each of them getting a different engine output. The base sDrive28i features the new turbo four-cylinder engine, while the sDrive35i gets a more powerful inline-6 engine. The top-spec sDrive35is gets the same engine with a higher state of tune, producing slightly more power alongside a handful of additional features. 

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The performance from the base engine is sufficient to outshine its rivals, but the features list is pretty minimal, and one has to opt for the higher sDrive35i trim to completely enjoy the premium feel of the Z4’s cabin. If one wants to go all out with this convertible, he/she can pick the top-of-the-line sDrive35is trim.

The 2012 BMW Z4 now features an all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that produces 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the higher trim gets a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine in two states of tune, 300 hp & 300 lb-ft for the sDrive35i and 335 hp and 334 lb-ft for the top-spec sDrive35is trim.

Only the top trim gets a 7-speed automatic transmission, while the other two trims are paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The power is sent to the rear wheels only with no option for an AWD setup. 

The Audi TT is the most affordable roadster in this comparison, and yet it offers more power than the slightly pricier Mercedes SLK 250. The BMW Z4 has the highest engine output and hence is also the quickest of the lot, with the TT placed at a distance and the SLK right behind the Audi at the last place. When comparing the top speed, all the convertibles are pretty similar at around 130 mph.

The higher performance nature of the Z4 need not be considered as a fuel-guzzling car, as the base engine is pretty efficient at 27 mpg in combined city and highway driving conditions, while the larger six-cylinder units are rated for 21 mpg and 19 mpg respectively, as per the trims and power output. The convertible holds a fuel tank of 14.5 gallons which results in a combined range of 392 miles.

The Audi TT and the Mercedes SLK have almost identical fuel economy figures, but the SLK employs a much larger gas tank which aids in providing a much longer driving range. The Audi TT and the Z4 have similar fuel tank capacity, but since the Z4 is more frugal, it has a better driving range to offer on a single tank of gas.

The cabin of the Z4 is very well and thoughtfully designed as it not only has high-quality materials and superior build quality to boast about, the new two-tone schemes and the nifty little features like the knee ventilation vents and a small cargo shelf behind the seats all add to the novelty of the car.

The Z4 is one of the most spacious two-seat roadsters with plenty of cabin and trunk space and good all-around visibility even with the roof up. 

The Z4 has a marginally better cabin and trunk volume than the Mercedes, while the Audi TT is the most compact car in here. It also has a lower trunk capacity and folding down the roof makes the trunk next to impossible to use. The Z4 and SLK, on the other hand, can hold a week’s worth of groceries in their boot with the roof down. Major interior features include- 

• 10-way Power front seats w/driver seat memory
• Kansas Leather upholstery
• 3-spoke leather-wrapped adjustable multi-function M sport steering wheel
• Dynamic Cruise Control
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Aluminum carbon shadow interior trim
• Anthracite headliner

How is the 2012 BMW Z4 Convertible’s infotainment system?

There is plenty of technology on offer in the Z4, and although there is no satellite radio on offer, it can be opted for as the basic pre-wiring and setup are already in place for it. The experience, although is pretty good in the Z4, it does not match up to the technology-laden Audi TT that has a superior infotainment and audio system to offer. Major infotainment features available with the roadster are-

• Anti-theft AM/FM/CD Hi-fi audio system
• HD Radio with "multicast" FM station reception
• Satellite radio preparation
• iPod & USB adapter
• Smartphone integration

The BMW Z4 exterior is an aesthetically pleasing one no matter where you look at it from. The slim dual kidney grilles with project swept-back headlights on both sides are quintessentially BMW, while the sharp hood contours and creases add to the muscular appeal of the car.

The side profile has one too many character lines in our personal opinion, but the overall look is very stylish and will turn heads wherever you go. 

The Z4 is the longest car in this comparison and hence also weighs the most, but it also has the highest ground clearance, which makes it more practical for a daily commute. The SLK 250 is the most compact car, while the Audi TT has the lowest ride height. When comparing the wheelbase, BMW offers the most ay 98.3 inches, followed by Audi and Benz at 97.2 and 95.7 inches, respectively. Major exterior highlights of the Z4 are-

• Xenon Adaptive Headlights with auto-leveling
• Adaptive Brake Lights
• Dual power heated outside mirrors
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers and Automatic headlight control
• Aerodynamic kit
• Retractable hardtop
• 18-inch Star Spoke light-alloy wheels w/run-flat performance tires

The BMW Z4 has a very high price and caters to a very niche segment of the market, and thus does not see high sales volumes. Therefore, neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has crash-tested the 2012 Z4, and the odds of that happening are pretty slim too. That being said, there is plenty of clever gadgetry involved in the car to provide a safe haven for buyers, and some of the features are listed below.

• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) w/Brake Fade Compensation
• Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
• BMW's Advanced Safety System for integrated deployment of safety features
• Rollover Protection System
• Dual-airbag Supplementary Restraint System
• Side-impact airbags
• Active Knee Protection
• Tire Pressure Monitor

The BMW Z4 may cost considerably more than its rivals, but for that much additional money, it offers a more powerful engine with superior performance and higher efficiency. Plus the cabin too is more aesthetic and has plenty of quirks that make it even more compelling to avoid. So if budget isn’t really that big of a concern for you, the 2012 BMW Z4 does offer immense pleasure and value in the two-seat roadster segment.