BMW Z4 2011 Reviews

BMW Z4

The base BMW Z4 convertible, the sDrive30i, still comes with a 3-liter inline-six, making 255 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque, and a standard six-speed manual transmission that is Environmental Protection Agency-rated at 18 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. The turbo inline-six found in the sDrive35i trim makes 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, returns an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined with the standard manual and 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, 19 mpg combined with the optional seven-speed, twin-clutch, automated manual transmission.

There's an iDrive controller and an electric parking brake in the center console; the navigation screen, when so equipped, pops up from the top center of the dash. You can have the 2011 BMW Z4 in two different powertrain, primarily: The BMW Z4 sDrive30i sports a 255-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline-six; a 300-horsepower, twin-turbo version of that engine comes in the sDrive35i. In short, the sDrive30i drives more like a classic roadster, while the sDrive35i is faster but is best enjoyed in a different way. A delightful six-speed manual gearbox is standard on both versions. The dual-clutch gearbox lets drivers choose gears and then reverts to an automatic shift mode, or it can be locked in Manual mode for all-paddle control.

While handling purists will probably want to stick with the base suspension, all BMW Z4 models are electronically influenced with the Z4's addition of Driving Dynamics Control. Three modes-Normal, Sport, and Sport+-are programmed into the car's electronic controls for steering feel, automatic-transmission shift speed, and stability control response. In cars equipped with the optional Adaptive M Suspension with Electronic Damping Control (part of the Sport Package), it also controls the suspension damping. A cold-weather package adds seatback netting, luggage straps, and a storage box at the bulkhead. Perhaps the best feature of the 2011 BMW Z4 is its folding hardtop. Bluetooth, for instance—standard on many inexpensive cars—is only offered as part of a $3,900 BMW Assist package. The available premium sound system gets 14 speakers and 650 watts, and the base system has ten speakers and subwoofers, though our editors aren't very impressed with its top-down sound.

BMW has added a few new paint finishes to the mix, however, as well as the optional M Sports Package. The sDrive35is model will offer features like 18-inch light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke pattern as standard equipment. The 2011 BMW Z4 comes in three trim levels: the sDrive30i, the sDrive35i, and the sDrive35is.

Standard interior features on the base models of the two-seat roadster include leatherette vinyl upholstery, HD radio, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and six-way manually adjustable seats. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard on all trims but the sDrive35is, which offers BMW’s dual-clutch seven-speed transmission. Remarkably, the high-performance version of the 2011 BMW Z4 is not as thirsty as one would expect because of its sophisticated BMW Efficient Dynamics technology.