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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 BMW Z4

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 BMW Z4

Overview

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2011 BMW Z4 Review

By KBB.com Editors

BMW's purest sports car in the traditional sense, the Z4 returns in 2011 wearing the flowing liquid lines and power-folding hardtop introduced in 2009. It is the only two-seater currently in the BMW lineup and, unlike the previous generation Z4, it's obtainable only as a convertible, with no coupe option available. It is offered in three trim levels: sDrive30i, the turbocharged sDrive35i and the top-level sports trim, the sDrive35is.

You'll Like This Car If...

You seek the traditional precision and excitement of a BMW driving experience in a purely sporting platform. As with other BMW hardtop convertibles, the Z4 offers the option of going top-down with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair, with the option of deploying the power hardtop should the weather turn sour or the sun become too intense.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a true coupe experience with a fixed roof, you might be better off going with the BMW 1 Series. The Z4 is also the only two-seater in the BMW range, so there are only two seats and trunk storage is somewhat limited, particularly when the top is stowed.

What's Significant About This Car?

From summer 2011, a special equipment package will be offered, called Design Pure Balance, with leather interior upholstery in a new color, Cohiba Brown, contrasting white stitching, additional black leather features, Fineline Anthracite wood and sport seats. A special paint finish, Mineral White metallic, is also available in connection with the package.

Driving the Z4

Driving Impressions Nothing drives quite like a BMW and, given the Z4's inherent sportiness, it's especially true of this car regardless of trim level. The top-level sDrive35is delivers a level of driving...

exhilaration offered by no other BMW not badged with an "M." The driver's seating position is ideal and goes a long way toward influencing the overall driving experience. Steering feel is good and its actuation precise, if not quite on the level of a Porsche Boxster. We've still not sampled the naturally aspirated six-cylinder, but either one of the turbocharged engines offers all the power and torque you could want at virtually any speed, and particularly in the sDrive35is. The DCT transmission is quite good and offers the best of both worlds – smooth cruising and instant manual access to gears – although it's still not as fun as shifting with a true manual clutch and gear lever.

Favorite Features

Adaptive M Suspension
Available as part of the Sport or M Sport packages, the adaptive suspension offers three settings (Normal, Sport, Sport+) that allow the user to stiffen or soften the shock absorbers through Electronic Damper Control (EDC). EDC allows the choice of a less jarring, more comfortable ride, or a stiffer, more hardcore option for spirited driving.

Double Clutch Transmission
Even though such systems are not quite as entertaining as pumping a clutch pedal and rowing through a set of gears with one hand, BMW's DCT transmission, like Porsche's PDK, offers gear selection speed that simply cannot be matched by a person. Unlike older sequential systems, fully automatic operation is virtually seamless. It truly offers the best of both worlds.

2011 BMW Z4 Details

Interior

Of all BMWs, the Z4 interior could conceivably be called a cockpit in the way it wraps around the driver and passenger, offering an intimate interfacing experience with the car and its controls. The seating position is very good in that special BMW way, and even more sporting than those of the 1 Series or 3 Series coupes. The controls, such as radio and climate controls, are simple and intuitive. Additionally, all functions, including access to navigation on cars so equipped, may be controlled through the iDrive system, which was much maligned when it was first introduced but has been improved remarkably over the years in terms of user-friendliness.

Exterior

The updated exterior of the new-generation Z4 has generally received rave reviews, its lines at once softer and more flowing than the outgoing generation, yet just as dynamic and, in some views, more mature. It retains the classic Z4 proportions, however, with a long, bulging hood, a wide, imposing front fascia and an abbreviated rear end that give the car a distinct visual sense of motion, even while it's sitting still. Some would say the folding power hard top is a major improvement over the soft top, offering coupe-like interior acoustics even at highway speeds.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Whichever trim level and corresponding engine you choose, one thing is certain: The car will come equipped with BMW's famous and long-standing inline six-cylinder engine. The engine in the sDrive30i is naturally-aspirated, while those in the sDrive35i and sDrive35is feature BMW's twin-scroll turbocharging technology, which enhances power while maintaining overall efficiency. The sDrive30i and sDrive35i have a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, while the sDrive35is has BMW's seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) as standard. The front suspension is by double-pivot struts and the rear is a multi-link design. A much-improved iDrive information interface lets you access the audio and communications systems, and the Z4's safety systems include all-season traction control, a rollover safety system and run-flat tires.

Optional Equipment

The sDrive30i can be equipped with a six-speed sport automatic transmission, while the sDrive35i can have the DCT gearbox, allowing the convenience of automatic operation or lightning-quick manual-gear selection. Bundled option packages include a Citrus Yellow Package, with painted yellow interior accents and sport seats trimmed in leather and Alcantara; M Sport Package, with adaptive M Suspension, sport seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and a top-speed limiter that allows more speed; Premium Sound, with a hi-fi audio system, USB adapter and Satellite radio; and Premium Package, with special upholstery options, Bluetooth capability and special ambiance lighting. Stand-alone options include comfort access keyless entry, iPod/USB connectivity, Park Distance Control and navigation.

Under the Hood

The BMW Z4 sDrive30i is powered by a 3.0-liter naturally-aspirated engine, BMW's signature power unit for decades on end, which delivers 255 horsepower in this application. However, the turbocharged unit in the sDrive35i is considered to be one of the best forced-induction engines ever designed, delivering 300 horsepower with no perceptible turbo lag. And the version found in the sDrive35is offers even more: 335 horsepower at 5900 rpm and 332 lb.-ft. of torque at just 1500 rpm. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the sDrive30i and sDrive35i, with a sport automatic optional on the former and the Double Clutch Transmission optional on the latter. The sDrive35is receives the Double Clutch Transmission as standard equipment.

3.0-liter in-line six (Z4 sDrive30i)
255 horsepower @6600 rpm
220 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28

3.0-liter turbocharged in-line six (Z4 sDrive35i)
300 horsepower @5800 rpm
300 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 (manual), 17/24 (DCT)

3.0-liter turbocharged in-line six (Z4 sDrive35is)
335 horsepower @5900 rpm
332 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24

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2011 BMW Z4 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.6

Out of 10

Based on 18 Ratings for the 2009 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

9.1/10

Quality

9.8/10
Reliability

9.8/10

Performance

9.7/10
Comfort

9.4/10

Styling

9.8/10

Good car ruined by run flat tires.

By Bono on Saturday, February 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 16,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "Looks great"

Cons: "Noisy tires"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Noisy run flat tires take fun out of driving. Do NOT buy this car with run flats. BMW does not care or try to make it right. Will never buy another BMW. Back to Lexus!"

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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This is my best sport car !!

By Rebel (LA) on Monday, November 12, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 26,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive,great navagation system !"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"My Z is one of the best Sport cars I own ! Fun to drive and very comfortable on long trips . I love the looks and the hard top works great ! I own a Mercedes SLK, Lexus SD 350, Nissan 370Z ,Corvette Z1 and a Ford T bird ! This Z4 tops them all ! My Infiniti G37s coupe is Great and has the best ride but not considered A 2 seat sport car !"

12 people out of 13 found this review helpful

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Excellent quality, fun to drive. Exciting

By Jack (CT) on Friday, June 29, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Fun, responsive, good tech (with nav system)."

Cons: "Price, but still has good value."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Just got it 1 month ago. A 35i with bluetooth, navigation, satellite radio, and 'bmw connect'. When I plug in my Ipod i can scroll through my different playlists, pick groups. The professional radio is outstanding. It has the 'm-sport' suspension and is very responsive. Finally, the navigation system is superb. Can be adjusted by the passenger while driving, audio directions (can be muted). Technology is very good - as good as anywhere."

12 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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Best Vehicle Ever

By jeb (FL) on Friday, April 06, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 26,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: Not Rated

Pros: "I agree with the Pros"

Cons: "Yes the cup holder is in a very bad spot."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I own a 2003 BMW Z4 that I purchased new. This car is fantastic and built like a sherman tank. Recently I was sitting at a red light and got hit hard from behind. The guy that hit me took off before I could get any information. Can you believe the only damage to the rear end of the 4 was it lost a few little spots of paint the car didn't bend at all. I definitely will buy another one at some time. I love that car."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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Good Car

By LilZ4 (FL) on Monday, February 13, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 100,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "fun to drive, good customer service, good looking"

Cons: "expensive, not enough cup holders, no technology"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Good car. Not enough technology to compare with competing cars. Sharp look and well designed convertible roof. Sports car design without adequate comfort or technology. I would have loved to see a better entertainment system."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Perfect Summer Car

By LuckyDom (PA) on Sunday, February 05, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Quality, fun to drive, very comfortable"

Cons: "Cup holders"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The ultimate roadster. Fun to drive yet incredibly comfortable with plenty of headroom with the top up for those of us 6'2" and taller. Hard top convertible gives you the best of both worlds. As always the BMW approach to cup holders is laughable but if that is an issue then you shouldn't be buying a BMW in the first place."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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See all 18 reviews