Overview & Reviews

For 2011, the BMW Z4 gets a range-topping, higher-performance model known as the sDrive35is. Many of that trim's enhanced handling features are available on the lower trims in a new M Sport package.

• Smooth and powerful engines, quick-folding hardtop, comfortable ride, big trunk (with the top up), excellent visibility for a roadster, sharp styling inside and out.

• Not as invigorating and involving as some rivals.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 10.00

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  Not a Cayman or a Boxster, but good for what it is - 2011 BMW Z4
  By KrakMonkE9 - January 8 - 1:14 pm

  One thing one needs to accept about this car is that its not meant to compete on the track against a Cayman S or Boxster S. Its just not that kind of car. Its absolutely great for what it was built for, which is to be an enjoyable high speed, top down cruiser. If you drive these other cars, you will immediately notice how much better they handle, but for everyday driving, the Z4 is quite good. The N54 engine is superb and eminently chip-able. The car is comfortable and luxurious. The only cons Ive really identified is that in the 2011 model year, some cars do not come with the Combox controller, which means you wont have bluetooth audio capabilities. Also, the handling in some tight corners feels a bit delayed. Ive felt the rear end skitter out on me more than a few times. Not the extent that it would be dangerous or cause any real concern, but it certainly doesnt have the "turn on a dime" feel of those mid-engined cars.

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  2011 Z4 sDrive35is, A Smile Making Machine! - 2011 BMW Z4
  By MarkandSusan Cartisano - March 5 - 2:41 pm

  Purchased a CPO Z4 sDrive35si with all the options and limited edition interior... 25k miles. This car is a smile making machine! First, I drive in the real world, not a test track. If you can make this care misbehave in a turn, youre going too fast for real roads! It is super tight and sticks to corners like glue! Heart pounding and big smile! The most amazing thing is the power band never quits! Ever hit a golf ball just right and watched it rocket away only to see it get a second blast of power! Thats the Z4... You punch it down and it blasts off, hits 110mph in a flash and then blasts off again! It wants and has so much more! All this in a comfort that no Boxster can provide.

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  My Dream Car - 2011 BMW Z4
  By adonis13 - March 1 - 1:38 pm

  Ive always wanted a BMW Z roadster ever since I test drove a Z3 in San Diego. At the time, I had just started working full time. I have always been an Engineer, but at the time I had a mountain of debt. When I finally had the means to purchase my dream car, Chris Bangle (Germanys answer to Sir Mix-a-Lot) violated the Z3s successor, the first generation Z4. So, I had to wait 7 long years for that abomination to leave the stage. The E89 Z4 was worth the wait. Strangers and acquaintences alike come up to me all the time to tell me that I have a beautiful car. I dont need a car that costs any more money, has any more performance, or looks any better (if possible).

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  In shop 5 weeks out of 7 months, and still counting... - 2011 BMW Z4
  By skatelaw - December 23 - 5:18 pm

  Purchased in April 2011: Running board fell off! 2 days in shop (of all things, they cant get this right?!) Engine stalls at low rpms. 4 days in shop Roof leaks. 21 days in shop Creak in rear suspension. 6 days in shop and still counting...

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  The Perfect Roadster - 2011 BMW Z4
  By rajparmar - June 25 - 3:52 pm

  I recently got the 2011 z435i with the 7 speed automatic, premium package, sport package, premium sound. It combines luxury, style, and performance better than any other car out on the road. It has a distinguished look and gets a lot of attention on the road. You can drive it like a true sports car with its high performance options, large horse power, and great handling. Or you can take it for a luxurious lazy sunday drive for hours with the top down, nice sound system and comfortable spacious seating for a 2 seat car. It wont beat the Porshe Boxter on a track but I feel the interior comfort, comparable unique style, and price difference make up for it. It is a very sexy fun car to drive

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  Drive them all and youll choose this one! - 2011 BMW Z4
  By nyfo - June 1 - 12:53 pm

  Purchased this vehicle coming from M6 through E63 AMG. Although M6 is very fast, SMG tranny is HORRIBLE in real life. AMG is an absolute MB service dream (8 weeks in service out of 6 months of ownership). So after browsing 911, SLK and boxter - I decided to go with the Z4. Hardtop convertible is awesome. Features, although very pricey (base $52k, mine $66K) are all there. Handling, although criticized, is very adequate. This car is not built to be driven on track only, it is a very comfortable sports car adaptation to real life conditions. Highway cruising feels like a 7. Thumbs up, BMW, cant wipe the smile off my face every time I drive it! Bi turbo is a mast, base model lacks power, etc.

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  Thrills - 2011 BMW Z4
  By Thrills - December 5 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Z4 that my wife and I have owned.Had the first one 7 years and not one problem.This Z4IS is more comfortable. It has much more power. I drive pretty sporty and it gets 29 MPG.Get lots of thumbs up.

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  Near-perfect roadster - 2011 BMW Z4
  By Thom - November 2 - 2:00 am

  After several 3-series coupes this is my first ever roadster. Although inherently impractical, it is much fun to drive - I love the throaty growl and sharp steering turn-in.

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  The perfect roadster - 2011 BMW Z4
  By J. R. Leonard - August 19 - 8:42 pm

  I took BMW Performance Center delivery of my 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i. That means that for four on-track hours BMW race drivers taught me how to explore safely the limits if a Z4 identical to the one I was purchasing. That experience and teaching has made my ownership much more pleasurable and rewarding than it ever could have been otherwise. I cannot recommend it too highly. The Z4 is a classic roadster and as such is completely at home on the country roads and Blue Ridge Parkway of my home state. The exhaust note is wonderful, nostalgic, echoing Healeys of old. The engine power is more than adequate and the driving experience, top up or top down, is immensely pleasurable. BMW got this car right!

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  2011 Z4 35i rocks! - 2011 BMW Z4
  By wahoo - June 2 - 12:31 pm

  I have had this car for three days and I love everything about it. Styling is beautiful, the cockpit is so roomy that you do not feel like you are in a two-seater at all, visibility is very good also. The retractable hard top is a big plus, I was always turned off by rag tops or having to stow a removable hardtop, this is the perfect solution. I did not want to give up the luxuries and conveniences of my larger car and I didnt, this car is loaded with all of the "bells and whistles". Performance is amazing, this is my first BMW and it is an "ultimate driving machine". Last night I tried the sport transmission for the first time and it floored me!