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2011 BMW Z4 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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It’s a hell of a burden building the Ultimate Driving Machine. When you’re wearing that badge, good is simply never good enough, and it was perhaps with this in mind that BMW introduced a new trim into its celebrated Z4 lineup – the sDrive35is.
BWM uses this laborious naming system to designate the three engines offered in the Z4 stable, with sDrive30i and sDrive35i rounding out the group. Since even the base powerplant - an inline 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 255 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque – is quite a performer, the addition of forced induction in the remaining trims can only mean more fun in a compact package.
And that package is a rear-wheel-drive, two-door, hardtop convertible originally designed by a Dane and built by Germans in the American South. Since the second generation, when this Deutsche drop-top received a hard shell for the roof, the Z4 has been assembled at the Resenburg, Germany, plant, but originally the Z4 was built down in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The move back home was fitting for the Z4, in the spirit of keeping your enemies, namely the Porsche Boxster, Mercedes SLK, and Audi TT, close.
So how has BMW decided to slay these enemies? First, it turbocharged the 3.0-liter for 300 hp and lb-ft of torque and called it the sDrive35i. Even more important than the power figures are when they show up, 5,800 and 1,400 rpm, respectively. For torque, that’s 1,200 rpm quicker than baby brother, and that makes a much bigger difference in seat-of-your-pants performance than the extra horsepower and torque would alone.
But when you have giants to slay, and the competition are surely that, it never hurts to bring a big sword. In this case, BMW brought two in the form of the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter of the sDrive35is. With better breathing, a new exhaust, and a higher boost profile, the 35is offers 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, with an extra 37 lb-ft just waiting to be accessed via the overboost function. That will rocket her to 60 mph in a claimed 4.7 seconds, already a half-second faster than the Boxster S, but testers have been finding real-world figures to be closer to 4.5 seconds.
But this is all concentrating on the wrong things. Sure, the engines are all superb, regardless of forced induction or natural aspiration. The real strong suit of any BMW should always be handling. Accordingly, the sDrive35is gets as standard what the other Z4 trims have to pay for, the M Sport Package. This drops the suspension almost a half-inch and adds adaptive suspension dampers and stiffer springs, 18-inch alloys, front and rear air dams with rear diffuser, a 155-mph top speed, and M features throughout the interior. While this means lots of M badging all around, it also means you’ll get 10-way adjustable sport seats with power bolster adjustment and the M steering wheel that fits larger hands so very well. The sDrive35is also gets unique programming for both the electronic steering and the standard, seven-speed double-clutch transmission, which itself utilizes a dual-mass flywheel for added durability. While the sDrive30i gets to choose between a six-speed manual or automatic, the 35i gets the choice of the double-clutch seven-speed instead of the six-speed automatic. And all Z4s get Driving Dynamics Control, which allows for unique shifting, throttle, and suspension profiles, marked as Normal, Sport, and Sport+.
But it’s more than just performance that makes the Z4 a winner in the roadster segment - it’s the perceived practicality of the vehicle that really cements its station. In 20 seconds, you can go from a convertible to a hardtop, and with its large rear quarter windows, the Z4 manages to avoid the blind spots that plague so many convertibles. It even offers 8 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk and a well deep enough to hold a set of golf clubs. The interior itself betrays more of a touring car ambiance rather than straight sports car, with upscale materials and wood trim throughout. Some testers have noticed an issue with the audio display when wearing polarized glasses, however, as anything but a direct view completely washes out the screen.
Still, that’s a small complaint for such a venerated vehicle. BMW owners are a picky group, and as likely to turn on their own manufacturer as they are a competitor, but there’s really not much to complain about here. Yes, the sticker price isn’t exactly limbo-low, but the ROI is demonstrable in performance, quality, technology, and luxury. The new sDrive35is only further rounds out the total model profile and acts as a worthy supplicant to the short-lived Z4 M. Topless giants of Mercedes, Audi, and yes, even Porsche, beware, for the giant-killer awaits.
Published May 31, 2022 by Michael Perkins
User reviews for 2011 BMW Z4
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Oct 09, 2023
This car is destined to become a future classic. Drives beautifully, great acceleration and most of all a great deal of fun, especially with the manual transmission. Very well engineered, with ample features for every drivers needs. A great buy!Oct 09, 2023
by Keith H
Jan 29, 2023
I purchase a 2006 BMW Z4 two and a half years ago. I love driving it but it is a 2006 and eventually older cars need work. But for the past two years, its been an awesome car to drive and a lot of fun... Hows the commercial electrician I have to drive to Daytona Beach and back from Orlando. I have to drive back and forth to Kennedy Space Center, working for SpaceX. I had to drive back and forth from Orlando to Bartow. This car never left me stranded on the side of the road. It still has a lot of life left in it. I own it I made my last payment 6 or 7 months ago, instead of fixing the bearings and put another head gasket in it, which I will eventually do, I would rather purchase another car first... This was my first BMW and I have only good things to say about it. I only drive sports cars and this was a fun one, to say the least. But I would like to upgrade to something a little newer and maybe a little faster.Jan 29, 2023
by Dave H
Jan 21, 2023
Great styling and interior comforts. This generation has a wider track and better ride handling. Jan 21, 2023
User rating:
by Anonymous
Oct 09, 2023
This car is destined to become a future classic. Drives beautifully, great acceleration and most of all a great deal of fun, especially with the manual transmission. Very well engineered, with ample features for every drivers needs. A great buy!Oct 09, 2023
by Keith H
Jan 29, 2023
I purchase a 2006 BMW Z4 two and a half years ago. I love driving it but it is a 2006 and eventually older cars need work. But for the past two years, its been an awesome car to drive and a lot of fun... Hows the commercial electrician I have to drive to Daytona Beach and back from Orlando. I have to drive back and forth to Kennedy Space Center, working for SpaceX. I had to drive back and forth from Orlando to Bartow. This car never left me stranded on the side of the road. It still has a lot of life left in it. I own it I made my last payment 6 or 7 months ago, instead of fixing the bearings and put another head gasket in it, which I will eventually do, I would rather purchase another car first... This was my first BMW and I have only good things to say about it. I only drive sports cars and this was a fun one, to say the least. But I would like to upgrade to something a little newer and maybe a little faster.Jan 29, 2023
by Dave H
Jan 21, 2023
Great styling and interior comforts. This generation has a wider track and better ride handling. Jan 21, 2023
by Solomon M
Dec 27, 2022
Not a good deal founded several flaws price better at a sale price of $10,000 or less too many miles over for the priceDec 27, 2022
by Bernard E
Dec 27, 2022
Nice clean vehicle...You will not find another one this clean.Dec 27, 2022
by Aldo C
Jun 12, 2022
Better colours contrast inside
Nicer wheels would help
Different place for the antenna Jun 12, 2022
by Gary L
Apr 21, 2022
I loved the auto shift with paddles on the steering wheel. The top worked great. The mileage was low. I did have problems getting in and out of the vehicle because it is so low. Great first impression.Apr 21, 2022
by J C
Aug 10, 2021
I saw it i drove 160 miles to test drive it and o love it . Good price and was as expected. Beautiful car . It had 500 more miles than advertised . So far I’m happy with it . Cute powerful sorts car!! Aug 10, 2021
by Ron K
Jul 13, 2021
Very nicely designed, but the cars length is still a bit too short for me compared to Vettes, Jags, Supras and Vipers. Jul 13, 2021
by Anonymous
Jun 04, 2021
excellent véhicule. Agréable à conduire durant les mois dété. Jun 04, 2021
by Bret W
May 04, 2021
It has everything you need and nothing that you don’t. May 04, 2021
by Anonymous
Apr 07, 2021
Love the car. I always wanted a convertible. Mercedes compare. Good Value. Awesome color.
Backup mirror not sure it has this . We need to read up on this feature.Apr 07, 2021
by Herman R
Feb 07, 2021
It’s definitely a step up compared to the older e85 model Z4.
I might consider to get the newer e89 model Z4 Feb 07, 2021
by edward p
Oct 26, 2020
Rare car. Difficult to find. Will appreciate in the future. Oct 26, 2020
by Ken W
Jun 01, 2020
Great looking, sporty, fast and loud. Perfect! Jun 01, 2020
by Anonymous
Apr 20, 2015
Great car, fun to drive and gets the attention of everyone around. Great summer car. The power Hardtop is a plus for noise. It also has heated seats that are awesome in cold weather. Great GPS built in and is easy to program.Apr 20, 2015
by Nico S
Jan 04, 2011
Miren todos el muy buen auto que tengo, en realidad la foto, la seque de internet,
y el auto lo invente, y si, no sean pelotudos, como voy a tener un BMW Z4
sDrive35is, saben lo que es esa maquina?Jan 04, 2011
by Henry C
Aug 18, 2010
I like this car! This is a cool car! A 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35i! Performance is good, so is Build Quality, and about Fun factor, yes it is! That is a review of my car! Bye! Typed by Henry Nova.
Aug 18, 2010
What users have asked
2011 Z4 manual transmission, how to display the gear changes ?
I want to see the gear changes in the display. I had it before but it looks like I did something and now I can’t put it back. Can someone help me with this?
40 views
Sellers response
Why are we not receiving any response from private sellers as to location and time for a test drive?
9 views
Red light bulb on reat view mirror.
What is the purpose of the Red Light Bulb attached to the bottom of the rear view mirror on my 2011 Z4 35is?
386 views
2011 Z435is ride performance
I bought a BMW Z4 35is last month. Great car except for the ride. I have been in ancient trucks with bare tires that ride better than the Z. The car feels every bump, crack and hole in the road and seems to have no shock absorption at all. Is this the ride I should expect?
75 views
Top Comparisons
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2011 BMW Z4 Pricing
Original MSRP
$47,450 to $62,500Price range
$17,105 to $17,673Average price on CG
$17,105YoY price change
$17,542 to $17,105Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: deactivation switch · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Gauges color: white-faced · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Headlights: HID · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 8
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top
Safety
Parking sensors: front and rear
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport · Heated: mulitlevel · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: deactivation switch · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Gauges color: white-faced · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: cornering · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 8
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top
Safety
Parking sensors: front and rear
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather/alcantara
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: deactivation switch · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · XM or Sirius satellite radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 8
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top
Safety
Parking sensors: front and rear
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: mulitlevel · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing