Car Review: 2011 BMW Z4

A Thrilling Drivetrain

Complementing the handling is a wonderful twin-turbo inline-six-cylinder engine that teams with BMW’s seven-speed double-clutch transmission. While I’d still like to have the choice of a traditional manual transmission — it’s available only on the lower Z4 trim levels — this gearbox is so good you forget about stick shifts altogether.

The transmission always seems to be in the right gear, and it executes incredibly quick shifts that happen in a snap of your fingers. Matched with the 335-horsepower inline-six, the sDrive35is can go from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, according to BMW. Whether you leave the transmission in Drive or move the gear selector to its Sport mode, which lets the engine rev higher before shifting gears, the sDrive35is has a high-strung quality about it. It’s the automotive equivalent of a Super Ball bouncing around a small room.

The engine sounds great, too. The sDrive35is has a specially tuned exhaust system that results in a louder exhaust sound overall, but there’s also a lot of crackling and popping noises emanating from the dual tailpipes that make this Z4 sound like it has an aftermarket exhaust.

The sDrive35is gets an EPA-estimated 17/24 mpg city/highway and takes premium gas.

Convertible Commentary

With its 2009 redesign, the Z4 went from soft-top roadster and hardtop coupe body styles to a retractable-hardtop roadster, which theoretically offers the best of both worlds. It takes about 25 seconds from start to finish to lower or raise the fully powered roof, which is operated by switches in front of the console gear selector. The top stows in the upper portion of the trunk, above a movable partition that reserves enough luggage space for a few soft bags when the top is down.

In terms of chassis rigidity, the contrast between the Z4 and BMW’s other retractable hardtop, the 3 Series convertible, is unmistakable. While the 3 Series droptop exhibits noticeable body shudder when traveling on bumpy roads with the top down, the Z4 is solid, without a hint of flex in the windshield frame and no squeaks. It goes to show the advantage that dedicated convertibles like the Z4 have over ones that are based on coupes.

Noise, however, can be a problem in the Z4. With the hardtop over your head and the windows up, there’s a fair amount of road noise in the cabin at highway speeds — so much, in fact, that you may have to raise your voice when talking to the person sitting next to you. Cruising on the highway with the top down, road noise is replaced by wind noise and general wind buffeting.

The Inside

Compared with the previous generation’s austere cabin, the current Z4’s interior is more welcoming. The two-seat cabin remains quite cozy, and that might be a problem for especially tall drivers. I’m 6-foot-1 and had to move the seat nearly all the way back to get comfortable, and I would have reclined the seat a little more had it not been for the rear bulkhead behind me.

What’s a little unusual is that the sDrive35is doesn’t come with standard power seats (they’re optional), which many potential customers will likely expect considering the car’s starting price — regardless of any weight savings the manual seats may offer.

The manual seats have a range of adjustments, including seat tilt and thigh support, but the always important height adjustment doesn’t work completely when you’re sitting down; you can lower the seat cushion, but you have to climb out of the car — or otherwise take your weight off the seat — to raise it. Like the cabin itself, the seats are snug — some might call them restrictive — but the lateral support they provide is appreciated when cornering. The side bolsters are adjustable.

The Z4’s trunk measures 8 cubic feet with the top up and the movable partition out of the way. If you plan on traveling with the top down, bring soft luggage; the partition saves enough room for a few overnight bags below the lowered roof. That’s especially valuable, as storage space in the cabin is practically nonexistent.

Safety

Standard safety features include antilock brakes, side-impact airbags, an electronic stability system and roll bars behind each of the seats.