Automedia Car

The 2010 BMW Z4 sees no major changes following its redesign for the 2009 model year. Z4 seats 2 and comes as a convertible with a power-retractable hard top. Z4 comes in two trim levels, each with a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. The sDrive30i has 255 horsepower, while the sDrive35i is turbocharged and has 300 horsepower. Both have a standard 6-speed manual transmission. A 6-speed automatic is optional on the sDrive30i. A 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual that behaves much like an automatic is optional on the sDrive35i. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and side airbags that provide head and torso protection. BMW's Dynamic Drive Control, which allows drivers to alter throttle, traction control, and steering response, is included as part of the optional Sport Package. The Sport Package also includes adjustable shock-absorber control and 18-inch run-flat tires. Leather upholstery and automatic climate control are optional on the sDrive30i and standard on the sDrive35i. A navigation system is optional. The optional "through-loading" system includes a luggage pass-through for skis or golf bags to the passenger compartment.

2010 Bmw Z4 interior
2010 Bmw Z4 artist
2010 Bmw Z4 spy
2010 Bmw Z4

The 2011 BMW Z4 ranks 7 out of 8 Luxury Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 33 published reviews and test drives of the BMW Z4, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

For 2011, the BMW Z4 amps up its aggression with the introduction of a new sports-tuned trim and an M Sport Package. Last year, the BMW Z4 was named a finalist in Motor Trend's showdown for "Car of the Year." With this year’s upgrades, it might just take the cake.

The 2011 BMW Z4 is sleek, sexy, luxurious and powerful. Its handling dynamics aren’t as sports-oriented as class leaders, but it makes a stellar choice for folks more interested in luxury than all-out sports performance. In fact, Edmunds writes, "Sleek styling, a high-class interior and plenty of performance combine to make the 2011 BMW Z4 one of the most desirable luxury roadsters available."

For 2011, BMW enhances the Z4’s sports performance with M Sport Packages available for both the Z4 sDrive30i and sDrive35i. Plus, BMW introduces a whole new trim -- the Z4 sDrive35is, which features more power and greater sports handling. It’s unlikely that the 2011 BMW Z4’s upgrades will enable it to overtake the Porsche Boxster, but they sure makes the compromise between luxury and sports performance easier to swallow.
Other Sports Cars to Consider

The 2011 BMW Z4 will leave the majority of shoppers in the market for a luxury sports roadster satisfied -- especially with the all-new Z4 sDrive35is. It’s still as luxurious as before, but with the added bonus of greater sports performance.

Still, shoppers serious about road and track performance should consider the Boxster, the convertible sibling of the highly-acclaimed Porsche Cayman. The Boxster costs roughly the same as the 2011 BMW Z4, but its performance dynamics are more in tune with the road -- which makes for tighter handling. The Boxster also provides loads of more cargo room, making it a more practical buy. Just note that while the 2011 BMW Z4's standard hardtop is retractable, the Boxster's is optional and must be manually removed.
Details: 2011 BMW Z4

The BMW Z4 was last redesigned in 2009. The 2011 model is available in three trims, the sDrive30i, sDrive35i and sports-tuned Z4 sDrive35is. It features a standard retractable hardtop that lowers in just 20 seconds.

* "Z4 is a reasonably practical daily driver convertible, and a capable two-seat sports car for enthusiasts. Sweet 6-cylinder engines, a classy interior, and a rewarding driving experience are among the Z4's compelling traits. These cars are pricey, so careful navigation of the options list will deliver the best value." -- Consumer Guide
* "The new interior is more visually pleasing, and includes a slew of comfort and usability improvements." -- Left Lane News
* "We'd still love to see an M edition of this Z4 (maybe they'd call it simply ‘Z4 M’ ... wouldn't that be novel?), but the new sDrive35is is a suitable flag-waver, no matter what, if anything, comes next." -- Automobile Magazine
* "Enthusiasts waiting for an ‘M’ version of the new-style Z4 Roadster will have to keep waiting. But for those who feel the new Z4 only needs minor sporting attention, well, your car will arrive at BMW dealers in the spring of 2010. Dubbed the 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is, this 2-seat retractable hardtop boasts more power and torque, along with an M Sport-enhanced suspension and interior." -- Road and Track

Z4 Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)

Test drivers report that the 2011 BMW Z4 is fast and handles exceptionally well -- especially the all-new performance-tuned sDrive35is trim. Edmunds writes, "Trust us; it's a lot cooler than its clunky name sounds, boasting 35 additional horsepower from the 35i's twin-turbo inline-6, enhanced steering and an M Sport package that adds adaptive suspension dampers, 18-inch wheels, an aerodynamic exterior kit and sport seats." Still, some critics complain that the 2011 BMW Z4’s steering lacks proper feedback. Read More
Z4 Exterior - 9.3 (Excellent)

The Z4’s exterior was revised in 2009 to look sleeker and more luxurious. "Many of the polarizing features of the previous Z4's design have been toned-down, amounting to a much more elegant look," writes Left Lane News. While other 2011 BMW Z4 trims look just like the 2010 model, the new sDrive35is features slight exterior revisions that make it stand out. An automatic retractable hardtop is standard on all trims. Read More
Z4 Interior - 8.5 (Very Good)

Compared to the last generation BMW Z4, the 2011 model features higher-quality materials, more passenger room and enhanced convenience features. "Overall, the interior appears to have moved decidedly more upscale, especially when equipped with the optional leather-wrapped dash" writes Automobile Magazine. BMW’s iDrive system has even been tweaked to make it less complicated. Read More
Z4 Safety - NA

Though the 2011 BMW Z4 hasn't yet been crash tested, it features loads of assuring safety technology -- including a Dual-airbag Supplementary Restraint System. Plus, critics point out, its windows are larger than the previous-generation Z4 -- so blind spots are kept to a minimum. Read More
Z4 Reliability - NA

The 2011 BMW Z4 carries a four-year/50,000-mile warranty that includes all scheduled maintenance at no cost for the same period.

BMW North America has just released the U.S pricing for the new 2009 BMW Z4. As expected, there is a price increase over the previous Z4 generation, but still significantly lower than the German pricing.

The BMW Z4 is all new for 2010, and the updated roadster will be ready for production later this spring.

BMW gave the Z4 sleeker sheet metal, a folding hard top, and upgraded powertrains, but the biggest change could be to its price tag. Buyers looking for a new Z4 can expect to plunk down $46,575.


That's a big jump from the base $36,700 of the 2008 Z4, which packed less power and less road presence. The 46 large is also exactly the same price as the Z4's nemesis; the Porsche Boxster.

The 2010 model will net you a 258-horsepower inline six capable of hitting 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The base Bimmer will also come standard with leatherette seating surfaces (upgrading to Kansas leather tacks on another $1,250).

The 306-horsepower, twin-turbo Z4 sDrive35i will cost a whole lot more, with a starting price of $52,475, including destination and handling.



The 2008 Z4 M was a bit cheaper at $50,400 and carried more power, but the 2010 car's higher torque numbers make for an equally-quick droptop, as evidenced by its 5.1 second 0-60 time with the dual-clutch gear box.


Options abound for the Z4, and they're both expensive and confusing. Bundles include a Premium package at $3,900, or $2,800 when also ordering the $2,300 Sport package, which is $1,900 when also going premium.

You can also get a performance 19-inch tire and wheel package for $1,200, but only if you purchase the sDrive35i and the Sport package. A seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox can be had on the 35i for $1,525.