2011 BMW Z4 Reviews

The BMW Z3 and Z4 are genuine roadsters, not simply convertibles. The difference being that roadsters are strictly two-seaters and the seats are set well back, almost to the rear axle. The resulting very long nose and a stubby tail mean the BMW Z-cars have a no-nonsense purposeful appearance.The BMW Z3 was launched in Australia way back in January 1997. It was BMW’s answer to the astonishing success of the Mazda MX-5, a car that reinvented the open-top car many thought had gone forever. Despite its different name, the BMW Z4 is really the second-generation Z3, it was given the new title to match the new naming system which sees the sporty variants getting even numbers.The Z series models were initially designed for the USA so in the early editions are rather American in their makeup for keen Aussie drivers. In particular, their handling was softer than usual for a BMW, though far from soft in absolute terms. When the Z3 also became a hit in many other countries, including Australia, the handling became full-on sport with the introduction of the Z4.The first Australian imports of the BMW Z4 reached us downunder in July 2003. Handling of the Z4 is exceptionally good with excellent chassis balance thanks to the setback position of the engine. Naturally rear wheel drive gives you proper throttle control. Some may feel the ride is on the firm side, but true drivers will be more than willing to overlooks this.Perhaps take along your regular passenger and get their feelings for the car on roughish roads. Though the little BMW began life with a 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine, the German marque is famed for its six-cylinder engines and these were soon squeezed under the long bonnet and almost immediately became the powerplant of choice in almost all cars.In June 1999 imports of the 1.9-litre four had ceased in Australia and all used a sweet little 2.0-litre straight-six. The big gun engine in the Z3 is the 3.0-litre six-cylinder. Performance from the smaller engines is nothing to get excited about, but the free-revving nature, and great exhaust note, makes them feel faster than they really are – and isn’t that what counts?BMW Z4s have a 2.5 or 3.0-litre straight-six from their 2003 introduction until the company started to get into the small-capacity turbocharged field with blown four-cylinder engines. Some sixes remained alongside the turbo-petrol fours until 2012, when they were replaced by big-boost turbo fours. Some miss the demise of the straight-six turbo engines – ourselves included – so if you really love them it might be time to invest in the last of the line.A special engine is used in the Z4 33i models. A 3.0-litre twin-turbo six, it gives huge amounts of forward thrust and is a delight for the revheads to punt along. Manual and automatic transmission are offered in most cars and the auto isn’t as slow and irritating as in some sports models. Our choice is still the DIY shifter, though.Manuals have six gear ratios. The autos increased in the number of gears, beginning with just four speeds in 1997 and advancing to no fewer than eight in 2012, with five and six speeds being sold along the timeline. The BMW dealer network is well established in Australia and is known for its high quality of technical training.Electronic diagnosis of problems is highly refined as BMW was a leader in this field. The technician plugs in your car and it is then connected to a large computer in Germany where it is quizzed not only on current problems but even in intermittent troubles that aren’t actually present in the car at the time it was driven into the workshop. Clever stuff.This high-tech diagnoses and servicing is just one reason it makes a lot of sense to buy a used Z3 or Z4 that has always been serviced by an official BMW dealer. Spare parts aren't outrageously expensive for a car in this class, but may prove to be a factor in your decision as to whether to buy an older Z4 rather than a cheaper convertible from a lower-cost maker.Insurance may be expensive if the driver is young and/or inexperienced. Surprisingly there is seldom a big increase in premiums for the high-performance models.WHAT TO LOOK FORCarry out your own pre-purchase inspection to the best of your ability. Once it has passed your tests call your BMW dealer, or at least a qualified mechanic with knowledge of the marque. Lift the carpets for signs of dampness or even rust if the car has been caught out in the rain in a big way. It’s best to ask permission from the seller before doing this as technically it’s dismantling the car and that is often frowned upon.Check for previous crash repairs by looking for signs of paint overspray, panels with a slight waviness in their finish and for colours that don't match exactly from one panel to the next. Make sure the engine starts virtually instantly, idles smoothly within a second or so of startup and pulls without hesitation even when completely cold.CAR BUYING TIPSome sports cars are ‘fanged’ on a daily basis, others never get past the mid-range marks on the tacho. No marks for guessing which is the better bet as a used car. 

There's always a bit left over when you divide six by four. For BMW's Z4 20i what's left is a lighter, nimbler roadster that uses 20 per cent less fuel than its six-cylinder predecessor. It still hammers harder than a nailgun and its pose value is up there with Miranda Kerr in a Victoria's Secret outfit.The Beatles reckoned money can't buy you love. Z4 buyers will disagree. Owners will adore it and others will lust after it, so the $77,000 starting price is pretty much irrelevant.That cash buys a 135kW/270Nm direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder that is a better engine in every aspect than the in-line six-cylinder it replaces. It is housed in a hardtop roadster that spins heads as quickly as the twin-scroll turbo spools up. Spend another $12,500 and the same engine is fettled to produce 180kW/350Nm in the Z4 sDrive 28i.Brake energy regeneration is standard on most European cars these days - it recharges the high-output battery and lets it deal with the on-demand ancillary systems rather than have them suck power and petrol from the engine. It is the engine that does the job, though.A decent run in the base Z4 saw it use just 8.0 litres/100km. Sporty cars - the 20i hits 100km/h from rest in 6.9 seconds - aren't meant to be that efficient, especially not when they're being pushed. Push the button to drop the top and cruise and the fuel figure will fall accordingly.The original Z3 was derided for its soft looks. The same can't be said for the Z4. It's a classic roadster style with a bonnet you can land a small plane on arching up to a curved roof and stumpy tail. BMW says there's 180 litres of space in the boot, but you'll be buying bags from Ikea to fit - flat-pack is the name of the game.A smarter option is to lift the plastic cowl in the rear and not drop the top until you reach your destination. That then gives 310 litres of much more practical space. Put the bags in your room and then you can go topless.The expected safety systems are all there ... and then there's the options list for those who want the best of everything. That runs from adaptive headlights with a high-beam assist that automatically dims the light for approaching vehicles to adaptive cruise control, parking sensors and emergency phone calls.The basic structure is a five-star vehicle - the roof is effectively a rollover hoop and there are pop-up bars behind the seats if things go pear-shaped with the lid down, while four airbags cushion the blow.City running in the Z4 shows a lot of work has gone into keeping the interior quiet. There's a mild mechanical turbine whine from standstill but it is all pretty muted until you stand on the go-pedal. Then it snarls and gets down to business. The manual gearbox is notchier than most Beemers but the throw is precise.Given how good the eight-speed auto is, though, I'd seriously consider spending another $3500 to have it. Blaspemy? Not in this day of computerised nano-second gearchanges and steering wheel paddle-shifts. The button next to the gearshift has Comfort, Sport and Sport+ settings for the suspension, steering, throttle response etc.Keep away from Sport+ - it loosens the stability control and makes the rear end twitchier than a bridgroom on the wedding day, despite the claimed 52/48 weight distribution. Sport is the sweet spot for the Z4 and coupled with the spot-on steering makes this an engaging drive rather than a too-entertaining one.

We weren't fans of the first Z4 - too many disparate angles to the sheetmetal, too short in the rump and long in the snout, too retro around the grille and headlights.  Went OK though.That's been fixed with the latest model - an altogether more appealing shape, sleek, elegant and muscular all rolled into one and with a hardtop to boot. The best of both worlds.  Topping out the Z4 range is a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight six called the 35is.It's complete with a seven-speed, twin-clutch "manumatic" transmission that functions as a full auto or a sequential manual through paddles on the wheel or via the stick shift.The price is a sobering $129,900 but you have to remember this car competes with the likes of Porsche's Boxster S at five grand more, the Benz SLK55 AMG at a lot more and plenty of others.  The Bimmer stacks up well no matter which way you cut it.Performance is strong thanks to the 250kW/500Nm twin-turbo six cylinder. That's enough to propel the 1525kg Z4 from 0-100kmh in a scant 4.8 seconds or exactly the same as the BMW M3 coupe.  It does this while consuming fuel at the combined rate of 9.0-litres/100km.The twin-turbo arrangement uses two small turbines that spool up quickly pressurising air going into three cylinders apiece. It gets around any lag and delivers near maximum torque at a low 1500rpm.There's launch control to get off the mark as quickly as possible and a range of electronic systems to keep everything in check, much of it switchable.The 35is version is differentiated by its more aggressive aero kit, 18-inch alloys and adaptive suspension that can lower the ride height by 10mm. It also has a whole swag of goodies including premium audio bixenons, stop/start button and automatic aircon.The cruise control system features a braking function.  Inside is a study in leather, aluminium and carbon fibre fascia tastefully and functionally arranged.It has regenerative braking and high beam assist as well as adaptive headlights and park assist front and rear.  Bluetooth is part of the package as well as large format navigation with voice control.It's a super thing to drive, sharp, responsive, engaging, sounds unbelievable and makes you feel like you're in a race car.  Obviously in a car as powerful and low slung as this, corners are a piece of cake at almost any speed - aided and abetted by large brakes and wide tyres.The ride can be dialled up to anything between plush to sporty firm which was controlled  and comfortable enough for us to select all the time.Actually getting into a car this low does at times cause a problem, especially in tight spaces when you have to basically drop into the seat because the large doors can't be opened far enough - ouch.But worth the discomfort for the drive experience.  The Z4 35is is an impressive rear wheel drive sports car that can be made roofless in a short time to give you the best of both worlds.