Used 2011 BMW Z4 for sale 

Three trims are on offer for the new BMW Z4 namely 30i, 35i, and 35is. Among the features included as standard equipment are automatic xenon headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and one-touch power windows. Some of the optional features for the Z4 include an iPod interface for the audio system, front and rear parking sensors, and a push-button start. Most other options are bundled in packages. 

The Sport package adds 18-inch wheels with performance run-flat tires, adjustable suspension, and sport seats. Included in the Premium package are automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather interior, and seats with adjustable lumbar support. 

Buying Advice

Go for the sDrive35i trim if you want to feel good road presence with enough power on the punch. If you can spend a couple of extra thousands, look for the all-new 35is trim. Its 335-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine, cool interior changes, and stylish good design will make sure you don’t get your money wasted. 

There are two engines offered for the BMW Z4. A 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine rated at 255 horsepower powers the 30i trim while the more expensive 35i trim features a 300-horsepower twin-turbocharged version of the base engine. The engine on the base trim is paired with a six-speed manual while the 35i trim uses a six-speed automatic. The heart of the sDrive35is is more powerful. It gets a 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine that churns out 335 horses and 332 pound-feet of torque. It is tied to a quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. 

With ultra-quick upshifts and perfectly-matched downshifts, the Z4’s dual-clutch transmission offers the sporty feel and control of a manual with the clutchless convenience of an automatic. This trim level comes with an adaptive suspension that makes this car feel pretty playful on the corners. It also has a really great exhaust on. That’s facilitated by the dual exhaust system, so it really sings on the track. 

The Z4 continues to deliver the excellent steering feel and high handling limits found in previous versions but with a noticeable improvement in ride comfort. While the base engine is no slouch, the sporty sound, impressive responsiveness, and strong acceleration of the 35i trims turbocharged engine makes it hard to pass up. 

Although the Audi TT Convertible produces 43 horses less than the Z4, it goes head-on-head with it in this competition. The Mercedes-Benz SLK300 is good in terms of acceleration but is quite slow in the drag test. Meanwhile, the Volvo C70 is the slowest contender in this segment and stands in the last place. 

Fuel economy is pretty good in the BMW Z4 only with the base engine. With the base engine, the Z4 returns city fuel economy numbers in the high teens and highway numbers in the high 20s. The more powerful turbocharged engine reduces the economy to mid-teens in the city and mid-20s on the highway. 

The BMW Z4 offers good fuel numbers for its small fuel tank. Even the Audi TT Convertible offers an impressive combined mileage of 26 mpg. With just 23 mpg combined, the Volvo C70 is on a decent level but the Mercedes-Benz SLK300 has the worst fuel estimates in this competition.

Slip into the driver’s seat and it’s hard to imagine a much nicer place from which to view the passing scenery. The modern design and inviting materials of the Z4’s interior convey a strong sense of quality. The seats provide good support for aggressive driving and excellent comfort for extended touring. The standard manual seat adjustment is kinda odd for a vehicle with a starting greater than $46,000. The trunk space in the Z4 is quite good at least with the top raised. 

With the top lowered, the two-piece roof occupies much of the trunk leaving a modest but still useful for smaller luggage. With the retractable hardtop raised, interior noise in the Z4 is comparable to that of a coupe. Outward visibility is similarly good With the top and windows lowered, the cabin becomes a windy and noisy place. Things quiet down with the windows raised but wind wind-buffeting is still a concern for occupants who don’t like the windblown look. 

The Volvo C70 has an advantage over its rivals. It offers an extra two seats for adults but the legroom can be cramped for long leggers. Speaking of headroom, the BMW Z4 offers 39.1 inches which are class-leading. The cargo volume of the C70 is the best followed by the Mercedes-Benz SLK 300. Both Z4 and the Audi TT Roadster lack in this section. Some cool interior features include:

• The leather steering wheel and shift knob
• 6-way manually-adjustable driver and passenger seat
• Metallic-tone accents
• Leather upholstery
• Keyless entry

How intuitive is the 2011 BMW Z4’s infotainment system?

Included with the navigation system is the BMW’s latest-generation iDrive vehicle interface which is far more intuitive than previous versions. Thanks to the crisp graphics, viewing the directions is made easy. Audiophiles can upgrade for a premium sound system otherwise purists can enjoy the beautiful harmony of the car with the top lowered. Some other features include:

• Auxiliary audio input
• CD player with mp3 playback
• HD radio
• AM/FM stereo
• Satellite radio
• Radio data system

With the rear-end similar to the 6 Series Coupe and sculpted hood and headlights reminiscent of the 3 Series, its designers have left little doubt that the Z4 is a member of the BMW family. Lineage aside, the Z4 is a fast and refined sports car that looks apart. Classic roadster proportions define the shape of the Z4 with a long hood, short rear decklid, and a low-wide stance.

Unlike the previous generations, ultra-modern creased bodywork, the Z4 opts for a sleeker, more understated appearance. This isn’t to say that the Z4 lacks visual impact as its sculpted body projects a desirable image of sporty sophistication. 

Compared to the other three rivals, the 103-inch wheelbase of the Volvo C70 is the widest. Hence, it has more rear legroom. At just 161.5 inches, the Mercedes-Benz SLK 300 is the shortest convertible in this segment. For a convertible, a ground clearance of 5.5 inches is quite high. Some of the other exterior highlights are:

• Body-colored door handles
• Dual exhaust tips
• Heated and power mirrors
• HID headlamps
• HID DRLs
• Adaptive tail lights

Both NHTSA and IIHS have neglected to test the new BMW Z4. But that’s not a concern because adding a retractable rooftop is no less safe. The Z4 features front and side-impact airbags and seatbelts. Also adding to the safety of the Z4 are dual steel roll bars that help protect occupants in the rollover. Some of the top safety features included in this car are:

• Brake Assist
• Cornering brake control
• Electronic brake-force distribution
• Rollover Protection System
• Emergency interior trunk release
• Anti-Theft Alarm System
• Engine Immobilizer
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

If you are in the market for a quick, luxurious, and reasonably comfortable two-seater convertible, we think you’ll like the BMW Z4. Some buyers may find the Z4’s more than $46,000 base price a bit out of reach, For them, we suggest less-expensive convertibles like the Mazda MX-5 and the Nissan 370Z.