Reader Review of the Week: 2011 BMW Z4

"Rparmar” of Winchester, Va., recently purchased a new 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is, a new trim for the model year. This reader has a lot to say about the Bimmer, which sports a new twin-turbo six-cylinder. He enjoys the car’s perfect balance and fast speed, as well as how it looks with the top down and up. Continue reading the full review below. Once you’re done, share your comments about your own car here.

2012 BMW Lineup: Ch-Ch-Changes

For the 2012 model year, BMW has made iPod/USB integration virtually standard across its lineup. It used to be a pesky $400 option on most models. Also, BMW has reduced the cost of most of its transmissions, and in some cases, you can get either a manual or automatic at the same price. The new BMW Applications system, which is a $250 option across all models, adds Twitter, Facebook and internet radio support.

Continue reading below for more details:

2012 BMW Z4 to Offer Four-Cylinder Powertrain

A few months ago, BMW announced that a four-cylinder will re-enter the U.S. market, without mentioning the vehicles that will get the powertrain. Today, the automaker confirmed that its Z4 roadster will be the first convert to the inline-four.

The new Z4 trim is called sDrive28i, and it replaces the 2011 sDrive30i. BMW didn’t confirm whether the sDrive35i and sDrive35is will still be available with their turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder or if they will be discontinued. But we'd assume they will remain the top trim levels.

BMW Recalls 130,000 Cars after ABC News Report

BMW has just issued a recall of 130,000 cars featuring its twin-turbo six-cylinder engine because of a faulty fuel pump that can fail when the cars are driving at high speeds. The company and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received complaints about the cars going into a reduced-power or “limp home” mode, which allows drivers to safely pull off the road. It will also illuminate the “Service Engine Soon” light on the instrument panel.

Vehicles included in the recall include:

• 2007–2010 335i
• 2008–2010 135i, 535i and X6 xDrive35i sports activity coupes
• 2009–2010 Z4 Roadster sDrive35i

ABC News reported the problem this morning along with harrowing reports from concerned drivers. There have been no accidents or injuries due to the malfunctioning pump, BMW says. Many owners report having the part replaced numerous times.

Cars.com Reviews 2011 BMW Z4

The 2011 BMW Z4 lives up to the automaker’s “Ultimate Driving Machine” ethos, delivering great handling with an able transmission and powertrain that both sound good when doing their jobs, according to Cars.com editor Mike Hanley. Not much was lost, either, when BMW got rid of the soft-top/coupe body styles, Hanley says; the hardtop convertible fulfills both roles quite well. But the 2011 Z4 is pricier than its predecessor, costing nearly as much as a Porsche Boxster S. Can the BMW really compete with a Porsche? Read the full review to find out.

2011 BMW Z4

2011|BMW|Z4

Cars.com Podcast: 2011 BMW Z4, Subaru Outback, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

It’s a good week for talking about cars. Editors Mike Hanley, Kelsey Mays and Joe Wiesenfelder discuss what they liked about performance cars like the 2011 BMW Z4 and the awe-inspiring Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. They also tackle the more pedestrian — but still strong-selling — Subaru Outback. Hey,at least this Outback has the six-cylinder in it.

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2011 BMW Z4 Roadster Video

The 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is has more power and some interior styling changes to make it a truly engaging roadster. Cars.com editor Mike Hanley was lucky enough to get some track time with the Z4. He explains in this video why the 335-horsepower engine and playful handling make the Z4 a pleasure on the open road.

BMW Takes Cash Off Hood, Financing Deals Remain

 
If you’re looking to buy a BMW in the past month but didn’t get around to it, you missed out on some decent cash-back offers on popular 3 Series models and the Z4 Roadster, among others. Not to fear, though, because the German automaker is still offering sweetened financing deals.

Right now you can get 0.9% APR financing for 24 months on all models. That’s right: all models. This includes the all-new 7 Series (not to mention the buzz-generating 550 GT that Cars.com senior editor David Thomas is testing out right now).

If you’re thinking about buying, get on the ball this time. The offer expires June 30.

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is: First Look

• Competes with: Mercedes-Benz SLK, Audi S5
• Looks like: BMW’s new Z4 got better, with a worse name
• Drivetrain: 335-hp, twin-turbo six-cylinder with seven-speed double-clutch transmission
• Hits dealerships: May 2010

For 2011, BMW is adding a new trim level to its recently redesigned Z4 convertible hardtop roadster. A new 335-horsepower model with an adjustable sport suspension, which is borrowed from the company’s M lineup of performance cars, now sits atop the range. BMW has dubbed this model the Z4 sDrive35is. There’s also a Z4 sDrive30i and a Z4 sDrive35i, which has the same engine as the new 35is but puts out less power and doesn’t have the performance and body modifications of this new entry.

The sDrive35is gets a specially tuned exhaust, the M suspension that lowers the car 10 millimeters or a third of an inch, unique 18- or optional 19-inch wheels, matte aluminum trim and special silver side mirrors no matter the car’s exterior color.

The only reason we can tell this Z4 isn’t given an M designation is that the engine isn’t as powerful as the current Ms in the lineup, which bottoms out with the 414-hp M3. Even with the “paltry” power ratings, the Z4 sDrive35is is predicted to go from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

Pricing hasn’t been announced, but the 2010 Z4 sDrive 35i starts at $51,650; expect the “is” to cost more than that. More photos below.

BMW Offering Holiday Cash

The second that Halloween candy went on sale in stores, the Christmas decorations were rolled out. So it is for holiday incentive offers. Automakers like to associate them with winter, making a cash-back offer sound like a gift you’d find under the tree. Getting in on the act this year is BMW, which is offering at least $1,500 cash back on every 2010 model if you finance through BMW Credit.

Many models have $2,500 cash-back offers, and the two diesel BMWs, the 335d and the X5 xDrive 35d, still have $4,500 in cash back as the company is trying to push diesel onto luxury buyers. For a full list of the cash-back offers, click below. They expire Jan. 4, 2010, which should be in time for Valentine’s Day decorations to hit store shelves.