The sports car is not really BMW's thing. The company has tried to make one plenty of times, yet every attempt is greeted by widespread wailing and gnashing of teeth, as if it were somehow shameful that a company that has achieved such excellence in sport sedans should design two-door cars that drive like sport sedans.
Nevertheless, BMW has stepped up once again with another sports car, the 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is. We will see if the whingers (mostly British) complain yet again that a BMW doesn't feel like a Porsche, while offering no sound reason why it should.
It was a great relief to most of us when the introduction of the second-generation Z4 revealed a newly mature nature within this package that no longer tried to bludgeon you into submission with pretentions to sportiness. With the 255-horsepower Z4 sDrive30i and 300-hp Z4 sDrive35i, the Z4 seemed to have finally reached equilibrium as a hardtop convertible, more like an Audi TT or Mercedes-Benz SLK than a Porsche Boxster or Cayman.
And yet there were those who were scandalized that the car has become a hardtop convertible and they were shocked that no longer would there be high-performance M versions of the Z4. But in a move that signals BMW has not given up on attempting to entice the enthusiast driver with its latest two-seater, there is now a third Z4, the 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is.
Let's Get Serious
The 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35is wants to take its place next to the Audi TT-RS, Mercedes-Benz SLK and Porsche Boxster S/Cayman S, and it has some visual snap to show it. The style embellishments include a deeper front bumper with a matte-aluminum trim bar in each of the outboard air intakes, more pronounced rocker sills and a rear aero diffuser.
More important, the 35is also gets a reworked suspension with stiffer springs and dampers, a ride height that's lower by 0.4 inch and a set of 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels.
When it goes on sale in North America next month, the Z4 sDrive35is will go head to head with some formidable competition, but it is well up to the job. In fact, we wouldn't be surprised to see this car trump them all.
Even at serious cornering speeds, it's extraordinarily eager and imparts a feeling of utter competency.
Performance certainly isn't a problem. The 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is's engine is easily the most effective inline-6 with a BMW badge right now, the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter N54, recently superseded in the cooking 3 Series by the N55 edition with a single twin-scroll turbo. Thanks to a new set of electronics, the output of the Z4 sDrive35is's N54 has increased by 35 hp over the Z4 sDrive35i to 335 hp at 5,900 rpm. Torque also increases by 32 pound-feet to 332 lb-ft at just 1,500 rpm. Thanks to an overboost control, you can actually liberate a further 37 lb-ft of torque, so there's a heady 369 lb-ft at your command for short bursts of full-throttle action.
Command and Control
As impressive as these figures are, they fail to convey the whole story. What the Z4 sDrive35is offers is terrifically strong, infinitely usable and ultimately stirring performance. The delivery is extraordinarily flexible and linear all the way up into the upper reaches of the rev range. This car might not wear an M car's badge, but it certainly feels like one. And the hard-edged exhaust note that rises in intensity until you find the ignition cutout at 6,800 rpm makes it sound for all the world like one, too!
Sending drive to the rear wheels is a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, the same Getrag-engineered unit offered as optional equipment for the M3. It is spectacularly good, providing rapid and seamless shifts that fully justify BMW's decision not to even offer the Z4 sDrive35is with a traditional six-speed manual gearbox as on the Z4 sDrive30i and Z4 sDrive35i.
Clearly, a lot of work has gone into perfecting the new dual-clutch unit. You'll notice this in its ability to cope with changes in gear at high engine loads without any discernible pause on the upshifts, and its ability to introduce a hearty blip of the throttle during downshifts to avoid unsettling the chassis when you're braking hard into tight corners. It is just a pity that the tools provided to operate it are so intrinsically flawed, as both the shift buttons on the steering wheel and the traditional gearlever on the center console leave a lot to be desired. (Note to BMW: Two simple shift paddles like those used on the M3 will suffice nicely, thank you very much.)
Nevertheless, the gearing is superbly matched to the eager personality of the engine, providing heady levels of off-the-line acceleration and storming in-gear performance. Officially the Z4 sDrive35is will hit 60 mph from a standstill in 4.7 seconds, some 0.5 second faster than Porsche claims for the Boxster S, no less. More than this, it is the way the new BMW Z4 gathers speed though the gears that really grabs your attention. No matter what the revs or the gear, it's always willing. And with an ability to hit 155 mph before the onset of an electronic limiter, this car is up there with the most potent BMW models on top speed.
Keeping It Together
Yet there's much more to the 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is than just a tuned engine. Its steering, body control, grip and overall responses are in an altogether different league from those of the Z4 sDrive35i — so much so that you're left wondering if the two really share the same origins.
The Z4's standard electric-assist steering has been tweaked to endow the sDrive35is with a meatier feel and added levels of feedback compared to lesser versions of the two-seat roadster. It weights up nicely through corners and delivers sharp response both at lower speeds around town and as the pace increases out on the open road.
BMW has also completely revised the kinematic properties of the Z4's aluminum-intensive suspension to provide the sDrive35is with the sort of sharpness that keen drivers will appreciate, together with impressive levels of compliance that everyone appreciates. The MacPherson struts up front and multilinks at the rear have been enhanced by stiffer stabilizer bars at each end, along with firmer springs and recalibrated dampers.
The great thing about the changes BMW has brought to the chassis is that once you get in the zone and start pushing up to the absolute limit, the car doesn't prematurely back away from the action with early stability control intervention — not in dry conditions, at least. The Z4 sDrive35is simply gets on with the job, digging deeper without displaying any worrying tendencies that might force you to back away from the throttle. Even at seriously high cornering speeds, it's extraordinarily eager and imparts a feeling of utter competency.
It's entertaining, too. Pressing the button next to the gearlever to call up the Sport + mode effectively disengages the traction control system, providing the scope for some lurid oversteer for those willing to seek it out.
But the truly admirable achievement is that BMW's suspension engineers have managed to endow the Z4 sDrive35is with such crisp and engaging handling without significantly ruining the ride. Yes, it is firmer and less forgiving of small ruts than the Z4 sDrive35i, but the 35is retains reasonable levels of compliance even in the most extreme Sport + setting for the electrically controlled dampers.
Sporting Persona
Inside the cabin, the 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is scores on the proper sporting feel it imparts. The fabulously supportive, electric-adjustable seats can be set low to the floor, providing a traditional sports-car-style, legs-out-in-front driving position together with an alluring view over the long, contoured hood. The multifunction steering wheel is also nicely proportioned and generously adjustable for both height and reach, making it easy to find just the right balance despite the snug confines of the two-seat cabin.
In front of the driver are gray-face instruments from the M division, just one of a number of touches from BMW's fast-car department. Look elsewhere and you'll also find that the door sills, gearlever, floor mats and even the driver's footrest all carry the evocative M logo. Of course, all of this makes you wonder why BMW didn't just give the Z4 sDrive35is an M badge in the first place, since it looks and feels like one in every respect.
The 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is might not be a successor to the M Roadster in name. But in terms of styling, performance, overall dynamic ability and, most important, intrinsic character, it is more than a worthy replacement for BMW's former signature for hard-core drivers (Dr. Burkhardt Goetschel, BMW's former director of research and development and a member of the Formula 1 manufacturer's council, was one).
It's no bargain, though. With a base price of $61,925, this car will set you back almost $10,000 more than the full-fledged M version of the Z4 coupe that was introduced in 2006 and a similar amount over the price of the 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35i. This car is good, but at such a price, it's clearly going to be relying on dedicated enthusiasts to make it a sales success.
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
Add A Comment »
rbama says:
06:13 PM, 06/05/2010
Have driven an 08 Z4M and the new Z4is and can tell you without question the Z4 35is is faster and handles better than the Z4M. The Z4 35is is also faster than the M3 as BMW has been conservative with their 0 to 60 numbers. The Z4 35is if superior in form and performance to any car currently being produced by BMW It seems to me that BMW is fairly successful company as I have not heard them asking for financial assistance. This tells me they know their audience and doesn't need back seat drivers telling them what is good and what isn't. This forum reminds me of people being critical of Steve Jobs not understanding his market.
beemerhead says:
10:08 PM, 05/11/2010
I have owned three of the prior generation Z4's starting with a 2004 3.0 @225hp. That's when the badges still correlated with engine displacement. I loved every one of them. The last one which I still have is a 2007 M Coupe which is beautiful and is happiest on a track. I like the high priced exotic look and its not a poseur on the track.
I have looked at and evaluated the new generation of Z4 hoping for an even better Z4 and decided that BMW has more or less opted out of the sportscar mode and gone to the pricey sporty luxury car segment more like the Mercedes SLK's or even a Lexus.
I really like the look of the new Z4 inside and out. It's beautifu,l actually. It definitely looks more luxurious and still sporty but the pricing and performance is ridiculous. You can get an M3 Sedan with dual clutch for about $5k LESS than this sDrive35Is (ridiculous nomenclature!). There is no way I am spending that much for a nice...even competent luxury cruiser. I think BMW misses its own fans and audience. The people who buy SLK's and Mercedes in general are very different from Beemer owners. I essentially never see a Mercedes of any sort at any SCCA or track event even though they have the performance numbers. There are tons of Beemers of all ages along with the Corvettes and Porsche's and others. Real drivers don't tend to buy Mercedes or Lexus or even Cadillac. You can try to attract them but I don't think this car will do it. There's too much history in the BMW badge.
My point is that this Z4 while very attractive and competent is the wrong car at the wrong price for the wrong audience. I saw two brand new ones at the local dealer with big tags that said "$9000 Off!". I think that's pretty good proof. Too bad. I hope BMW goes back to the sportscars and makes an M again. Leave the luxury to the sedan convertibles or make a Z5.
kanon1989 says:
10:30 AM, 04/15/2010
Even though the BMW Z4 sDrive35is is heavier than both the Nissan 370Z and the BMW Z4 M Roadster, it is much faster than the other two cars. I am sure that the Nissan 370Z and the BMW Z4 M Roadster are uglier than the BMW Z4 sDrive35is. The two ladies who designed this car did a great job on it. I wouldn't underestimate them in any way. The BMW Z4 sDrive35is has more torque and better performance. To the people who want to call this Z4 an M, I disagree. The car comes with a M sport package. It comes with the 19-inch star spoke M light alloy wheels, the melbourne red metallic paint finish, the sports seats that provide maximum side support, the M leather steering wheel, the aluminum carbon interior trim and the M entry sills. For a car that is $61,050, this is a rich man's car. We can at least wait seven more years till it's pre-owned. I wouldn't get this new if I were you. It's an impressive car and this is a great way to compete against the Nissan 370Z.
iage says:
08:49 PM, 04/01/2010
Very cool red
johnferinal says:
10:34 PM, 03/23/2010
Another ugly invention from BMW.
makakio says:
10:50 AM, 03/22/2010
I like it!
But I'd still take a Boxster S...
ptcdawg says:
07:52 AM, 03/21/2010
67K?????????? ROTFLMAO
icecubefosho says:
12:07 PM, 03/20/2010
And when are they going to drop the 35 and change it to a proper 30. What the hell does the 35 even stand for now?
icecubefosho says:
12:06 PM, 03/20/2010
3,549 lbs - Z4 sDrive35is
3,489 lbs - 370z Roadster
3,472 lbs - Mercedes SLK55
2,978 lbs - Porsche Boxster S
2,866 lbs - Porsche Boxster Spyder
2,835 lb - BMW 507
2,619 lbs - Mazda MX-5
How did the sDrive35is become the heaviest of the bunch? Granted a Z with a Hard Top would top the scales, but none of the others. The SLK even has an 8 cylinder! Seems it tries to be the most civil/classy roadster, but when the Jaguar C-Type comes back, I hope it gives the Z4 a run for its money. The 507 is one of the most beautiful roadsters of all time, this sDrive35is is going to be a forgotten car in BMW's history considering the design both mechanically and physically is hardly remarkable.
$62K can be spent much smarter.
AJT123 says:
01:08 AM, 03/20/2010
Can't they do anything with the rotors? Paint them or something? Put a logo on them?
I think it's okay looking but nothing beautiful. BMW's started sucking in the styling department the second the E38 7 series (with those fabulous M 18" rims) disappeared IMO.
And what's the deal with the no manual?
I like a clutch that I operate, and let's not even begin to think about repair costs for a tranny like that.
And yes, for 67k you can get something better.
xorbe says:
04:51 PM, 03/19/2010
I still think the manual 07/08 Z4 3.0si ragtop is the best obtainable toy of the Z4 line. Good combination of price, fun, looks and reliability. These new ones are heavier, more expensive, and have that HPFP issue in the turbo models.
This car here is really a rich person's toy, and I doubt they really care if it's a tad faster or slower than anything else.
dino6 says:
04:42 PM, 03/19/2010
I agree btrdayz, this is the best looking BMW inside and out. I wonder why the new 5 series didn't seem to have used the same all-female design team that the Z4 had. Hope they get more projects in the future.
This car has enough engine, but no stick even as a delete option, is a mistake. Look what happened with the 6 series M, BMW eventually had to give in and offer a stick.
Sometimes the engineers should listen to the marketing people more.
stovt001 says:
03:02 PM, 03/19/2010
They might as well just call it an M then. sDrive35is is a ridiculous trim name. Sure the M purists point out that the engines should be NA, but otherwise it sounds like a proper M machine, and a proper BMW, at least in light of the recent 5 series GT and X6 abominations. Too bad about the price, but perhaps a used one in 5-10 years...
britanniarulz says:
12:02 PM, 03/19/2010
There is a good reason to benchmark this to a Porsche - as the British "whingers" do - it costs Porsche money. And lacks the Porsche cachet. And depreciates much more - while providing less driving pleasure (which is not captured in a 0-60 time)... one could go on.
The Z4 represents an indulgence, a toy - a second car, at the very least - for someone who will buy one. For $62K base - and I would guess $5K in options (pretty standard for a BMW) - this is serious chunk of change. The question is not whether the Z4 is $67 K good - the question is - is this the best I can do with my $67K. And sadly, the answer is no.
For this much, I could buy something truly special - like the new Boxter Spyder (my personal choice at this price - which, being a limited edition should hold up its value really well, and get me the attention that I crave!!). The Z4 on the other hand will likely depreciate much more, look not much different than a base model $46K - so it is not good value, and it is certainly not matching that Porsche in driving thrills. The Porsche does the 0-60 in 4.6 seconds! Take that - you size queens!!
Who are the likely buyers? Someone who wants a softer version of a roadster... one who probably will not push this car to its limits (notice the missing LSD - its missing on purpose, because BMW knows it poseur buyers very well). All very well - if we should want one, there is a good chance that we can find a lightly - and delicately used example, a few years down the line.
For now - it looks quite blah, and is not going to be the subject of any 12-14 year old boy - no matter how the BMW marketing guys (working in the guise of insideline staff) spin it. Joy? Right ...
cr_driver says:
11:17 AM, 03/19/2010
May I ask for a comparison test?
With you know who.....
iskch says:
10:38 AM, 03/19/2010
Porsche Cayman S price range? I will take the Cayman.
exnevadan says:
09:40 AM, 03/19/2010
A proper sports car needs a proper manual transmission and a proper name - sDrive35is?
Speaking of s(rest of name here) models, saw an '07-'08 S2000 this morning - much better proportions, especially up front. By the sixth photo above, it looks like BMW tried to steal the S2000 rear-end; maybe they should have looked at the front of the Honda as well.
teleiosgt says:
09:13 AM, 03/19/2010
It's hot. I'm not one for convertibles, but I like this. I'd never pay the extra 10-large, but I'm very interested in waiting 2-3 years and buying a clean used one. The MT isn't a deal breaker for me.
btrdayz says:
08:52 AM, 03/19/2010
Easily the best looking vehicle BMW has produced in a very long time. Better than all of their current cars, both inside and out.
sjaieve says:
08:14 AM, 03/19/2010
interesting, very interesting. I am on a 328hp/269lb tq set up. Often made the argument that the 10k premium, albeit with less tech and other losses offered by the 335i is not worth it. Now I see the same argument being made here, the 10k premium offered by the "is" with more tq/hp and I believe a little bit more stuff than the regular 335i is apparently not worth it as well?
stephen987 says:
07:10 AM, 03/19/2010
I'll take a 135i with a stick instead, thanks.
jmess says:
06:57 AM, 03/19/2010
A sports car needs a proper mechanical limited slip differential. If you really drive a car hard in some lower speed corners you will immediately notice this as you exit the corner under a lot of throttle. I would like to see Edmunds include the differential stats in their reviews. BMW continues to short change customers by not providing cars with the ultimate differential. That combined with run crap tires is why I will never buy another one.
stamos_11 says:
06:15 AM, 03/19/2010
the interior rocks! by far the best! no particular problem with the dual clutch but it would be nice to have a manual option...
tonkatoytruck says:
06:15 AM, 03/19/2010
I agree with Dr. John 43,
It is pretty sad when a "sports car" can't keep up with many four door sedans.
It can not even keep up with a 3 series M car.
So that leaves a very expensive convertible car that cures the vanity ills of pampered housewives who don't care.
thammer62 says:
05:56 AM, 03/19/2010
No manual. No manual?!? Geez We are becoming lazy drivers, regardless of what shifts faster. This car, with that engine, with those looks, with that top down, in the early fall, in the mountains, with your sweetie riding shotty... gotta have a manual tranny to complete the perfect roadster sentence. Still a really, really nice Bimmer. Looks like that James Bond Z8 but less expensive and better. Stunning looks with the top down. The only other car at a "reasonable" price that catches my eye on the road like this one is the A5 coupe. Neither is perfect, but man are they close. Good work Bavarian Motor Works.
sabastian says:
05:25 AM, 03/19/2010
I'll just add my voice to the chorus: No manual, no deal. Seems like people have forgotten that the reason for buying sports cars is to have fun, not just to eek out the last tenth in the quarter mile. Putting a transmission in a sports car that is less involving only because it produces better numbers is completely missing the point.
joefrompa says:
04:43 AM, 03/19/2010
"Sending drive to the rear wheels is a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, the same Getrag-engineered unit offered as optional equipment for the M3. It is spectacularly good, providing rapid and seamless shifts that fully justify BMW's decision not to even offer the Z4 sDrive35is with a traditional six-speed manual gearbox as on the Z4 sDrive30i and Z4 sDrive35i."
Edmunds, get a grip. Nothing justifies that in this type of car. Nothing.
....
Re: 369 lb/ft of torque. That's what the e39 m5 offered. What must that feel like in this car....
alex38 says:
03:12 AM, 03/19/2010
silver side view mirrors? Hmm, is that not a touch Audi-esque? Not feelin' that styling detail personally but whatevers, still a sweet ride..
alex38 says:
03:09 AM, 03/19/2010
I'm sure this is an unbelievable car to drive, but for whatever reason, I've always thought the nose (entire front end) looked too long - lacks balance visually. The real question for me would be if it can fit 2 full sets of golf clubs with a passenger? I'm not convinced it can.
A picture of the trunk would have been nice..
eki79 says:
01:00 AM, 03/19/2010
And of course, as they say, a proper sports car needs a proper manual transmission. :)
drjohn43 says:
11:50 PM, 03/18/2010
Being the dedicated enthusiast mentioned at the end of the article and having driven the single turbo, 300 hp sDrive35i with the Sports package and the seven speed automated manual shift, I am convinced the extra 35 hp and slightly increased torque offered by the sDrive35is are certainly not worth the extra $10, 000 required to buy it. BMW has made a strategic, and I predict costly, mistake by not tweaking it a bit further (or even going to a V8) and selling it as an "M" with all the performance mystique that goes with that version.
DrJohn43