C&D Review: 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is - First Drive Review

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

They didn't seem to like the handling on the car.

Originally Posted by Car and Driver

BMW has long made machines that embody its “Ultimate Driving Machine” motto, but some of its more recent products have been more emblematic of the company’s other, softer, and less focused tagline, “Joy.” For example, instead of a thrilling, satisfying roadster, the Z4 is a boulevardier more likely to be parked among a sea of beige luxury SUVs at the country club than spotted hustling over mountain passes. Given the brilliance of nearly every other BMW, the unfocused handling of what should be one of the company’s sportiest cars is even more of a bummer.

The clues are there in the folding hardtop, the electric handbrake, the light steering, and so on—the Z4 isn’t aimed toward enthusiast drivers. So what’s up with this sDrive35is model? It’s ostensibly the Z4 for those who want an Ultimate Driving Machine, so why throw more thrust—35 hp in this case—at a car that already has plenty and not fix the disappointing chassis? To charge more, of course, for what amounts to little more than some standardized options and what an aftermarket tuner could do with an ECU reflash.

Pump Up the Boost

It’s no coincidence that BMW announced its new 335is in the same time frame as it did the Z4 sDrive35is. That 3-series model and this Z4 are powered by an uprated and upgraded version of the sweet N54 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six. The N54 was good for 300 hp and 300 lb-ft in its previous, more ordinary applications, but all the “aye-ess” cars receive software that cranks up the turbo boost, for a total output in the Z4 of 335 hp at 5900 rpm and 332 lb-ft of torque from 1500 to 4500 rpm. Mash your right foot to the floor and a computer-controlled overboost function will provide a seven-second gust of 37 additional lb-ft of torque. If the engine computer is satisfied with turbo temperatures and other vital signs, the incremental torque boost can be accessed over and over again under wide-open throttle. The 335is makes 320 hp, down 15 from the Z4is because of more restrictive airflow, and the 3er also gets an upgraded cooling system with an additional radiator and cooling ducts; this modification isn’t found on the roadster because BMW admits it doesn’t expect many owners to track their Z4s. The new seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual (abbreviated DCT by BMW) is the only transmission offered on the Z4 sDrive35is.

The Cost of “is”

The Z4is starts at $61,925, some $7600 more than a Z4 sDrive35i with DCT. Part of that premium goes toward the engine upgrades, but the car also includes the M Sport package ($3500 on the 35i) that adds 18-inch wheels (19s are a further option), an adaptive M suspension, sport seats, a thicker M steering wheel, a body kit, and an increased top-speed limit of 155 mph. Moreover, Z4is buyers get a magnificent-sounding and specially tuned exhaust that sings a raspy tune best experienced with the top down, of course. A body-colored rear diffuser with sculpted exhaust surrounds and silver-colored mirror caps are unique to the Z4is.

Inside, the gussying-up includes gray-faced gauges with “sDrive35is” logos, an anthracite-colored headliner for the folding hardtop, M door-sill badges, and “Aluminum Carbon” trim. Oh, and we can’t leave out the floor mats with colored piping and embroidered lettering

Comparatively, spending almost $62K on a roadster also will get you the absolutely fantastic Porsche Boxster S equipped with a PDK automated-manual transmission. Another option is the Audi TTS roadster, and going that route means more than $12K stays in your pocket. Both cars—the Porsche in particular—offer sharper handling and are more rewarding to drive at the limit than any Z4.

Bad Behavior

In our previous experiences with the latest Z4, we’ve been impressed with its silhouette, fantastic power delivery, and smooth ride. We aren’t so keen on the disconnected feel and middling dynamics, and, unfortunately, this sDrive35is is no different. When pushing the Z4is in the manner for which you assume it’s been designed, the suspension feels lazy and unenthusiastic, even in the most aggressive Sport setting. Initial turn-in feels sharp, but head for the apex and you’ll quickly experience a heavy dose of understeer. Meanwhile, the rear end is still catching up to your inputs, finally settling after an unnerving sway. It actually feels a bit like driving a bus or other long-wheelbase vehicle, where it takes time for what’s happening up front to reach the rear suspension. Needless to say, this behavior isn’t something that inspires much confidence in corners.

The electrically assisted steering feels diluted when compared to that of other BMWs, and although the DCT shifts ratios in the blink of an eye, the regular Z4’s extremely awkward, steering-wheel-mounted push/pull shifters remain in the Z4is. When asked why the paddles weren’t changed to the more intuitive “pull right for upshift, pull left for downshift” setup seen in the 335is, BMW product specialists had no answer. Could it be that buyers of this car wouldn’t use them anyway, so adding them in would hurt the Z4is’s profit margin?

The added power makes for blistering straight-line speed, and should shave 0.4 second from the 4.8-second 0-to-60-mph sprint of the Z4sDrive35i with DCT. But the extra quickness does little to alter the car’s laid-back personality, and given its history of building harmonious, satisfying drivers’ cars, BMW of all companies should have known this wasn’t the way to transform the Z4. Sure the exhaust is rowdier, but there’s little substance to the “s” suffix here. BMW seemingly wants to increase its output of pricier special editions, à la Porsche—we just wish this one started with a better foundation

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t_drive_review

[richard in NC]

After a bit of time to adjust to the Z4's handling characteristics, I am perfectly fine with its handling. And I say to hell with what the reviewers think. I have now pushed it hard on street and on track, the BMW Performance Center a few weeks ago. On first drive impressions at the PC, most folks I talked to preferred it over the M3. The M3 was flatter and seemed to have more grip and maybe quicker responses (making it feel more "race car-ish") but the Z4 3.5i does quite well when pushed. Although, oddly it does seem more composed in Sport mode, and less so in Sport+. I now can't remember what mode it was in during the "hot laps". I've not had the chance to "really" play with it full DSC off.

The keys to making it handle well are tire pressures, corner entry speed, and throttle control. The same is true for any car.

[teagueAMX]

Originally Posted by Dontyouwishyouwereme

They didn't seem to like the handling on the car.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t_drive_review

We saw that article before. Car reviewers seem to be split between those that say the 35i / 35is ought be cheap and easy to throw around like a Miata x5, or those that complain about the ride is too firm and suggest it ought be more like an SLK, and those that complain that the ride is too soft and dream about a reincarnated ///M coupe that kills Porsche's.

They don't seem to understand that BMW has found a marketing niche that doesn't live on the edge of any those expectation. It's powerful, even more so in the 35is, handles very well, has killer looks, and it's retractable hardtop makes the car an all weather cruiser. And, if max performance is your thing it has the potential for that well with a few modifications.

[BlueZ4AZ]

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

The boys at Car and Driver just don't have the money to drive a Z it might be the reason that they are so critical, so let them drive TTS.

The Z (no matter what model) just is not for everyone. We drive ours since we like it and that is that. so all is

[Alext]

I have my doubts about what C&D write. This is what they said about the 2008 135i:

"In back-road battle the chassis shows its aces with suppressed body roll and switchblade steering response that jabs the nose at corners with a firm, steady equipoise that is BMW’s trademark".

Which isnt true from my experience...it has a fair bit of body roll and the steering response certainly isnt as sharp as what they imagine.

From reading their 35is review it seems as if it has far worse handling than the 135i! (At least that is what they make out). I find that hard to believe.

[BlueZ4AZ]

The Z4 is still the best all around Roadsters between $30k - $70k, if we ELIMINATE those with tired, boring sheetmetal that look exactly like they did 13 years ago (Boxster), those that look like upside down bath tubs (TT), those that, well quite frankly, no one really notices (Miata), those that are no longer in production (S2000), those that have a reputation for being a girly car (SLK).

I got nothing bad to say about the 370Z, except it just plain isn't as good a car as the Z4.

[KevinC]

The original Z4 M Coupe cures all these ills. The most egregious "feature" of the E89 is the electric steering. Bad, bad, bad, bad decision.

[BlueZ4AZ]

KevinC,
You wrote:"The original Z4 M Coupe cures all these ills."


Cures ALL the ills? Not true my Chandler, AZ neighbor. Has the 110 degree heat gotten to your brain?
That sounds a lot like the perception in your e85 forum, but certainly not the truth. If you want any kind of agreement on that, or a rallying around that point, I suggest you go back to your own forum where all you E85 M folks can keep telling yourself that.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Kevin, I have news for you; my now Z4 3.5i feels just as fine as the original Z4 M and looks a lot more sexier thank you very much. Also I drove a E46 M3 for 4 years and purchase another E89 Z4 3.5i in a heartbeat. So be happy with your Z4 M

Happy Motoring

[MDLFCS]

I do not mind the electric steering as it sounds cool. The nice thing about is that it can be adjustable to a certain degree. Although it may be uncharacteristic in a sports car, it can always be modded to suit one of these days.

I wish that the steering could be lighter at low speeds like on my Escalade as it can making parking easier. Maybe there will be a tune for it someday.

Enjoy your M!