First Review of 2012 Z4 sDrive28i with 4-cyl Turbo N20, by C/D

[Jason]

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First Review of 2012 Z4 sDrive28i with 4-cyl Turbo N20, by C&D

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Until now, the reviews of BMW's Twinpower Turbo 2.0L inline 4-cylinder Motor (N20) were limited to drives of the X1 xDrive28i. But this Fall, BMW will launch the first US models to feature the N20 turbo 4-cyl motor -- the 2012 Z4 sDrive28i and the 2012 528i.

In the Z4 28i, the N20 motor makes 240 hp at 6500 rpm and 260 lb-ft tq at just 1,250 rpm, with a redline of 7,000 rpm. Compared to the N52 inline 6 that it replaces, the Z4's N20 has 15 less horsepowers but 40lb-ft more torque.

So how does the Z4 28i drive? The first review is in, via Car and Driver. Some of C/D's more salient words regarding the Z4 28i follow.

The transplant has changed the Z4’s character. It’s a little more ill-tempered, a little louder, a bit more likely to spit in public. The engine isn’t rough, but there is a slight coarseness from the engine and the exhaust under stress. The bark is appropriate for a sports car; it makes the Z4 a bit more exciting and alive. There are other thrilling noises, too. Whereas BMW’s other boosted engines keep their turbo whine to a minimum, as if they’re embarrassed by it, step into the boost in the Z4 and the turbocharger whistles proudly.

There’s barely a delay between hitting the throttle and feeling the thrust. Switching into “Sport” mode livens up the throttle response. Those used to the naturally aspirated six-cylinder will not be disappointed. A very brief wait for the boost proves worth it once the 260 pound-feet of shove arrive.

BMW claims that the new engine brings 0-to-60 acceleration with the manual down by 0.1 second to 5.5, and that the optional eight-speed automatic will better the time of the old six-speed auto by 0.4 second, dropping it to 5.6. We figure both guesses might be a bit optimistic. Expect the sprint to take a couple more tenths with either transmission.

See Car and Driver's full rundown






2012 Z4 sDrive28i Specs:

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door convertible

BASE PRICE: $49,525

ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 122 cu in, 1997 cc
Power (SAE net): 240 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 260 lb-ft @ 1250 rpm

TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 98.3 in Length: 166.9 in
Width: 70.5 in Height: 50.8 in
Curb weight: 3250–3300 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 5.7–5.8 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.5–14.6 sec
Top speed: 155 mph

* Z4 photo courtesy of Car and Driver

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2012 Z4 sDrive28i with N20 Review by Autoblog

[Crazy Bimmer]

Not too shabby in terms of performance.

[HpDellNestle]

I really want to see what it is like under the hood.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by HpDellNestle

I really want to see what it is like under the hood.

Pics from Autoblog and Car and Driver

[Mako]

nice car/engine, horrible review/writer

Since when has BMW overestimated 0-60 times?
Normally BMW is a couple tenths high compared to what these magazines test (X3 35i is the exception, BMW claims 5.5 and C&D tested that exactly).

Why does he not think the Z4 with the new engine can't achieve 0-60 in 5.5?
same horsepower as my old 2000 M Roadster and that was 5.5, sure the car has gained weight but this is a pretty lightweight engine and BMW has improved their transmissions and effeciency of the engines over the last 12 years.

And price wise, that old M Roadster was $50K and thats what the new Z4 28i is, same power, but a much nicer car now with a folding hard top!

If I didn't live in Chicago and didn't have a couple little kids one of these would be in our garage for sure.

[E60orBust]

Disappointed at no fuel economy stats.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by E60orBust

Disappointed at no fuel economy stats.

FWIW, the 2012 528i with the N20 motor is expected to get over 32MPG on highway (according to BMW).

[Diver]

Take anything C/D says with a grain of salt, a large grain.

[BMWI6]

Nice engine, I wanna see what that badboy can do with a tune

[Park2670]

I am excited for this new engine. More power, better fuel economy. Whats not to love?

[E92LNGCGY]

I'm still waiting for the M version.
This engine sounds great. Although the inline 6 will surely be missed.

[bmwdinamo]

Originally Posted by Jason

FWIW, the 2012 528i with the N20 motor is expected to get over 32MPG on highway (according to BMW).

More like 36mpg on highway. The outgoing 528i is getting 32 on the highway right now.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by bmwdinamo

More like 36mpg on highway. The outgoing 528i is getting 32 on the highway right now.

Right, "over" 32mpg, since the previous 528i achieved 32mpg highway.

The preliminary quote given in BMW's press release was an estimated 15% increase in MPG over the 2011 528i's (22 city/32 hwy), which would result in MPG of 25.3 city / 36.8 hwy for the N20 powered 528i.

[ZheHbKa]

nice, i knew BMW wouldn't disappointing

[darknightohio]

Autoblog's review:

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/19/2...k-spin-review/

[WhoU4]

Still a hefty machine... Curb weight: 3250–3300 lb

[BimmaDrew]

Originally Posted by darknightohio

Autoblog's review:

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/19/2...k-spin-review/

Thanks for the post...this review is a lot better than C/D!

Although I love the outgoing inline 6, it's good to hear that this should be a good replacement.

Personally, I feel that this is going to be a great all-around car. Great gas mileage, good performance (for me), comfort, and luxury all rolled into one. And I can get it with a manual transmission! The $$ savings over the Z435i makes it well worth it, especially once tuners have some fun with this engine.

[BlueZ4AZ]

Originally Posted by E92LNGCGY

I'm still waiting for the M version.
This engine sounds great. Although the inline 6 will surely be missed.

That's going to be an eternal waiting period.

[BlueZ4AZ]

Originally Posted by WhoU4

Still a hefty machine... Curb weight: 3250–3300 lb

3300 lbs. today, with all the technology and safety features is no longer categorized as "hefty".
Until the price of aluminum and carbon fiber comes down substantially, 3000+/- lbs and up is going to be the norm for a roadster of this size.

It's how heavy he car feels that is most important. My previous car (2007 Corvette Coupe) felt heavier then my 35i, yet it is the 35i that weighs 200 lbs more than the Corvette.

[esqu1re]

Great gas mileage!

[BlueZ4AZ]

Originally Posted by BimmaDrew

Thanks for the post...this review is a lot better than C/D!

Although I love the outgoing inline 6, it's good to hear that this should be a good replacement.

Personally, I feel that this is going to be a great all-around car. Great gas mileage, good performance (for me), comfort, and luxury all rolled into one. And I can get it with a manual transmission! The $$ savings over the Z435i makes it well worth it, especially once tuners have some fun with this engine.

The additional money paid to get the 35i with the larger more powerful engine and in most cases the DCT was well worth the $$$ for everyone that went with the 35i. Same for those that opted for the 35is. It's all a matter of personal opinion.

[EVTee]

Now hurry and put it in an x3. Honestly I was disappointed to see that the 2012 x3 won't be using the N20. That old I-6 needs to go. N20 tune will be awesome just like those 2.0T from Audi.