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Used 2011 BMW Z4 Convertible Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
17 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

2011 Z4 sDrive35is, A Smile Making Machine!

MarkandSusan Cartisano, 03/05/2015
updated 09/06/2017
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7AM)
30 of 31 people found this review helpful

Purchased a CPO Z4 sDrive35si with all the options and limited edition interior... 25k miles. This car is a smile making machine! First, I drive in the real world, not a test track. If you can make this care misbehave in a turn, you're going too fast for real roads! It is super tight and sticks to corners like glue! Heart pounding and big smile! The most amazing thing is the power band never quits! Ever hit a golf ball just right and watched it rocket away only to see it get a second blast of power! That's the Z4... You punch it down and it blasts off, hits 110mph in a flash and then blasts off again! It wants and has so much more! All this in a comfort that no Boxster can provide.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.63 out of 5 stars

My Dream Car

adonis13, 03/01/2013
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful

I've always wanted a BMW Z roadster ever since I test drove a Z3 in San Diego. At the time, I had just started working full time. I have always been an Engineer, but at the time I had a mountain of debt. When I finally had the means to purchase my dream car, Chris Bangle (Germany's answer to Sir Mix-a-Lot) violated the Z3's successor, the first generation Z4. So, I had to wait 7 long years for that abomination to leave the stage. The E89 Z4 was worth the wait. Strangers and acquaintences alike come up to me all the time to tell me that I have a beautiful car. I don't need a car that costs any more money, has any more performance, or looks any better (if possible).

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4.75 out of 5 stars

The Perfect Roadster

rajparmar, 06/25/2011
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
21 of 23 people found this review helpful

I recently got the 2011 z435i with the 7 speed automatic, premium package, sport package, premium sound. It combines luxury, style, and performance better than any other car out on the road. It has a distinguished look and gets a lot of attention on the road. You can drive it like a true sports car with its high performance options, large horse power, and great handling. Or you can take it for a luxurious lazy sunday drive for hours with the top down, nice sound system and comfortable spacious seating for a 2 seat car. It wont beat the Porshe Boxter on a track but I feel the interior comfort, comparable unique style, and price difference make up for it. It is a very sexy fun car to drive

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Thrills

Thrills, 12/05/2010
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7AM)
19 of 21 people found this review helpful

This is the second Z4 that my wife and I have owned.Had the first one 7 years and not one problem.This Z4IS is more comfortable. It has much more power. I drive pretty sporty and it gets 29 MPG.Get lots of thumbs up.

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5 out of 5 stars

Show stopper

Greg Gutgsell, 03/07/2021
updated 03/14/2022
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Deep blue, favorable comments EVERY time I take it out. Tasteful, unique....!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

LOVE my new to me Z4

Z4PSU, 10/19/2016
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7AM)
15 of 17 people found this review helpful

I had driven 3 straight MB Cabs and no longer needed a back seat; I wanted a roadster since a teen. I think it was the Alfa Duetto Spider 1600 from one of my favorite movies, The Graduate. The latest Alfa, Jag and FIAT were eliminated as perceived as unreliable. The R8 way too pricey , the SL drove too "boulevard like" ie not sports car like. The SLK and Miata were, forgive the term, chick cars; the Nissan 370 and Corvette, again, forgive, red neckish. That left the Boxter S and the Z4 35IS. I drove all of the above and though the Boxter S was great, the Z4 35IS REALLY stood out; I would describe driving it as a "Tight Glove-like fitting, Rocket". It doesn't hurt that I love the lines and don't see one everyday, as I do Boxters. BMW reliability as well as the 5 Year 100K extended warranty that came with the car didn't hurt either.

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

The perfect roadster

J. R. Leonard, 08/20/2010
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

I took BMW Performance Center delivery of my 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i. That means that for four on-track hours BMW race drivers taught me how to explore safely the limits if a Z4 identical to the one I was purchasing. That experience and teaching has made my ownership much more pleasurable and rewarding than it ever could have been otherwise. I cannot recommend it too highly. The Z4 is a classic roadster and as such is completely at home on the country roads and Blue Ridge Parkway of my home state. The exhaust note is wonderful, nostalgic, echoing Healeys of old. The engine power is more than adequate and the driving experience, top up or top down, is immensely pleasurable. BMW got this car right!

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4 out of 5 stars

a ton of fun

j dupree, 12/05/2017
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful

I love the retractible hard top. Most beautiful car I have ever owned, imo. Not much storage space for luggage, but I didn't buy a Z4 for the size of the trunk. All BMWs that I have owned have had high maintenance costs, but they will run forever if properly maintained.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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4.75 out of 5 stars

2011 Z4 35i rocks!

wahoo, 06/02/2010
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I have had this car for three days and I love everything about it. Styling is beautiful, the cockpit is so roomy that you do not feel like you are in a two-seater at all, visibility is very good also. The retractable hard top is a big plus, I was always turned off by rag tops or having to stow a removable hardtop, this is the perfect solution. I did not want to give up the luxuries and conveniences of my larger car and I didn't, this car is loaded with all of the "bells and whistles". Performance is amazing, this is my first BMW and it is an "ultimate driving machine". Last night I tried the sport transmission for the first time and it floored me!

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5 out of 5 stars

Ultimate Driving Machine!

TheWoo, 03/30/2022
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Even though it was released in 2009, the classic roadster design still remains one of the sexiest cars on the road! As other have said, it turns heads every time I take it out. Despite mine being the “base” powertrain with the sDrive30i, the naturally aspirated 6 cylinder engine sounds fantastic, and is comparatively way more trouble-free. The power output combined with the small form factor makes it feel more than fast enough, and handling is superb as well once dialed into Sport mode. Cons: ride is rough and stiff with run flats, but will be way better with normal tires No back up camera availability, and tech is a bit outdated with the CIC system. But Apple CarPlay and backup camera retrofit is widely available and mostly plug and play

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.25 out of 5 stars

Near-perfect roadster

Thom, 11/02/2010
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

After several 3-series coupes this is my first ever roadster. Although inherently impractical, it is much fun to drive - I love the throaty growl and sharp steering turn-in.

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3 out of 5 stars

Too many repairs

Tom, 02/23/2016
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
10 of 14 people found this review helpful

Front struts, valve cover gasket, tranmisssion seal, front end grouments all needed replacement at 25,000 miles. Has issues with vibration in convertable top also. Both rear rims cracked due to poor manufacturer process. Too costly to drive.

Safety
2 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
2 out of 5 stars
Comfort
2 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Drive them all and you'll choose this one!

nyfo, 06/01/2011
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
8 of 12 people found this review helpful

Purchased this vehicle coming from M6 through E63 AMG. Although M6 is very fast, SMG tranny is HORRIBLE in real life. AMG is an absolute MB service dream (8 weeks in service out of 6 months of ownership). So after browsing 911, SLK and boxter - I decided to go with the Z4. Hardtop convertible is awesome. Features, although very pricey (base $52k, mine $66K) are all there. Handling, although criticized, is very adequate. This car is not built to be driven on track only, it is a very comfortable sports car adaptation to real life conditions. Highway cruising feels like a 7. Thumbs up, BMW, can't wipe the smile off my face every time I drive it! Bi turbo is a mast, base model lacks power, etc.

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3 out of 5 stars

Not a Cayman or a Boxster, but good for what it is

KrakMonkE9, 01/08/2016
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
7 of 11 people found this review helpful

One thing one needs to accept about this car is that it's not meant to compete on the track against a Cayman S or Boxster S. It's just not that kind of car. It's absolutely great for what it was built for, which is to be an enjoyable high speed, top down cruiser. If you drive these other cars, you will immediately notice how much better they handle, but for everyday driving, the Z4 is quite good. The N54 engine is superb and eminently chip-able. The car is comfortable and luxurious. The only cons I've really identified is that in the 2011 model year, some cars do not come with the Combox controller, which means you won't have bluetooth audio capabilities. Also, the handling in some tight corners feels a bit delayed. I've felt the rear end skitter out on me more than a few times. Not the extent that it would be dangerous or cause any real concern, but it certainly doesn't have the "turn on a dime" feel of those mid-engined cars.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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3.75 out of 5 stars

In shop 5 weeks out of 7 months, and still counting...

skatelaw, 12/23/2011
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
21 of 47 people found this review helpful

Purchased in April 2011: Running board fell off! 2 days in shop (of all things, they cant get this right?!) Engine stalls at low rpms. 4 days in shop Roof leaks. 21 days in shop Creak in rear suspension. 6 days in shop and still counting...

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4 out of 5 stars

Sporty blast from the past

Phil, 05/30/2023
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought a 13 year old 2011 BMW Z4 3.0i. Very sporty. Convertible appeal. Ride is quite stiff however. It does have run-flats, which contribute to that stiff ride. But it is a roadster with an in-line 6 cylinder engine. Sweet!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

I'm in love 💞

Troy Chasse, 12/25/2024
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Beautiful curves and a throttle lusting for action. Not cheap but worth every penny.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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