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Used 2013 BMW Z4 Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
31 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2013 Z4, so we've included reviews for other years of the Z4 since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
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
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Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
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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 out of 5 stars

Constant compliments!

Scott LaRocca, 01/31/2016
updated 08/01/2017
2012 BMW Z4 sDrive35i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
16 of 17 people found this review helpful

We traded in a baseline model 2003 Porsche Boxster for this 2012 BMW Z4. Everything about the Z4 blows away the older model Boxster except handling. While the Z4 is still stellar on hard turns due to its Sport and Sport+ suspension modes, it weighs 500 lbs more than the Boxster and feels like it'll fishtail if you don't have excellent control of the accelerator. The Boxster felt like it was pulling you around corners. The Z4 makes you have to pull it around corners. Subtle distinction, but noticeable. Definitely don't regret the trade in though. It's faster than most muscle cars off the line (not a new Stingray though). 0-40 mph before you can blink, and the auto- and paddle-shifting are FAR faster and smoother than you could ever possibly do with a manual transmission. I've owned Mustang 5.0s that weren't this fast off the line, including a Shelby GT. The looks, sound, power, and technology of the Z4 are phenomenal. Just don't get in a wreck with it, you won't win.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
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Performance
4 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
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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

Z4 best car I have ever owned

Heather, 01/12/2018
2012 BMW Z4 sDrive35is 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7AM)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful

I have had my 2012 Z4 for 4 years and 60k miles. No mechanic issues. Great MPG and it is a Rocket. I get compliments every time I fuel up. I had a Lexus, SC430 for 5 years before this car. The Lexus was great but this is Great plus gets a whole lot more attention. I love it. This is my 4th BMW. They just make great cars. I had a Z3 before the Lexus and put 230k Miles on it before selling it to my neighbor who still drives it as a weekend car.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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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
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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
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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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5 out of 5 stars

MARILYN'S LIL Z

MONYBAGZ, 08/26/2018
2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Wife birthday present all she ever wanted, we had a vette, but due to age 62 had a hard time getting out! went to Florida for the winter, really missed convertible, looked @ Audi, Lexus,Porsche, Merecedes, fell in luv with Z4!

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
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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
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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
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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
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2 out of 5 stars
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2 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars
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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
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4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Best of the Best!

rmorin49, 03/19/2010
2010 BMW Z4 sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I ordered my Z4 for European Delivery and enjoyed my trip to Munich and the new BMW Welt. The car is absolutely awesome, 6 speed manual tranny has a short throw, well spaced gears and makes the car more like a classic roadster. With the hardtop up it is a weather tight coupe. Styling is incredible inside and out. Sport seats are very comfortable. Trunk has enough room for a good sized suitcase even with the top down. This is my 8th BMW and may well be my favorite. Car gets lots of thumbs up from all ages. It is the best looking sports car sold in the US under $60K.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Makes you feel young!

captainmarvel, 11/08/2010
2010 BMW Z4 sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

This is my first BMW purchase and I am very pleased with the vehicle. Driving the vehicle has been a real please. The driving and steering response is excellent. The miles per gallon 23.5 city and highway has been excellent. Too bad the vehicle does not use regular gasoline. The run free tires are a good option. However, if low tire pressure occurs, the dashboard only indicates low pressure. It does not tell you what tire is low.

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5 out of 5 stars

Z4&me

Claude Hutchison, 05/16/2018
updated 11/21/2022
2012 BMW Z4 sDrive35i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

This car has a standard 6 speed transmission which works like a swiss watch. Engine provides lots of power and quick acceleration. When driving on the highway lots of torque available without downshifting even even to pass going up a grade. Body is very tight with no rattles and consistently gets close to 27mpg in combined city/highway driving. Top is easy to raise and lower and the process is quick. Storage is tight in the trunk particularly with the top down. 5/20: Have not driven much this spring due to COVID-19. The servicing log, derived from the key holder seems erratic as the advice on needed service categories at the local BMW dealership is either inconsistent or read differently by alternate BMW service advisors. I can not find bedrock in terms of what service items the vehicle actually needs. Run flat tires are very expensive but there seems to be no alternative and there is little competition between brands available. Mileage currently 49,000.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 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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5 out of 5 stars

Best luxury sports car ever

mat man, 02/09/2010
2010 BMW Z4 sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I traded in a 2005 Z4 and there is no comparison, also own a Miata which is a toy. This car is great for highway driving as well as running around country roads in the sports mode. This car is much more civilized then the much touted Porsche boxter. I could have purchased the Porsche for the same money to me there was no contest. This car is totally redesigned. Wherever i go people stare at this beautiful machine. I love to drive it.

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5 out of 5 stars

This Car Is Special

Donn H., 12/21/2023
2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

BMW put it all together for the 2011 Z4 350i. The engine is quick, smooth and zips along joyfully at all RPM levels, handles like a dream, and with the hard top up or down looks like the classy rode of a driver with high standards. Maintenance, of course, is pricey, and use the convertible carefully and sparingly, as the inner workings can be delicate and require heavy labor hours to investigate and repair. This is a car that requires a lot of its owner but gives a lot back - the pinnacle of turbo-charged two seaters. I feel privileged to own one.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
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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
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4.5 out of 5 stars

Finally a real roadster

DriveLine, 06/01/2010
2010 BMW Z4 sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This BMW is finally a testament to BMW's ability to create a driving machine. Roadsters in the present day have become too feminine and superficial. There is no longer a thrill to having a slung-back drop-top coupe to whip you along coastal roads. But with the Z4, this little machine totes you feel as though you are a part of the road. The power is subtle enough for anyone to use as a daily driver, but for those glorious summer days where all you want to feel is wind whipping through your hair and adrenaline rushing through your veins, this car has the ability to do so. A complete lion draped in sheep's fur. Best combo: heated seats, top down, chilly spring afternoon.

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4 out of 5 stars

I LOVE MY Z4

Paul W, 04/13/2021
2010 BMW Z4 sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my second Z4; my first was the soft top model. There’s nothing like a convertible! I’ll never go back to driving anything else. The car isn’t so much a racer as it’s nimble, responsive, quick, yet relaxing. I never struggle with it or find it lacking feedback. Aesthetically, there’s nothing that touches it; it’s singular in its design. The lines are organic, discrete, though with an undeniable presence. The only downside of a sports car is you’re always getting in and out of a low vehicle.

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5 out of 5 stars

Z4 Roadster E89 2010

Chuck S., 12/30/2022
2010 BMW Z4 sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is a Gas to Drive....What a Classic....Great handling, Great rear wheel Power...great gas Mileage....what more could U ask for? 44,000 original miles...no problem....perform ur regular services and u won't get in trouble!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
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4 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
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5 out of 5 stars

A Fun Car!

Doug Mills, 10/06/2023
2012 BMW Z4 sDrive35is 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased a Z4 as a fun diversion for everyday life. Lots of power! I wish you could make run-flat-tires ride better, though. Looking forward to many years of fun driving.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
2 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Z4 35is

Dennis , 07/26/2023
updated 01/26/2024
2013 BMW Z4 sDrive35is 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Love everything about this car if you are thinking about it just go for it ...update still love this vehicle

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

sporty and classy

Hobes son, 10/02/2023
2013 BMW Z4 sDrive28i 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I absolutley love this car. Well engineered, the convertable roof is amazing.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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