2015 BMW Z4 Review
2015 BMW Z4 Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful engines
- fuel-efficient base model
- quick-folding hardtop
- comfortable ride
- strong brakes
- excellent visibility for a roadster.
Cons
- Four-cylinder's clattery idle doesn't fit the persona of the car
- not as sporty as its Porsche rival
- questionable value of 35is model.
What’s new
For 2015, the BMW Z4 sDrive35i is no longer available with a six-speed manual transmission. Instead, it comes only with the seven-speed automated manual.
Edmunds says
The 2015 BMW Z4 offers sleek styling, a high-class interior and more than enough performance to make it desirable.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2015 BMW Z4 sDrive28i 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$179/mo for Z4 sDrive28i
Z4 sDrive28i
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
If you want to travel in style and comfort with an open blue sky above you, the 2015 BMW Z4 should be right up your alley. This luxury roadster has the performance, refinement and good looks we expect for this class of car, and it's certainly one of our favorites.
Starting things off for the Z4 is the entry-level sDrive28i. Its base four-cylinder engine will likely satisfy most drivers and returns good fuel economy for the class. For that classic BMW feel, though, you can't beat the sDrive35i with its smooth inline-6 engine and impressive acceleration. The Z4 is tuned to be more of a grand touring car than an outright sports car, but the result is sporty enough handling on back roads and a comfortable ride on the highway. Moreover, its power-folding hardtop is an engineering marvel, and it adds a pleasing dose of security compared to soft-top rivals.
Another Z4 advantage is that it's pretty practical given its relatively compact dimensions. The seats are roomy enough for 6-footers, and the trunk can easily accommodate a weekend getaway's worth of luggage (though the roof takes a bite out of that space when retracted). If you're dreaming of an idyllic road trip with plenty of sun and winding tarmac ahead of you, you can't do much better than this BMW.
Even though we like the Z4 quite a bit, its price tag can shoot up quickly with a few options added. Plus, there are other desirable alternatives in this rarefied class. The Porsche Boxster is a true athlete and offers a more engaging feel when driving through turns, while the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class boasts top-shelf refinement and available V8 power. If you haven't driven a Chevrolet Corvette lately, its blend of performance and sophistication may surprise you. And if you just want a minimalist roadster experience, we always recommend the joyful Mazda MX-5 Miata. But all things considered, the 2015 BMW Z4 remains one of the most well-rounded luxury roadsters available and we definitely recommend a test-drive.
Performance & mpg
The 2015 BMW Z4 sDrive28i features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and you can get either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic at no extra cost. Manual-equipped cars include an automatic stop-start function that turns off the engine when the car is stopped to improve efficiency. In Edmunds performance testing, a manual-equipped Z4 28i went from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, similar to what the V6-powered Mercedes SLK350 runs. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 26 mpg combined (22 city/34 highway) with the manual, with a 1 mpg drop in highway mileage for the automatic.
The Z4 sDrive35i gets a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder that produces 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. It's paired exclusively with a seven-speed automated manual transmission (known as DCT). BMW estimates that the Z4 will hit 60 mph in 5.0 seconds. EPA estimated mileage is 20 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway).
The Z4 sDrive35is gets a more powerful version of the 3.0-liter turbo-6 good for 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. The DCT is the only available transmission. In Edmunds testing, the 35is went from zero to 60 in 5 seconds flat. Fuel economy ratings mirror those of the 35i at 20 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway).
Safety
Every BMW Z4 comes standard with antilock brakes, stability and traction control and side airbags. The antilock brakes integrate several features designed to improve braking performance -- one periodically wipes the brake rotors dry when the windshield wipers are in use, while another snugs the brake pads against the rotors if the driver abruptly lifts off the throttle. The BMW Assist eCall system is also standard and includes an emergency assistance button and automatic crash notification. This system can be upgraded to include BMW Assist Remote Services with features like stolen vehicle recovery and remote door unlock.
In Edmunds brake testing, the 28i came to a stop from 60 mph in an outstanding 103 feet. The other two models were essentially identical.
Driving
For some, a four-cylinder sports car at this price may seem less than ideal. The 28i's four-cylinder does clatter a bit at idle, and with the manual transmission, it comes with a fuel-saving engine stop-start feature that can cause intrusive shudders (at least BMW included a button to disable it). But if you hit the gas, we're pretty sure you won't have anything to complain about. This torque-rich engine pulls hard and has a pleasing exhaust note. The 28i also handles a bit better than its six-cylinder siblings thanks to its lighter weight.
Having said that, the 35i and 35is models are quicker, particularly at higher speeds -- and for some, the eerie smoothness of a BMW inline-6 is always worth the extra money. We'd approach the pricey 35is with caution, however, as its performance advantages over the 35i are minimal at best.
When the road gets twisty, the BMW Z4 doesn't feel as sharp as the Boxster, which remains the class favorite if you demand an engaging driving experience. Nonetheless, the Z4 is certainly no slouch around turns, especially with its adaptive sport suspension. At the same time, its relatively supple ride makes it an enticing substitute for the Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Interior
Inside the 2015 BMW Z4, you're greeted by a sleek dashboard, crisp analog gauges and consistently high-quality materials. It's an undeniably upscale environment. For a more custom feel, there are several two-tone color schemes that jazz things up a bit. Thoughtful touches include secondary knee-level air vents and a small cargo shelf behind the seats.
Despite its modest size, the Z4 is one of the more practical roadsters on the market. Legroom is typically at a premium in cars of this type, but the Z4 easily accommodates folks with longer inseams. Visibility is excellent even with the top up, thanks to large rear quarter windows that eliminate the blind spots typical in most roadsters.
With the roof raised, the trunk provides a generous 8 cubic feet of space. You'll lose some space when you lower the two-piece hardtop, but a fair amount remains, which is more than you can say for some other hardtop convertibles. There's also an available trunk pass-through that can accommodate longer items.
2015 BMW Z4 models
The 2015 BMW Z4 is a two-seat convertible with a retractable-hardtop roof. There are three versions that correspond to engine choice: sDrive28i, sDrive35i and sDrive35is.
The 28i comes standard with the four-cylinder engine, 17-inch wheels, automatic and adaptive bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power seats with driver memory functions, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, auto-dimming mirrors, basic BMW Assist service, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a sound system that includes a CD player, HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.
Besides its more powerful six-cylinder engine, the 35i gets 18-inch wheels, sport seats (with adjustable side bolsters and thigh support) and sun-reflective leather upholstery. If you aren't interested in the larger engine, these items are also available on the 28i.
The 35is adds an even more powerful engine, unique styling cues, a lowered suspension with adaptive dampers, an upgraded audio system, upgraded interior trim and a sport steering wheel.
There are several options packages available for all three trim levels. The Cold Weather package adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and retractable headlight washers. The M Sport package is standard on the 35is save for its 19-inch wheels and increased speed limiter, but on the other trims it adds the 35is's adaptive suspension, aerodynamic body kit, sport steering wheel and special interior trim (note that the 28i is limited here to 18-inch wheels). The Technology package features a navigation system, 12GB of music storage, voice controls, enhanced BMW Assist and smartphone apps integration. Color-themed packages are also available that feature leather seating, the power sport seats, a simulated suede headliner and various interior accents.
Available for the 28i is a Sport package (18-inch wheels, sport seats, adaptive suspension and increased top speed limiter). Both the 28i and 35i can be had with a Premium Sound package that includes the 35is's upgraded audio system along with satellite radio.
Stand-alone options include different wheels, front and rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, a heated steering wheel, heated seats and satellite radio.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2015 BMW Z4.
5 star(68%)
4 star(25%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
28 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
2011 Z4 sDrive35is, A Smile Making Machine!
MarkandSusan Cartisano, 03/05/2015
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7AM)
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Love the Z4
Bill, 06/25/2017
2015 BMW Z4 sDrive35i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7AM)
Just purchased my 2015 Z4 s35i Alpine White with the Coral Red leather interior. The car was a CPO with only 2,348 miles. I owned a 2004 Z4 in 2008 and really liked the ride. I sold the Z4 and purchased a 2006 Corvette convertible. It was a nice car with a lot of power but was lacking in the ride. I was looking for either a Z4 or Mercedes SLK. I found this Z4 that was exec driven and was … totally loaded with all the bells and whistles. Got rid of the terrible run-flats and went with Michelin Pilot Sport 4s, now it rides like a dream. All of the controls are right at your fingertips and the seats are adjustable to wrap around you. The power of the twin turbo's 300 hp and 300 lbs of torque is instant, whether passing or from a dead standstill. The technology package is next to none, from Real-Time Traffic Information, Enhanced USB and Bluetooth plus Smartphone Integration, BMW Online and BMW Apps, Remote Services, a navigation system, and Voice-command. The 8 speaker Hi-Fi system sounds great and worth the upgrade. Another great package is the M Sport which has an excellent suspension, and a seven-speed Sport Automatic with a double clutch operation which makes the car feel like a genuine roadster. The wind defector makes for a quiet ride with the top down buffering the wind making it easy to carry on a conversation or listen to music. All-in-all the Bimmer is the ultimate driving machine.
4.63 out of 5 stars
My Dream Car
adonis13, 03/01/2013
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
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).
4.75 out of 5 stars
The Perfect Roadster
rajparmar, 06/25/2011
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
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
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2015 BMW Z4, so we've included reviews for other years of the Z4 since its last redesign.
2015 Z4 Highlights
sDrive28i
Base MSRP | $48,950 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $179/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 8.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
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