2011 BMW Z4 Roadster Malaysia Reviews & Ratings, Expert Car Reviews on LIVE LIFE DRIVE

Excellent handling and powerful on the roads, the 2011 BMW Z4 Roadster retains the dynamic prowess and performance of old, and adds to its repertoire better refinement and ride, more room and a high-tech metal folding roof.

2011 BMW Z4 Roadster quick specs

Body Style	Convertible
Class	Sports/GT
Assembled	-

Engine Range	-
Fuel Options	-
Seating Capacity	2

2011 BMW Z4 Roadster ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)

Styling
Handling
Comfort
Quality + Reliability
Performance

Roominess
Running Costs
Value for Money
Equipment
Environment

Styling

The previous BMW Z4 looked good—macho, tough and with the classic long bonnet. But it was an acquired taste that definitely appeals to far more men than women. And how many prospective customers were actually driven to the Audi TT or Mercedes-Benz SLK because of the BMW Z4's muscular styling. So it is somewhat surprising that the 2011 BMW Z4 Roadster looks so similar to before, featuring the same long bonnet and imposing front end. If anything, the broader stance, larger grille and flared panel work all-round impart aggression not found in the previous BMW Z4. We love it; not sure about the ladies though.

Handling

The previous BMW Z4 was an excellent car to drive, and the 2011 BMW Z4 Roadster is no different. You can expect loads of grip, virtually no body lean and a sharp, weighty steering. The Dynamic Driving Control offers three settings (Normal, Sport or Sport+), with each altering the responses of the steering, throttle, transmission and stability control. Handling is the sharpest in Sport+, but even in Normal, the 2011 BMW Z4 Roadster takes on corners with extreme composure. Negatives? Well, the steering could do with more feel, and the chassis is still not as sharp or as well-balanced as the Porsche Boxster's.

Comfort

Unlike the previous firm-riding BMW Z4, the ride quality is now smooth and compliant—an impressive feat for such a sporty car. There is also little of the dreaded scuttle shake. Refinement is better than before, too. Much credit goes to the metal hard-top, which keeps most road and wind noise at bay. Roof down, wind buffeting is similarly minimal. The low-slung driving position and the accompanying range of steering/seating adjustments remain. And the minimalist dashboard is easy to navigate.

Quality + Reliability

As before, the cabin feels well-made, boasting sumptuous materials and flawless fit-and-finish. Much effort has also been devoted to transform the simple, no-nonsense dashboard of old into a stylish, minimalist dash design. BMW has a brilliant reliability record, with a focus on precision engineering—which is reassuring considering the slick though complicated folding mechanism that the 2011 BMW Z4 Roadster uses.

Performance

Two straight-six petrol engines are on offer: the 23i has a 201 bhp 2.5-litre, while the 35i is powered by a twin-turbocharged 302 bhp 3.0-litre. Both engines are free-revving and sound great. But while the entry level 2.5-litre is quick enough to be fun, the turbocharged 3.0-litre offers seemingly endless urge, without lag—it is without doubt one of the best engine around. A slightly lethargic six-speed automatic transmission is available with the 23i, while the 35i comes equipped with the quick, crisp seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which supposedly reduces fuel consumption and emissions as well.

Roominess

The 2011 BMW Z4 Roadster is not the most practical car around. That much is obvious. But by roadster standards, the BMW Z4 is reasonably roomy, with more leg- and head-room than before. The cabin is more spacious than the Porsche Boxster's, and thanks to a well thought out design, cubby holes and storage compartments are adequate. Coupe to convertible transformation takes 20 seconds at the press of a button. The lowering of the metal roof however reduces the boot space from 310 litres to 180 litres.

Running Costs

BMW Efficient Dynamics technology is more than just a slogan. 23i returns 12.2 km/litre and 35i returns 11.1 km/litre—better-than-average figures considering the performance on offer. Servicing and repairs are expensive, but the same can be said for rivals. Being a Bimmer has its perks: one of them being excellent resale values. So, you can expect to get back a relatively large portion of the buying costs.

Value for Money

In so many ways, the 2011 BMW Z4 Roadster is a better sports car than before. It looks more imposing, rides more comfortably, has more room and features a high-tech metal folding roof. The first-rate quality is still there, and on the roads, the BMW Z4 Roadster still handles and performs remarkably. While the previous BMW Z4 was limited by its poor refinement and tight cabin, the 2011 BMW Z4 Roadster makes a convincing cruiser in addition to being a sports car. Yes, the Porsche Boxster still beats it for dynamics, but the case for the Bimmer is stronger than ever.

Equipment

23i gets standard equipments such as 17" alloy wheels, run-flat tyres, leather upholstery, cruise control, Park Distance Control (PDC), rain sensors, automatic driving lights, xenon headlights, automatic air-conditioning, steering gearshift paddles and multi-function buttons, remote central locking, and six-speaker audio system with radio/MP3/USB/AUX. Safety kit includes front and side airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), and rollover safety system. 35i adds 18" alloy wheels, electric seat adjustments, BMW Teleservices, 11 speakers, and hard-disk based entertainment system with 8.8" display.

Environment

BMW Efficient Dynamics technology entails a series of energy-saving measures that reduces fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. The figure of 199–219 grams/km is impressive for a sports car, especially so when there is so much go at the tap of your right foot. Driving pleasure without guilt? The 2011 BMW Z4 Roadster is a dream come true for (rich) environmentalists.

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2011 BMW Z4 Roadster Review

2011 BMW Z4 Roadster at a glance