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Cars Guide, an Australian magazine, went behind the wheel of the 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is and gives us an interesting review on this M-like version of BMW’s Z4 Roadster.
The BMW Z4 sDrive35is features an upgraded N54 version of the six-cylinder 3.0 liter twin-turbo engine. When tuned up, this engine produces 335 horsepower at 5,900 rpm and 332 lb-ft in regular mode. It has an electronically-controlled overboost which automatically increases the torque by 37 lb-ft, for a total torque peak of 369 lb-ft.
The powerplant is matted to 7-speed Double-Clutch Transmission (DCT) with SPORT and SPORT+ driving modes. This has a Launch Control function for maximum performance when accelerating from a standstill. BMW sDrive35is weighs 1,525 kg.
The BMW Z4 sDrive35is does not carry the M badge, but M Sport upgrades are available including adaptive M Suspension and M Aerodynamics. It comes with a special M-Sport 18″ light-alloy wheels in five-spoke design, but 19″ wheels is an option.
Here is an excerpt of their review:
DRIVING
The second-generation Z4 came with more poise and balance than the previous car, which makes it better for an M-style upgrade. It copes easily with the extra power and torque, instead of turning into a bucking broncho, and never feels to be stretched beyond its limits. The nose will push wide if you get onto the power too hard or too early in a tight bend, but generally it just tracks around a curve and invites you to dip into the loud pedal.
When you do there is a very sweet thump from the exhaust, although it’s not the same as the howl from a non-turbo six or V8 from the M-car menu.
It is an extremely rapid car at all times on all types of roads, but is not lairy or overdone. In fact, it’s remarkably refined and that should work for people who are considering a Boxster. The gearbox is terrific for maintaining swift motoring, although the engine will drop below ideal boost in tight corners as second is a bit too tall. It recovers boost quickly, but is something you notice. The ride is firm but not shaky, the seats are great, there is good feel to the suspension and the brakes never feel troubled, even at fairly rapid speed.
The Z4 hero is a true hero and definitely capable of challenging the Porsche Boxster, but you have to wonder if people with the right money would also want the right badge – an M – to tell people what they have in the garage.
FAST FACTS…BMW Z4 sDrive35is
Price: from $129,900
Engine: twin-turbo inline six
Power: 250kW/5900 revs
Torque: 240Nm/1500-4500 revs, 500Nm overboost
Transmission: Seven-speed twin-clutch manumatic, rear-wheel drive
Performance: 0-100km/h, 4.8s
Economy: 9L/100km (claimed)
Emissions: 210g/km CO2
Source: Cars Guide
DRIVING
The second-generation Z4 came with more poise and balance than the previous car, which makes it better for an M-style upgrade. It copes easily with the extra power and torque, instead of turning into a bucking broncho, and never feels to be stretched beyond its limits. The nose will push wide if you get onto the power too hard or too early in a tight bend, but generally it just tracks around a curve and invites you to dip into the loud pedal.
When you do there is a very sweet thump from the exhaust, although it’s not the same as the howl from a non-turbo six or V8 from the M-car menu.
It is an extremely rapid car at all times on all types of roads, but is not lairy or overdone. In fact, it’s remarkably refined and that should work for people who are considering a Boxster. The gearbox is terrific for maintaining swift motoring, although the engine will drop below ideal boost in tight corners as second is a bit too tall. It recovers boost quickly, but is something you notice. The ride is firm but not shaky, the seats are great, there is good feel to the suspension and the brakes never feel troubled, even at fairly rapid speed.
The Z4 hero is a true hero and definitely capable of challenging the Porsche
Boxster, but you have to wonder if people with the right money would also want the right badge – an M – to tell people what they have in the garage.
FAST FACTS…BMW Z4 sDrive35is
Price: from $129,900
Engine: twin-turbo inline six
Power: 250kW/5900 revs
Torque: 240Nm/1500-4500 revs, 500Nm overboost
Transmission: Seven-speed twin-clutch manumatic, rear-wheel drive
Performance: 0-100km/h, 4.8s
Economy: 9L/100km (claimed)
Emissions: 210g/km CO2
