27 Votes

STUD or DUD: Is BMW's Upgraded Z4 Shaken, Not Stirred?

Agent00R submitted on 12/12/2009 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 6:02:53 PM

36 user comments | Category: New Cars | Source: www.autospies.com

Tag Links: bmw, z4, z4 sdrive35is, 2011 bmw z4

If you thought that BMW's Z4 was a bit too much of a hairdresser's car, your opinion may change right about NOW.

As a grandchild to the one that started it all, the Z3, small roadster convertibles have never received that much respect. For whatever reason, they always seem to get chalked up as being "too femme." If the M models of the past, specifically the M Roadster and Z4 M, did not cut the mustard for you, this certainly should.

2010 BMW Z4 Photo Gallery

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is Press Release, Full Details HERE

For 2011, BMW has announced today that they will be producing an upgraded version of the sDrive35i, the sDrive35is. That one little "s" can make a big difference, just about as much as hitting the "sport" button in the latest Z4 -- it is as though the Z4 turns into the Hulk.

Although the current sDrive35i produces a substantial amount of power, the upgraded version will increase it to 335-horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. But, there is a catch. An electronically-controlled overboost function will allow for another 37 lb-ft, rounding out the number to 369 torques.

Another big highlight is the new, adaptive M Suspension, which lowers the Z nearly .4 inches. By creating a more aggressive stance, you can bet this update will make the Z4 an even more capable carver in the corners.

These updates raise a question:

1) Does this eliminate the possibility of a Z4 M?

What do YOU think? Let us know in the comments below.

For the FULL DETAILS and the press release, click here:

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is Press Release, Full Details HERE

2010 BMW Z4 Photo Gallery

2011 Toyota Sienna Photo Gallery

2009 LA Auto Show Photo Gallery

2011 BMW 5-Series Photo Gallery

2010 Lexus GX460 and 470 Photo Gallery

2010 BMW 7-Series M-Sport Photo Gallery

AutoSpies.com Photo Galleries

If you want to see your photos running on our homepage photo ticker, be sure to upload your photos on the go by sending them to Mobile@AutoSpies.com

Share on Facebook

There are photos and then there are AutoSpies.com photos!

AutoSpies.com is ranked number one on Google search for auto shows

STUD or DUD: Is BMW's Upgraded Z4 Shaken, Not Stirred?

About the Author

"There are two opinions in this world. Mine and the wrong one." -- Jeremy Clarkson
— Agent00R (View Profile)

User Comments

The new BMW Z4 is a fantastic car. I sat in one at Crevier BMW and I have seen a couple on the roads. I saw one on the 5 freeway yesterday.

Stud.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/12/2009 7:24:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

Looks good. But why copy AUDI's silver mirror?

Also, it's not gonna be on my list if it doesn't change sway bar setup. Too much understeer when I test drove.
— dlin (View Profile)

Posted on 12/12/2009 10:05:14 PM | | Votes: 0

Oh, and somebody tell BMW to get rid of cheapo elec steering?

N O G O O D
— dlin (View Profile)

Posted on 12/12/2009 11:32:28 PM | | Votes: -2

Everything looks great except it looks like they're using the crappy paddle shifters again and not the ones from SMG. The SMG ones have it so right is upshift and left is downshift. The one on this car have it so each paddle does both up and downshifts (pull in to upshift, push out to downshift). Very annoying.
— Agent004 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2009 12:31:14 AM | | Votes: -1

@Agent004

Although you have a point, these "push and pull" paddles are very useful for situations where you may only have one hand on the wheel.

I grew accustomed to this set up and like it better on the road.

Although, on the track I could see how the SMG set up would be better.
— Agent00R (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2009 5:43:23 AM | | Votes: 2

It looks great now I can say the Audi TT needs to look out. the did a thoughtful job with this car I like it
— B7FAN (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2009 7:41:35 AM | | Votes: 3

as a previous owner of 335i with paddle shifters, i also prefer the push pull paddles as then i can only have one hand on the wheel during casual city driving, instead of the m3 style paddles which require both hands on the wheels.

never drove the m3 at a track so can't comment on if thats better, but my 335i paddles suited just fine at the track.
— rumnyc (View Profile)

Posted on 1/3/2010 11:11:51 PM | | Votes: 1

Looks awesome. Two questions:
1) why does the red car have a little bar in the fog light area that isn't present on the silver car? It looks good, keep it.
2) is it coming to America? Because I was getting a Z4 next year anyway, and this is the one I'd want.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 12/12/2009 7:29:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

nevermind, the silver one is the non-turbo car. The article text was about the upgraded power on the turbo model so I didn't even think to look at the model of the car in the photos.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2009 9:22:39 AM | | Votes: 3

red: S 35is
silver: s 3.0i
— ceric (View Profile)

Posted on 12/12/2009 7:45:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Thank you, Ceric.
— Agent00R (View Profile)

Posted on 12/12/2009 8:13:23 PM | | Votes: 2

correction:
silver: s 30i
— ceric (View Profile)

Posted on 12/12/2009 7:46:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I love the new Z4, I toke a day trip late summer which was 650 miles of day trip. Stopping (briefly) at two National Parks and one of the top roads in America (highway 12). A great car, but just a good convertible, needs a windscreen that I didn't have. Solid car hard top seem to be better built than the SLK's. Glad that it's got more power, never a bad thing.
— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 12/12/2009 7:55:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Saw a Z4 the other day on the road, looks amazing. Even better than in the pictures.
— synx (View Profile)

Posted on 12/12/2009 8:10:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

They should make 335i/135i to 335hp as well.

— E92_M_Power (View Profile)

Posted on 12/12/2009 8:21:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

this is by far the best looking BMW i have ever seen, front end is excellent. One little gripe though, why does the roof have to be so round and bubble-like?
— lexusrox123 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/12/2009 9:37:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Creates more headroom so people like 001 and I can drive it.

001 = 6'5
00R = 6'8
— Agent00R (View Profile)

Posted on 12/12/2009 11:38:42 PM | | Votes: 3

i still think the back part of the roof above the rear window could be a bit more squared off to better match the rest of the car. Overall though, huge improvement stylewise over the previous one.
— lexusrox123 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2009 12:04:36 PM | | Votes: 1

i like it.

one gripe - the whole "S" designation plus silver side-mirrors is straight out of Audi's playbook.
— ajax (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2009 2:43:28 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Maybe the silver mirrors, but not the 'S'.
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2009 3:43:55 AM | | Votes: 3

I wouldn't say it is out of Audi's playbook. The "s" designation has been used numerous times before in BMW's defense.

But, when I did see the silver mirror caps I did chuckle to myself
— Agent00R (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2009 5:48:06 AM | | Votes: 4

That looks beautiful.
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2009 3:45:09 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

needs a coupe version
— freeagent (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2009 6:53:41 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

it's a beautiful car in person....though i have yet to drive it.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2009 12:41:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Its hot but the only thing i have a problem with is the AUDI chrome/stainless steel outside mirrors
— B7FAN (View Profile)

Posted on 12/15/2009 10:24:32 AM | | Votes: 1

it looks like a smaller 6 (that's not a good or a bad thing).
— 1dott8 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2009 1:14:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Actually looks really good. I have always liked the Z4M, now this probably outdoes it performance wise.
As far as the mirros, one could say Audi copied off of Mercedes for the different color mirrors. The Sauber-Mercedes C9 and C11 had diff color mirrors, blue, yellow or read. And then remember back in the day all mirrors were chrome.
— Inline6 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2009 2:45:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Looking nice and good engine improvements which is already one of the best but not sure about styling changes, chrome side mirrors are seen on many Audi S models and bumper design also look like new MB models especially new E AMG and S AMG.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2009 2:54:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Too timid, soft-looking for a BMW roadster, in my view. It shares some of the hum-drum of the 6. Although this is a wise and appreciated step away from the current "flame surface" styling language, it leaves me wishing they would have gone further still.
— Steve (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2009 8:33:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Z8 debacle? what Z8 debacle?
— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2009 4:12:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

theoptimisticpessimist is correct. The E52 Z8 was not a debacle. BMW projected 4,000 Z8 for worldwide sales. They built 5,703. And they have really started to appreciate as well. And the Z didn't start with the Z3, it started Z1.
— 1BadMan (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2009 6:09:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Who cares...
— theman440 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/15/2009 1:30:15 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Add your Comments

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters): [img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent001.myautospies.com/images/sample.jpg[/img]

Email Me When Someone Replies To My Message

STUD or DUD: Is BMW's Upgraded Z4 Shaken, Not Stirred?

About the Author

User Comments

Add your Comments

Submit an article

Photo Galleries

Cars

Autoshows

Latest Articles