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2011 BMW Z4

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

BMW Z4
Pictured: BMW Z4 2.2i (E85) – Frontansicht (2), 26. Juni 2011, Mettmann. Photo: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Two Seaters
Body styles
Sdrive30i 2dr Conv RWD, Sdrive35i/35is 2dr Conv RWD
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
22 combined · 19 city / 28 hwy
Length
166.9 in
Curb weight
3,241–3,505 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 22 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2011 two seaters (19.1 MPG).

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 0). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2011 BMW Z4 is a two seaters offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive.

It measures about 167 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 98-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,241 lb (Sdrive30i 2dr Conv RWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 28 highway), 15% better than the 2011 two seaters average of 19.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

What changed for 2011

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 Z4 — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Z4 →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Sdrive30i 2dr Conv RWD166.9 in70.5 in50.8 in98.4 in59.4 / 61.4 in3,241 lb50/50
Sdrive35i/35is 2dr Conv RWD166.9 in70.5 in50.8 in98.4 in59.4 / 61.4 in3,505 lb50/50

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Z4 sDrive30i3.0L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 28 / 22+15%$3,750404
Z4 sDrive30i3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive18 / 28 / 22+15%$3,750404
Z4 sDrive35i3.0L 6-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 21+10%$3,900423
Z4 sDrive35i3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S7)Rear-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19-1%$4,350468
Z4 sDrive35is3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S7)Rear-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19-1%$4,350468
Spend $6,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.1 MPG2011 Two Seaters average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 BMW Z4.

Similar 2011 two seaterss

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 BMW Z4 (this car)22 MPGNot rated6
2011 Porsche 91122 MPGNot rated2
2011 Porsche Cayman23 MPGNot rated0
2011 Porsche Boxster23 MPGNot rated1
2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class21 MPGNot rated0
2011 Audi TT Roadster26 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (6)

Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Oct 20, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V707000 · 157,796 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
Risk
Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv) · Mar 2, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V119000 · 917,106 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk
An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Fix
This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv) · Oct 30, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V683000 · 740,561 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk
An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Power Train › Driveline › Constant Velocity Joint · Feb 2, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V067000 · 8,752 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
Risk
If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Apr 10, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V176000 · 156,137 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
Risk
If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses And Circuit Breakers · Feb 7, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V044000 · 516,791 vehicles

Problem
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Risk
If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2011 BMW Z4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

36Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
52,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering12
Engine And Engine Cooling7
Engine6
Wheels5
Service Brakes3
Unknown Or Other2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Electrical System2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
18/03: 118/04: 118/07: 118/12: 119/03: 120/02: 220/10: 121/06: 122/01: 122/04: 122/10: 122/11: 122/12: 123/01: 123/04: 123/11: 124/05: 224/06: 124/07: 124/08: 124/10: 225/03: 125/04: 126/04: 118/0318/1220/1022/0422/1223/1124/0725/03max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2011 BMW Z4 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Steering — 12 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  3. Engine And Engine Cooling — 7 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Engine — 6 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 52,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 BMW Z4. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Z4 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Z428170.9 inNot rated00
2025 Z428170.9 inNot rated01
2024 Z428170.9 inNot rated01
2023 Z428170.9 inNot rated20
2022 Z428170.9 inNot rated31
2021 Z428170.9 inNot rated51
2020 Z427170.9 inNot rated65
2019 Z428170.9 inNot rated65
2016 Z426166.9 inNot rated14
2015 Z426166.9 inNot rated15
2014 Z426166.9 inNot rated37
2013 Z426166.9 inNot rated37

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →